NSYMCA Announces their Community Strong Fundraising Events to Help Families in Need

Northbrook, IL – March 2026: The North Suburban YMCA (NSYMCA) will host its 2026 Community Strong fundraising events, including its 20th Annual Community Strong Fundraising Concert Event on Thursday, April 23 at Studio One in Highland Park, and the Community Strong Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party on Thursday, July 16 at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.

The YMCA’s Community Strong events provide critical funding to ensure NSYMCA programs remain accessible to individuals and families facing financial hardship, charitable support for our mission work, and also support our operations, as well as community programs and outreach. These programs include afterschool childcare, life-saving swim lessons, summer camp, special needs programs, senior support, and more. With community needs greater than ever, these two events help the Y meet its $500,000 annual fundraising goal, supporting more than 2,900 individuals and families who rely on financial assistance.

This year’s concert event marks a major milestone—celebrating 20 years of Community Strong. The reimagined event will feature the organization’s first live music concert, headlined by Chicago’s own South of 80. With a “music through the decades” theme, guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite concert or decade-inspired attire while enjoying hits from the 1970s through today.

“The Community Strong events are an incredible opportunity for people to come together and support both the YMCA and our community,” said Kathy Fielding, CEO of the NSYMCA. “We are excited to introduce this new concert format and believe this fresh approach will be a fun way to highlight the abundance of work that our Y does for the community and none of this is possible without the charitable support of our donors. We simply could not serve families in need without the generosity of our community.”

The Community Strong Concert Event will feature live music, an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a Wonka-inspired chocolate bar raffle, a Great Getaway raffle, and a luxury auction with more than 250 packages.

Auction highlights include a meet-and-greet experience with Mumford & Sons at Wrigley Field, courtside Chicago Bulls tickets, a five-night all-inclusive trip to Cabo, media tickets to see the Foo Fighters, and more.

“We’re incredibly proud of this event and this year’s auction,” said Kim Nyren, NSYMCA Director of Community Investment and Events. “We are so grateful for the community’s support and are excited to offer many ways to get involved, even if you are unable to attend. From our 50/50 raffle to online donations and a silent auction opening more than 10 days early, there are plenty of opportunities to participate. With more than 250 packages, there is truly something for everyone.”

The evening will also include a special tribute honoring 20 years of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership, recognizing past honorees and celebrating their impact on the community.

The other Community Strong event, the 6th Annual Golf Outing, will take place on July 16 at Chevy Chase Country Club. The outing will feature contests including “Beat the Pro,” longest drive, chipping challenges, and a “best-dressed” team competition. Last year’s event welcomed more than 120 golfers, over 50 sponsors, and raised more than $58,000 to support YMCA programs.

The Community Strong initiative supports the one in five participants at NSYMCA who receive financial assistance. Collectively, these events raise approximately half of the YMCA’s annual $500,000 scholarship goal. To date, the Community Strong Dinner has raised more than $4.5 million, helping over 2,700 families each year access vital programs and services.

Proud event sponsors include Allstate, Illinois Bone & Joint, and Wintrust Community Banks. Additional sponsors include FGK Services, Hill & Stone Insurance, Horcher’s Service, Inc. Huntington Bank, Inspiro Tequila, Janzen & Chwa Ortho, Pulse Technology, Ruby’s Massage, Sunset Foods, Stumm Insurance, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, UBS Financial Services, Viso Graphic, Inc., Waterway Carwash, WLS-FM, Q101-FM radio, among many others. Décor and Dessert Sponsors include NorthShore Balloon Décor, Nothing Bundt Cakes (Deerfield) and Gail’s Brownies.

To learn more about the Community Strong Concert Event or Golf Outing, or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit the NSYMCA website or contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org.

To learn more about the Community Strong Concert or to purchase tickets visit Community Strong Fundraising Concert Event 2026 | ClickBid Event Fundraising

To purchase golf outing tickets or to be a Community Strong golf outing sponsor, visit at Community Strong Golf Event 2025 | ClickBid Event Fundraising

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.