2021 YMCA Gala Nets More Than $205,000 for Mission Strong Fund

It was truly a night to remember as an inspired and generous room of supporters helped raise more than $205,000 at the 2021 YMCA Gala on Saturday, October 30, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening that included dinner, live entertainment, and opportunities to bid on an assortment of silent and live auction items. Funds raised from the event will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

Since its inception, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised more than $1.2 million to provide financial assistance for membership and programs that benefit families within our community. This year’s Gala celebrated charitable giving at the YMCA by showcasing the Y’s impact throughout the community and the generous donors who make its mission come to life each and every day.

On Saturday evening, Plainfield resident and longtime YMCA supporter Judy Avery was presented with the inaugural C.W. and J.L. Avery Philanthropic Award in recognition of her family’s generous charitable support of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA. Former Y President and CEO Tami Sender joined current Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair on stage to speak about the Avery family’s contributions and to present Judy with the honor.

“As we celebrate the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s 15th anniversary this year on Wallin Drive, we are so excited to recognize Judy for her incredible contributions to the YMCA and our community,” YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said. “The Avery Y is a bustling community center in the heart of downtown Plainfield. A true home away from home for so many. None of the wonderful things that have happened at the Y and at program locations throughout our community over the last 15 years would have been possible without the amazing generosity of Judy, Clyde, and the entire Avery family,” added Leclair.

During the “Raise the Paddle” portion of the evening, the YMCA’s mission was brought to life by showcasing YMCA stories of impact. Guests were asked to raise their paddles in an auction-style format with individual contributions ranging from $50-$10,000. This portion of the evening raised a record-high $107,000 in support of the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund.

“The Y is so grateful for the incredible support it has received not only from those in attendance at the YMCA Gala, but also from our members, donors, volunteers, and employees over the last 20 months as we have worked to adapt our programs and services to support our community during these challenging times,” Leclair said. “Our resolve to expand our footprint and grow the Y’s mission has never been greater.”

Joliet resident Erick Deshaun Dorris served as the evening’s volunteer auctioneer. Eight exciting packages were sold during the live auction, including numerous Chicago sports packages and a four-night stay at a cabin in Minocqua, Wisconsin, sold twice, which was donated by Judy Avery. The top-grossing item of this year’s live auction was a two-week getaway to Hawaii, sold twice, generously donated by Fred and Maria Bliznick.

This year’s Gala volunteer committee members included: Annie Gretencord, Karen Haas, MaryKay Hrdina, Mary Jaworski, Maria Macris, Alexa Midlock, Kristin Orban, Ryan Peterson, Joan Williams, and Barb Ziegner. Lisa Behounek, Donnie Chestnutt, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, Erin Lightbody, Jenna Rys, and Jackson White provided staff support.

2021 YMCA Gala sponsors included:

Presenting Sponsor
Midland States Bank

Diamond Sponsor
DIAGEO

Ruby Sponsors
Edward Jones
Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet
Joliet Bank and Trust
A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank, N.A.
A Wintrust Community Bank

Emerald Sponsors
C. and J. Avery Family Foundation
D’Arcy Buick GMC
First Midwest Bank
Grundy Bank
Illinois Credit Union System
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
Rousonelos Lean Pork Producers, LLC
Selden Fox
Stockton Wealth Management

Sapphire Sponsors
Baxter & Woodman, Consulting Engineers
Charles Vincent George Architects
Hometown National Bank
Silver Cross Hospital
The Ziegner-Orban Family

Pearl Sponsors
Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino
L. DeGeus and Associates Insurance
Midwest Equipment Group
People’s Capital and Leasing Corp.
Village Flower Shop

Opal Sponsors
Connelly Electric Co.
ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery
Hamilton & Antonsen, LTD
Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis

In-Kind Support
Graphic Promotions, Inc.
Grundy County Chamber of Commerce
Herald-News
Impact Outdoors
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Morris Herald-News
Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce

The next YMCA Gala will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to the YMCA, please visit www.jolietymca.org.