Annual Fundraising Dinner Raises Charitable Dollars for the NSYMCA
With over 250 people in attendance, the North Suburban YMCA held its 2022 Community Strong Fundraiser Dinner and Casino Night on Friday, May 6 at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire. The Y event featured two live musicians, a seated dinner curated by Jordan's Food of Distinction, casino games, and silent and live auctions.
The dinner is the first of two Community Strong events which include the second annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party on Thursday, July 21 at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.
"I have been to many of the Y events and this year was by far the most impressive," said Johanna Benavides, guest and NSYMCA Board Member and Director of Operations for Northwestern Medical Group. "Everyone at my table felt they learned so much about the many charitable things the Y does for our community while enjoying amazing food, casino play, and social fun. We can't wait for the golf event in July."
The Y's Community Strong annual fundraisers help provide over $500,000 in scholarships to make programs accessible to those in financial need. The Y's programs offer families and individuals afterschool childcare, life-saving swim lessons, summer camp, special needs programs, chronic illness prevention, senior support, and more. The annual charitable mission supports more than 2,600 participants annually at the North Suburban YMCA.
"We are so lucky to have such amazing support in our community, from our Board of Directors, staff, members, sponsors, local business, and community members. Everyone plays a part in helping our Y do the important community work and it also reminds people that we are more than just a gym," stated Kathy Fielding CEO of the North Suburban YMCA. "This event really makes a difference for people who need us most and we are also humbled every year to see so many long-time supporters, as well as new ones come together to invest in our community."
The night's festivities also featured the annual presentation of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership which was awarded to Waterway Carwash, and accepted by Jason Young, its Managing Partner and Chase Noonan, General Manager of the Northbrook Location. The recipients of the Thiel award, named in honor of the North Suburban Y's founders Ken and Alta Thiel are selected for their outstanding dedication and service to the community.
"Waterway Carwash has been a supporter of our Y since its first Northbrook location opened back in 2016," said Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investments at the Y. "Without partnerships like Waterway, our Y wouldn't be able to do the things we do for our community. We are most grateful for their continued support and they are very deserving of this year's Thiel Award."
Premier Sponsors of the Community Strong Dinner include Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, Allstate, Northwestern Medicine, and Wintrust Community Banks. Other sponsors include First Bank of Highland Park, The Daily Herald, Waterway Carwash, VisoGraphics, FGK Services, Sunset Foods, Hill & Stone Insurance, Q101, Giftforyounow.com, and many more. Desserts were donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes - Deerfield, Gail's Brownies, and Jordan's Food of Distinction.
To learn more about the NSYMCA's Community Strong efforts and the July 21 Golf Outing, visit https://www.nsymca.org/communi... or contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org. To purchase golf outing tickets or to be a Community Strong golf outing sponsor, visit https://www.nsymca.org/golf
About the North Suburban YMCA
The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.