YMCA Raises $160K For West Humboldt Park Community

CHICAGO — For the second year in a row, the Kelly Hall Future Leaders Luncheon raised more than $160,000 for the West Humboldt Park community. Held on Nov. 15, nearly 200 people gathered for the event at the Mid-America Club in the Aon Center to celebrate the work being done at the Kelly Hall YMCA and to learn how they can continue to deepen the Y’s impact.

Makiah Allen, a teen from West Humboldt Park, delivered heartfelt remarks about her experience growing up at the Kelly Hall Y. She spoke about how the Y has impacted her, highlighting the strong mentorship she received from the Kelly Hall staff. Allen said they treated her like family during some of the most formative years of her childhood and young adult life.

The Y also honored Cradles to Crayons, another youth-centered organization in Chicago, with the 2018 Community Partner Award. Bernard Cherkasov, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

"We are grateful to Cradles to Crayons for their continued support of our mission and their commitment to the Kelly Hall Y," the YMCA said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing this incredible partnership for many years to come."

Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart was the event's keynote speaker. In his speech, Dart shed light on the status of the U.S. jail system and the importance of organizations like the Y, which provide structured out-of-school time and positive role models for children. To round out the discussion, Dart participated in engaging Q&A with the audience.

Photo credit: YMCA of Metro Chicago