[doptg id=”36″]

It was truly a night to remember as an inspired and generous room of more than 400 supporters helped the Greater Joliet Area YMCA raise more than $215,000 at the 2023 YMCA Gala on Saturday, February 25, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening that included dinner, live entertainment, and the opportunity to bid on exciting silent and live auction items. Funds raised from this year’s Gala 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. 

Generously presented by Midland States Bank, the 2023 YMCA 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. Now in its 15th year, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised more than $1.4 million to provide financial assistance for families living in our community. 

During the “Raise the Paddle” portion of the evening, the Y’s mission was brought to life by showcasing a YMCA story of impact. Guests generously raised their paddles in an auction-style format with individual contributions ranging from $50-$10,000. This portion of the evening raised $90,000 in support of the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund.

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

This year’s Gala volunteer planning committee members included: Madi Brown, Cathy Crawford, Rachael Gould, MaryKay Hrdina, Mary Jaworski, Maria Macris, Kristin Orban, Whitney Valdivia, and Barb Ziegner. Donnie Chestnutt, Michele Claysen, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, Genevieve Hix, Erin Lightbody and Eileen Scotchlas provided staff support.

Sponsors Included:

Presenting Sponsor
-Midland States Bank

Diamond Sponsor
-DIAGEO

Ruby Sponsors
-Edward Jones
-Joliet Bank and Trust
A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank, N.A.
A Wintrust Community Bank
-Old National Bank

Emerald Sponsors
-C. and J. Avery Family Foundation
-Canadian National Railway (CN)
-Constellation Brands and Blue Ribbon Products
-D’Arcy Buick GMC
-Edward-Elmhurst Health
-Grundy Bank
-Gus P. Rousonelos
-Joliet Junior College
-Narvick Bros., Lumber/Concrete General Contractors
-Old National Bank
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
-Pursuit Wealth Group
-Ron Tirapelli Ford
-Stockton Wealth Management

Sapphire Sponsors
-Hometown National Bank
-Lori Bonarek Realty
-Old National Bank
-The Ziegner-Orban Family

Pearl Sponsors
-Baish Excavating, Inc.
-Busey Bank
-DesignGroup
-ExxonMobil
-Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
-Midwest Equipment Group
-R.L. Sohol General Contractor, Inc.
-Village Flower Shop

Opal Sponsors
-Ascension Saint Joseph
-Illinois Credit Union League
-Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis, LLC
-Nicor

In-Kind Support
-Graphic Promotions, Inc.

Save the date and make your plans to join us for the next YMCA Gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024. To learn more about the YMCA Gala or to make a tax-deductible donation in support of this year’s event, please click here.