Fundraising Dinner Raises Charitable Dollars for the NSYMCA

Northbrook, IL; May 2023: With over 250 people in attendance, the North Suburban YMCA held its 18th Annual Community Strong Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night on Friday, April 28th 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 220 items and packages.

The dinner is the first of two Community Strong events. The second event will be the 3rd Annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party this summer on Thursday, 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. The Y’s programs offer families and individuals afterschool childcare, life-saving swim lessons, summer camp, special needs programs, chronic illness prevention, senior support, and more. The annual charitable mission supports more than 2,600 participants annually at the North Suburban YMCA.

“It was an amazing night!” said Alison Whitlock, guest and new NSYMCA Board Member from Northbrook. “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!”

“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 night’s festivities also featured the annual presentation of 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!”

Premier Sponsors of the Community Strong Dinner include Allstate, Daily Herald, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute & Northbrook Bank and Trust/Wintrust. Other top sponsors include First Bank of Chicago, Sunset Foods, Waterway Carwash, VisoGraphics, FGK Services, Hill & Stone Insurance, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Sport Clips - Northbrook, UBS Financial Services, The Pepoon Team – Compass Real Estate, Kaplan Paving and many more. Desserts were donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes – Deerfield & Gail’s Brownies. To learn more about the NSYMCA’s Community Strong efforts and the July 13 Golf Outing, contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org.

For tickets to golf or to be a Community Strong golf sponsor, visit Community Strong Dinner 2023 | Secure Ticket Page | Provided by ClickBid Mobile Bidding Mobile Bidding (cbo.io)

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.