NSYMCA’s Fundraising Dinner Raises Charitable Dollars at Annual Gala

Northbrook, IL; May 2024: With over 250 people in attendance, the North Suburban YMCA held its 18th Annual Community Strong Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night on Friday, April 26th at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire. The Y event featured live music, dinner curated by Jordan’s Food of Distinction, casino games, and one of the Y’s largest silent and live auctions ever with over 240 items and packages.

The dinner is the first of two Community Strong events. The second event will be the 4th Annual Community Strong Golf Event and Patio Party this summer on Thursday, July 18 at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling and welcomes all golf levels.

The Y’s Community Strong annual fundraisers help provide over $500,000 a year in financial assistance to make programs accessible to underserved communities and families in need, as well as free programs and services that meet community needs. The Y’s financial assistance program offers families and individuals afterschool childcare, life-saving swim lessons, summer camp, special needs programs, chronic illness prevention, senior support, and more. The Y never turns anyone away regardless of their ability to pay and this annual charitable mission supports more than 2,600 participants annually.

“This is my first time attending the Y dinner and I was really impressed,” said Nerissa Coyle McGinn, guest and volunteer for the Y’s Youth and Government Program. “This year the Y stepped up by offering a new Youth and Government Program that Susan Rosen and I helped our sons, Ty and Charlie launch,” continued McGinn. “We were thrilled to a part of a program that was featured at the event and were humbled by the number of guests that applauded the Y for bringing this program to the young, future leaders in our community. Without support, programs like these aren’t possible at the Y and we are so honored this program was featured and brought to everyone’s attention this year.”

Also featured was the annual presentation of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership which was awarded to Illinois Bone and Joint Institute and accepted by Laurie Jensen, Market Manager. In attendance and supporting the Y’s efforts was also CEO Andre Blom, Melody Winter-Jabeck, Dr. Mark Mikhael, Dr. Andrew Benck, Dr. Sean Sutphen, Laurie Jensen, Donna Ishak, DPT, Beth Patricoski, DPT and Emma Chandler.

“IBJI has been an amazing supporter of our Y and our YMCA Education Series (YES) for many years,” said Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment & Events at the Y. “Without companies like IBJI, our Y wouldn’t be able to serve the community in so many facets. We are so grateful for their continued support and truly believe Laurie Jensen and the IBJI team are so deserving this year!”

The night’s festivities featured some new twists and some old favorites. The Live Auction featured new items that included an experience at the Autobahn Club, a vacation package donated by Lake Shore Travel and tickets to the Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel Concert donated by 94.7 WLS-FM. Old favorites included the famous “Paddle Frenzy” conducted by co-host Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods and a live and silent auction that brought in over $50,000+.

New this year, the Y created a lighted “YMCA Wheel of Chance,” offering over 15 vacation packages to Antigua and $1000 cash. One lucky winner, Scott Goldman from Northbrook, won the cash prize and donated a portion back in support of the Y’s Café Voca, a coffee bar that provides vocational training programs for special needs adults looking to enter the work force.

“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. “The funds raised this year have been at the highest in years, but we still have to close that gap of our financial assistance and community support needs, which we hope to do so at our Golf Event on July 18th,” continued Fielding.

Premier sponsors of the Community Strong Dinner include Allstate Insurance Company, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute & Northbrook Bank and Trust/Wintrust. Other sponsors include First Bank of Chicago, Sunset Foods, FGK Services, Hill & Stone Insurance, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Waterway Carwash, VisoGraphics, The Lodge Northbrook, Pulse Technology, Q101-FM, 94.7 WLS-FM, 890 WLS-AM Radio, UBS Financial Services, AA Service Co, Giftsforyounow.com, Janzen, Janzen, & Chwa Orthodontics, Stumm Insurance, Tom Len Custom Homes and many more. Desserts were donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes – Deerfield & Gail’s Brownies and Cobalt Photography donated their selfie booth.

To learn more about the NSYMCA’s Community Strong efforts and the July 18 Golf Outing, contact Kim Nyren at [email protected]. For tickets to the golf event on July 18th (all golf levels welcome) CLICK HERE

To be a sponsor at the annual golf event email Kim Nyren or [email protected] Or CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 15 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.