Northbrook, IL; May 2025: With over 200 in attendance, the North Suburban YMCA held its 19th Annual Community Strong Fundraising Dinner and Casino Night on Friday, April 25th at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire to raise charitable funds to support the community. The Y event featured live music, dinner curated by Jordan’s Food of Distinction, casino games, and the Y’s largest auction ever with over 250 items and packages.
The dinner is the first of two Community Strong events this year. The second event will be the 5th Annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser and Patio Party this summer on Thursday, July 17 at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling.
The Y’s Community Strong annual fundraisers help provide over $500,000 in financial assistance to make programs accessible to those in financial need, as well as free programs and services that meet community needs. These 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.
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“The Y events never disappoint and this year it was even better than ever,” exclaims Kelly Chabebe, Y committee member and manager at Rover’s Place in Northbrook. “The Y does so much for our community, and I am so proud to be a part of this event. Hearing about all the support given to families in need, shows how much the Y impacts lives in our community… the Y is a special place,” continues Chabebe.
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 Sal Manso and Reebie Storage & Moving. Manso, President Emeritus of Reebie and long-time board member of the Y, has been a leader in community involvement and social responsibility for years.
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“I served on the Y board with Sal for over 13 years and he is full of Presidential leadership & operational experience,” says Ron Bernardi, Y Board Emeritus and friend. “Sal continues to be an active Y member, and continues to bring so much wisdom, generosity and direction to the Y. Sal is a man of God and so deserving of this award,” continues Bernardi.
“Sal Manso and Reebie Storage & Moving have been supporters of our Y for many years, and we are so lucky to have people who understand and support our mission,” says Kathy Fielding, CEO of the NSYMCA. “Without local business and community leaders like Sal believing in what we do, our Y wouldn’t be able to serve the community and help the number people that we do each year.”
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 include Ed Wehmer former President and CEO of Wintrust, Waterway Carwash, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods, Howard Schultz, former CEO of the NSYMCA and many more.
Premier sponsors of the Community Strong Fundraising Dinner include Allstate Insurance Company, Illinois Bone & Joint Institute & Northbrook Bank and Trust/Wintrust.
Other top sponsors include First Bank of Chicago, Sunset Foods, Waterway Carwash, VisoGraphics, Cumulus Media, FGK Services, Hill & Stone Insurance, Celebree School in Northbrook, Pulse Technology, The Nyren Company, Endeavor Health, J. Blanton Plumbing, Moller Financial, Stumm Insurance, Tom Len Custom Homes, Janzen & Chwa Orthodontics, Cy Fredrics, North Shore Balloon Décor, Cobalt Photography and many more. Desserts were sponsored by Rover’s Place and Gail’s Brownies.
To learn more about the NSYMCA’s Community Strong efforts and the July 17 Golf Outing, contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org. For tickets to golf or Community Strong golf sponsorships, CLICK HERE
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.
