NSYMCA Eric Fischer Memorial Ride Scheduled for June 18
The 2020 sudden passing of beloved Wheeling resident Eric Fischer will be honored on June 18 at the second annual Eric Fischer Memorial Ride. Fischer, who passed away at 54 due to COVID-19, was known by the community for his generous and loving spirit.
To commemorate his life and legacy, Fischer's family and friends continued his philanthropic work by creating the NSYMCA Eric Fischer Memorial Fund. In 2021, Memorial Ride raised over $6,500, helping to support the North Suburban YMCA's programs and services, and provide financial aid to families, seniors, and children in need.
"Eric was a giver and he helped so many people on a daily basis. I had never met anyone like Eric before and I was always amazed at how much time he put into helping others," said Frank Karkazis, a friend and co-founder of the Memorial. "His family, friends, and I believed Eric's work here was not done so it inspired us to start this amazing fund to help the Y and keep Eric's spirit alive. He taught all of us how to become better people and we are proud to carry the Eric Fischer legacy for years to come."
The Memorial Ride will begin at Willow Creek Church in Barrington at 9:30 a.m., with a motorcycle ride that will conclude with a celebration at the North Suburban YMCA's outdoor campus in Northbrook. The celebration will include speeches, food, music, and motorcycle mania. Sponsors include FGK Service, Horcher's Service, Inc., Kilcoyne's Redwood Inn, Concept Machinery Tool Co., Sunset Foods, Devon Bank and Bach to Rock-Northbrook.
"The event last year was filled with joy and represented Eric's life perfectly. It gave all of us that loved him the time to reflect and remember what an amazing, giving person he was," commented Bob Horcher, friend of Fischer and co-founder of the Memorial Ride. "The Eric Fischer Memorial Ride gives us a chance to remember Eric and keep the giving spirit alive year-long knowing the Y helps so many people in the community."
At the NSYMCA, honorariums can be in remembrance of someone who has passed or it can also include happy occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirements, and graduations. These honorariums can be part of a donation, memorial fund, memorial brick or include a designated donation to a specific YMCA program that best fits a loved one.
"Endowment programs and honorariums like the Eric Fischer Memorial Fund provides a legacy of giving back to the community. The money raised will allow more people in need to participate in life-changing and enriching programs at the Y at no cost," said Debbie Madeley, NSYMCA Development Director. "The Y was blessed to have someone like Eric who attended and supported so many NSYMCA fundraisers"
To register for the 2022 Eric Fischer Memorial Ride, visit https://www.nsymca.org/events/eric-fischer-memorial-ride. To make a donation to the Eric Fischer Memorial Fund contact Debbie Madeley, Development Director, at dmadeley@nsymca.org.
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.