Charity Drive for NSYMCA Honors Eric Fischer's Life and Philanthropic Legacy

The passing of Wheeling resident Eric Fischer was honored on June 18 at the North Suburban YMCA campus where over 100 friends and family attended the second annual Eric Fischer Memorial Ride and Celebration. Fischer unexpectedly died in 2020 at age 54 due to COVID-19.

Fischer was known by the community for his generosity, loving spirit, and larger than life personality.

"Eric was the kind of man who'd pay the tab for a veteran, senior or youth in need at a local restaurant, or stick up for someone being bullied. He was the kind of man the phrase 'he'd give you the shirt off his back'was written about," said Frank Karkazis friend of Eric and owner of FGK Service.

To commemorate his life and legacy, Fischer's family and friends continued his philanthropic work by creating the NSYMCA's Eric Fischer Memorial Fund in 2021. The 2022 event raised over $5,000 helping to fund the North Suburban YMCA's financial assistance aid to families, seniors, and children in need.

The memorial event began at Willow Creek Church in Barrington with a motorcycle ride of over 70 riders and another 50 guests, that ended with a celebration at the North Suburban YMCA's outdoor campus in Northbrook. The festivities included speeches, food, music by Bach to Rock Northbrook, and motorcycles.

Sponsors of the Ride included FGK Service, Horcher's Service, Inc., Kilcoyne's Redwood Inn, Concept Machinery Tool Co., Sunset Foods, Northbrook Chamber of Commerce, Bach to Rock, Dairy Queen and Devon Bank.

The Eric Fischer Memorial Fund provides a legacy of giving back to the community. The money raised allows more people in need to participate in life-changing and enriching programs at the NSYMCA. The fund ensures the Y's 15 communities it serves can build strong families and the health of each individual's spirit, mind and body in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

To make a donation to the Eric Fischer Memorial Fund visit https://nsymca.org/ericfischer.

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.