C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
November 20-21
The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is excited to share that we will be completing renovations on the Membership Desk. During this time, all members and guests will be asked to enter the building through the south entrance, located near the Multi-Purpose Rooms. We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work with our vendor to complete prep work and installation in a timely manner.
This project was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Home Depot-Shorewood.
The 2026 YMCA Gala, generously presented by Midland States Bank, will be held on Saturday, February 28, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.
Funds raised from this year’s 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. Cash raffle and toast of the town raffle tickets are now available!
This year’s Cash Raffle is generously sponsored by Grundy Bank. Only 500 tickets will be sold!
Cost: $25
3 amazing prizes are available: $2,000, $1,000 and $500
You can deposit ticket stubs by:
In honor of the Y’s Centennial Anniversary, we’re raising a glass with our Toast of the Town Raffle! One lucky winner will receive a custom bar and a remarkable bourbon collection, including three coveted bottles of Pappy Van Winkle.
This year’s Toast of the Town Raffle is generously sponsored by Ron Tirapelli Ford. Only 200 tickets will be sold! Digital purchases only.
Cost: $100
PURCHASE TOAST OF THE TOWN RAFFLE TICKETS
The winning tickets will be drawn during the YMCA Gala on February 28.
Winners are responsible for all applicable income taxes and must be at least 18 years old to enter. Prize must be claimed within 30 days of notification. Winners are subject to all raffle procedures, rules, regulations, directives, and state and local laws. Winner agrees by entering the raffle to authorize the release of his or her name and likeness for promotional purposes. According to the IRS, a raffle ticket is not tax deductible. Check with your financial advisor for additional information.
Limited sponsorship opportunities remain. Don’t miss out on your chance to support this amazing event!
If you have questions about the 2026 YMCA Gala, please contact:
EVENT INFORMATION
Dori Fugate
Volunteer and Special Events Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 782-0502
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Donnie Chestnutt
Mission Advancement Director
Email: dchestnutt@jolietymca.
Phone: (815) 782-0800
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been awarded a 2025 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. An eight-time Top Workplace honoree, the YMCA has been providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties for nearly 100 years.
The annual Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. This confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, just to name a few.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
“Being recognized by the Chicago Tribune as a Top Workplace for the eighth time is an extraordinary honor for our YMCA,” said President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication to serving our community and advancing the Y’s mission is truly inspiring, and I feel grateful every day to work alongside such a remarkable team. As we look ahead to our Centennial Anniversary in 2026, this recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate the individuals who bring our programs to life and make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” Leclair added.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has more than 800 full and part-time employees who work at its three facilities and more than 50 program sites across Will and Grundy Counties. Driven by its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. But, most importantly, its doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, income, or background. At the Y, no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay.
Join the Y between November 11-13 during our Thankful for You Membership Sale and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120!
OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY ACCESS TO THREE BRANCHES
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:
Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.
Child Care
If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.
Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The YMCA On the Go App provides Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.
Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.
So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.
THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, Il 60450
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE AND MY Y REWARDS BONUS
We are also collecting non-perishable food items from November 10-16 with donations benefitting the following organizations:
Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards Program who donate a non-perishable food item during the collection drive will also receive 100 My Y Rewards bonus points. (One-time bonus per member).
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is inviting families to celebrate the new year with our special Noon Year’s Eve pool parties on Wednesday, December 31! Festivities will include open swim, music, crafts, games, snacks and refreshments, and a New Year’s countdown at noon.
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering YMCA pools. Participants are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Time: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: $20, open to YMCA Facility Members Only
REGISTER TODAY
Galowich Family YMCA
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY
Morris Hospital YMCA
Time: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the communty
REGISTER TODAY
Ho, Ho, Ho! This holiday season, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of festive activities planned for you and your family. Come ready to spread joy and cheer and join us in a winter wonderland of fun!
Holidays Around the World
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Stop by the Y for an evening highlighting traditional celebrations from around the world during holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Diwali.
Kids will also have the chance to write letters to Santa, make reindeer food, play in our bounce houses, get snacks from a hot chocolate bar, and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids’ Night Out: Winter Wonderland (Ages 5-10)
Date: Friday, December 19
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of winter themed activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Kids’ Night Out: Santa’s Workshop (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of holiday themed games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Morris Hospital YMCA! Join us for a special breakfast with light refreshments, crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration closes on December 15.
Pizza with Santa and Candy Cane Hunt
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Galowich Family YMCA! Join us for some family fun with a pizza party, games, crafts, and a special candy cane hunt!
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa Splashtacular
Friday, December 19
5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Children will be able to enjoy a “sleigh ride” with Santa around the lap pool, as well as open swim, games, and a craft.
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering the pool. Members are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.
Kids’ Night Out: Winter Pajama Party (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Location:
Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center
300 3rd Avenue
Joliet, IL 60433
YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided. Don’t forget to wear your most festive pajamas!
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
