NSYMCA's Strong Kids Evolves Into "Community Strong" Fundraiser

Like so many organizations over the past year, the North Suburban YMCA has had to adapt to the community's pandemic and post-pandemic needs in order to continue to serve its members. Part of the Y's evolution is the announcement of its new fundraising efforts, Community Strong. The new Community Strong fundraisers include an inaugural Community Strong Golf Outing and Patio Party on July 22nd, and a Community Strong Dinner under the Stars fundraiser, formerly known as the Ken & Alta Theil Strong Kids Fundraising Dinner on August 28th.

The Community Strong events will fund the Y's financial assistance scholarships, and support its operations and community programs.

The Community Strong Golf Outing, the first event in the series, will be hosted at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling and sponsored by Northwestern Medicine. The outing includes a "beat the pro" contest, a catered lunch donated by the Tropical Smoothie Café, prizes from local retailers like Target and Best Buy, and concludes with a celebratory Patio Party with food, drinks, music, and awards.

"We are honored to support the NSYMCA and help them in their efforts to rebuild the Y and support the community," stated Johanna Benavides, Director of Operations at Northwestern Medicine. "Northwestern Medicine believes in supporting our communities and we see all the amazing things the Y does for families in need, especially during the pandemic. Strong communities are healthy communities. It is truly a natural partnership for us and we couldn't be prouder to assist in their efforts of a stronger community."

"We've been continuing to adapt and change with the needs of our community, and feel so fortunate to have such tremendous support from businesses like Northwestern Medicine and many others," noted Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA. "Our new fundraising name, 'Community Strong' emphasizes the breadth of our efforts beyond the walls of the Y, as well as the Y's continued mission for inclusive programming options and services. We're committed to being there for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, so these fundraisers are imperative to the rebuild and the Y's continued support of the needs of the community."

In addition to the golf outing fundraiser, the Y will end the summer with an assortment of Community Strong events scheduled for August 22 – August 28th. The NSYMCA Community Strong Fundraising week will feature a live, online event on August 22 followed by a week-long silent auction, Y impact stories, and conclude with the Community Strong celebratory Dinner under the Stars on August 28th. The dinner will include live music, a live auction, dinner, and the presentation of the Ken and Alta Thiel Award for Social Responsibility and Leadership. The award, named in honor of the North Suburban Y's founders Ken and Alta Thiel, will be awarded to a community supporter.

The annual event provides funding to make Y programs and community programs accessible to those in financial need and includes afterschool childcare, classes, summer camp, special needs programs, and memberships. The event will follow all CDC guidelines with plans in place for special seating, distancing, and sanitizing.

To purchase golf outing tickets or to be a Community Strong golf outing sponsor, visit the North Suburban YMCA's website at www.nsymca.org/golf. To learn more about the Community Strong efforts and the August 28th dinner, please visit www.nsymca.org/communitystrong or contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org.

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.