North Suburban YMCA’s 18th Annual Community Strong Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night on April 28 was attended by over 250 people.
According to a news release, the event at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire 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 220 items and packages.
The dinner is the first of two Community Strong events, the release said. The second event will be the 3rd Annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party this summer on July 13 at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.
The Y’s Community Strong annual fundraisers help provide over $500,000 in scholarships to make programs accessible to those in financial need, as well as free programs and services that meet community needs, according to the release.
The Y’s programs offer families and individuals after school child care, lifesaving swim lessons, summer camp, special needs programs, chronic illness prevention, senior support, and more, the release said. The annual charitable mission supports more than 2,600 participants annually at the North Suburban YMCA.
“It was an amazing night,” Alison Whitlock, guest and new NSYMCA Board Member from Northbrook, said in the release. “Everyone at my table was so impressed to learn about the Y’s many, incredible charitable activities. Truly an eye-opening event, not to mention a fabulously entertaining night on the town. The Y really knows how to throw a party, and we already can’t wait for the golf event in July!”
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“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,” Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA, said.
According to the release, the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership which was awarded to the Buehler Family Foundation, and accepted by A.C. Buehler, long time Northbrook resident. 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.
Other recipients from the past included Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods, Waterway Carwash, Ed Wehmer former President and CEO of Wintrust, Pat Fitzgerald from Northwestern University, Howard Schultz, former CEO of the NSYMCA and many more.
“The Buehler Family Foundation & A.C. have been a supporter of our Y for many years,” said Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment & Events at the Y. “Without family foundations like the Buehler Foundation, our Y wouldn’t be able to serve the community in so many facets. We are grateful for their continued support and truly believe that A.C. and his family are very deserving this year!”