North Suburban YMCA holds its 6th Annual Community Strong Golf Event

Northbrook, IL — August 2026 — The North Suburban YMCA held its 6th Annual Community Strong Golf Fundraiser in July at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, bringing together more than 110 golfers, 25 volunteers, and over 50 sponsors. The event raised more than $60,000 to help close the gap in the more than $500,000 needed annually to support the YMCA’s financial assistance program, which provides families with access to YMCA programs and services at little to no cost.

The golf outing and fundraiser marked the second phase of the North Suburban YMCA’s 2026 Community Strong fundraising campaign. In April, the YMCA celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala with a new live music, decades-themed event, launching the first phase of its fundraising efforts.

Funds raised through both events directly support financial assistance scholarships, as well as the YMCA’s operations and community programs. Together, the Community Strong events raise approximately half of the funding needed each year to support the charitable work of the North Suburban YMCA.

“Our golf event seems to get better and better with supporters who really believe in our YMCA and what we do for our community,” said Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA. “This event brings so much energy and togetherness. It shows us that our supporters not only want to support our efforts, but truly love our golf outing, which is so humbling.”

Following a day on the course, golfers gathered for a closing reception and patio party celebrating the success of the fundraiser and recognizing tournament winners. The top trophy went to Team Mirochnick following the 18-hole best-ball scramble. Team Mirochnick included Ira Mirochnick, Doug Meyer, Ashish Kohli, and Troy Carroll. It was their first win in this tournament.

One of the most popular competitions of the day was the Best Dressed Team contest, with Team Benavides taking home the honor for the second consecutive year. Brian and Johanna Benavides, Lance Neuhauser, Ryan Jarol, and Mike McCarthy arrived in matching outfits featuring customized “Par-tee for the Y” caps and decorated golf carts. Doug Meyer was named Best Dressed Single Golfer for his neon-colored golf attire and great spirit! Another win came from Kelly Chabebe who won both the Woman’s Longest Drive and second year in a row, winning the Closest to the Pin Contest.

“This is my team’s sixth year participating in this super-fun event,” said Bryan Benavides of Deerfield. “It’s by far one of the best golf tournaments of the summer, and we always block out the date months in advance. The event is so well done, with so many high-end contests, and we love the group of golfers who come out year after year to support the Y. It’s always a great day on the course and a great group of people to be around.”

The event also featured several new additions, including a $25,000 Hole-in-One Contest, sponsored by Hill & Stone Insurance, and a chance to win a Mercedes Benz, sponsored by Autohaus on Edens on the 9^th Hole.

“The energy this year was over the top, and the extra contests, thanks to our amazing sponsors, really got the golfers excited,” said Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investments and Events at the NSYMCA. “The outpouring of sponsorship support seems to grow every year, making all of this possible. We are very blessed to be in a community that cares about what we do for families and the underserved, and we are so grateful to the local businesses who support us every year.”

2026 Community Strong Golf Outing Sponsors

Sponsors of the 2026 North Suburban YMCA Community Strong Golf Outing included:

Patio Party Sponsors: Bella Terra Wheeling; Avantara Long Grove; Avantara Libertyville; Warren Barr Buffalo Grove: and Warren Barr North Shore

Beverage Cart Sponsor: VisoGraphic

Contest Sponsors: 94.7 WLS-FM; Q101-FM; WLS-AM; and Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Hole Sponsors: Norwood Builders; Autohaus on Edens; Chiro One; Countryside Day School; Vasey Team – State Farm; Elite Remodeling Group; FGMK; Greengard Engineers; Hill & Stone Insurance; Hunger Resource Network; Illinois Bone & Joint Institute; Janzen & Chwa Ortho; Northbrook Bank & Trust; Stumm Insurance; Sunset Foods; Tamarisk North Shore; UBS Financial Services; and Waterway Carwash

Other Sponsors: Rover’s Place; Vasey Team - State Farm; Wildfire Glenview/Lincolnshire; Nolan & Freud Dental Group; Mike Rizzo - State Farm; Culver’s/Northbrook; Inspiro Tequila; Gifts For You Now; and many more.

The North Suburban YMCA thanks all of its golfers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community supporters for helping make the 2026 Community Strong Golf Fundraiser a success and for investing in the YMCA’s mission to strengthen families and serve the community.

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.