North Suburban YMCA to Honor Retiring CEO at Strong Kids Casino Night Fundraiser
The North Suburban YMCA's 14th Annual Ken and Alta Thiel Strong Kids Scholarship Fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, April 17 from 6:00-10:30 p.m. at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling. For a second year in a row, the Y's attendees will experience a night of casino games, live entertainment, an all-night dining experience, celebrity appearances, and many other surprises.
This year the event will honor Howard Schultz, president and CEO, who after 13 ½ years will retire at the end of April, with the Thiel Award for Leadership & Social Responsibility.
"We've been so fortunate to have Howard as our fearless leader who has worked passionately and tirelessly to create a truly mission-driven organization," said Kim Nyren, NSYMCA director of Community Investments & Events. "This night will not only secure much needed scholarship funds, but we invite anyone who has been part of the Y in some way, to help us celebrate Howard and all he has accomplished for the community over the years."
In addition to honoring the CEO, Dave and Melanie Fogel have been named the 2020 Strong Kids Chairs. The Fogels were introduced to the NSYMCA at last year's Strong Kids Fundraiser when Dave was asked to be a celebrity blackjack dealer. Dave has been an on-air radio personality and disc jockey for over 30 years and is the host of "Mornings with Dave & Kim" on 94.7 WLS-FM Radio.
"Melanie and I believe in supporting organizations that make a difference in our communities, like the NSYMCA. When we attended last year's event, we were so surprised to learn of all the amazing things this Y does for families in need," noted Dave. "My grandfather was a Y member and supporter for years, so needless to say, we jumped on board and are honored to be involved this year."
Dave, the son of television actor Jerry Fogel (who starred in the TV series "The Mothers-in-Law" and "The White Shadow") grew up in Hollywood, California, but calls Chicago his home. Dave and Melanie are college sweethearts with two children, and also support the Cancer Prostate Foundation, Breast and Ovarian Cancer research, March of Dimes and many more.
Over the last 14 years, The Ken & Alta Thiel Strong Kids Scholarship Fund has provided critical funding that enables the Y to keep its life-changing programs and services available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. One out of five individuals at the Y, over 2,800 people a year, receive financial assistance through the Strong Kids Fund. This allows children and their families to participate in after-school programs, summer camp, life-saving swim lessons, older adult services, and other wellness activities.
"I am really humbled to be the honoree for the Ken & Alta Thiel Strong Kids Dinner, and so proud of how it has grown and evolved in the last 14 years, from the wonderful events we ran at Allgauer's, to the exciting changes we made with the move to Pinstripes, and then to last year's record breaking Casino Night at Chevy Chase, which we are building on this year," said Schultz. "It's all been about creating 5-to-1 net fundraisers that have raised over $3.3M to fund the financial assistance we have provided over the last 14 years, and I am looking forward to setting a new record to support our community this year."
The Y is also proud to announce Strong Kids support from partners like Northwestern Medicine, Illinois Bone & Joint, 22nd Century Media, First Bank of Highland Park, Waterway Carwash, Whitehall of Deerfield, 94.7 WLS-FM and many more.
For ticket and sponsorship information visit the North Suburban YMCA's website, www.nsymca.org/strong-kids.
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 charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.