Mission Strong Fund — Page 2 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

2024 YMCA GALA Nets More Than $250,000 For Mission Strong Fund

March 1, 2024

It was truly a night to remember as an inspired and generous room of more than 450 supporters helped the Greater Joliet Area YMCA raise more than $250,000 at the 2024 YMCA Gala on Saturday, February 24, 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 record-setting 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 2024 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 16th year, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised more than $1.65 million to provide financial assistance for children, adults, and families living in our community.

At this year’s Gala, the Y presented the inaugural William R. Lauer Service to Youth Award to Bill Lauer in recognition of his more than 60 years of inspiring service to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and the youth in our community. Because of Bill’s amazing contributions, tens of thousands of kids in our community have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the YMCA. Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair also announced the establishment of the William R. Lauer Endowment Fund, which will help provide continued financial assistance to Y kids for years to come. To support this newly established Fund, visit our online giving portal and select ‘William R. Lauer Endowment Fund’ from the ‘Designation’ dropdown menu when making your donation.

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. In total, “Raise the Paddle” contributions eclipsed $100,000 in support of the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund.

Danielle Tufano served as the evening’s volunteer auctioneer and nine exciting packages were sold during the live auction. Items included an in-home, six–course dinner party, generously donated by Tom Grotovsky; a weekend trip to Nashville with two tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and a bottle of George Dickel 17-Year-Old Reserve Tennessee Whisky, generously donated by the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, Diageo, and Friends of the YMCA; and a complete collection of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, generously donated by Westside Liquors. The top-grossing item of the night was a two-week getaway to Hawaii, generously donated by Fred and Maria Bliznik.

This year’s Gala volunteer planning committee members included: Kathy Blessent, Madi Brown, Erica Garvey, Mary Jaworski, Maria Macris, Kristin Orban, Kari Ramirez, Whitney Valdivia, and Barb Ziegner. Donnie Chestnutt, Trisha Dust, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, and Erin Lightbody provided staff support.

Sponsors Included:

Presenting Sponsor
-Midland States Bank

Diamond Sponsor
-DIAGEO

Ruby Sponsors
-Edward Jones
-Narvick Bros.
-Old National Bank

Emerald Sponsors
-Aux Sable/Pembina
-Blue Ribbon Products/Constellation Brands
-C. and J. Avery Family Foundation
-Canadian National
-D’Arcy Buick GMC
-Endeavor Health
-ExxonMobil
-Grundy Bank
-Gus P. Rousonelos
-Joliet Bank & Trust, A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank NA, A Wintrust Community Bank
-Joliet Junior College
-Old National Bank
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
-Pursuit Wealth Group
-Stockton Wealth Management

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

Pearl Sponsors
–Busey Bank
-“D” Construction
-Dr. Theresa Rouse
-Joliet Bank & Trust, A branch of Old Plank Trail Community Bank NA, A Wintrust Community Bank -DesignGroup
-Merchants and Manufacturers Bank
-R.L. Sohol General Contractor, Inc.
-Ron Tirapelli Ford
-Village Flower Shop

Opal Sponsors
-Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet
-Cuttin Edge Lawn to Landscape
-Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis, LLC
-Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

In-Kind Support
-Graphic Promotions, Inc.
-Grundy County Chamber of Commerce
-Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
-Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce

Save the date and make your plans to join us for the next YMCA Gala, which will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025. We also invite you to participate in the 2024 YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic, which will be held on Wednesday, September 18. Foursomes for the YMCA’s third annual outing will go on sale this summer.

To make a tax-deductible donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, please click here.

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Support the YMCA During the Season of Giving with a Matching Gift

December 18, 2023

This holiday season, you have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA invites you to join us in spreading joy by contributing to the Mission Strong Fund.

And you may be able to double the impact of your donation through the Matching Gifts program.

The Mission Strong Fund ensures that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. By making a charitable gift to this fund, you contribute directly to empowering individuals, promoting healthy living, and fostering a stronger sense of community.

Here’s how you may be able to amplify the impact of your donation:

Donate to the Mission Strong Fund: Visit our website or drop by any of our YMCA locations to make a charitable contribution. Your support helps create a more inclusive community where everyone has access to the YMCA’s transformative programs.
Check for Matching Programs: Many employers share our commitment to community well-being and offer gift matching programs. Contact your HR department to find out if your company matches charitable donations.
Submit Matching Gift Forms: If your employer has a matching gift program, complete the necessary forms they provide. Whether it’s a paper or online form, the process is simple and well worth the effort.
Maximize Your Impact: Once your employer processes the matching gift, your contribution to the Mission Strong Fund will be doubled. It’s an incredible way to increase the positive change you can make in our community.

Remember, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. That means your donation is not only impactful but also tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Your support helps create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community, and we’re immensely grateful for your commitment to our mission

DONATE NOW

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Support the YMCA on Giving Tuesday

November 27, 2023

We know that the true power of the Y lives in the hearts and actions of everyone who believes in our vision of a better us and a stronger community for all. Whenever we see a neighbor in need, the Y stands ready to help with open arms and caring hearts.

Each day at our three facilities and at more than 50 program sites throughout our community, the Y is providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties. Kids of all ages are learning to swim and making new friends at summer camp and through our before and after school programs; teens are setting goals for their future while receiving college readiness and career training; seniors are becoming physically stronger and making connections once again; and families are staying active and spending quality time together. None of this would be possible without the support of charitable giving.

This year, we invite our supporters to join the #GivingTuesday movement by making a tax-deductible donation to the Y’s Mission Strong Fund. A gift of any amount will help to change the lives of people living right here in our community – your friends and neighbors.

DONATE NOW

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Find Your Reason to Give: Make a Donation to the Y During Our 12 Days of Giving Celebration

November 17, 2023

For more than 95 years, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has worked hand-in-hand with our neighbors to bring about meaningful change in our community. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, the Y is committed to strengthening our community by empowering young people, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring residents of all ages to give back and connect with their neighbors.

At our three facilities in Joliet, Plainfield, and Morris, and at more than 50 program sites throughout our community, the Y is providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties. Each and every day, kids of all ages are learning to swim and making new friends at summer camp and through our before and after school Kid Zone programs; teens are setting goals for their future while receiving college readiness and career training; seniors are becoming physically stronger and making connections once again; and families are staying active and spending quality time together.

To ensure that the Y’s mission can continue to thrive and help those in our community who need it most, we invite you to make a charitable gift to the YMCA’s 2023 Mission Strong Fund during our 12 Days of Giving Celebration, which is now underway and will continue through Giving Tuesday on November 28.

Your gift will help people living right here in our community – your friends and neighbors – and ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

DONATE TODAY

You can also stay up to date on this year’s 12 Days of Giving Celebration by liking your local YMCA Facebook Page:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Galowich Family YMCA

Morris Community YMCA

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Staff and Volunteers Hold Beam Signing Ceremony at Future Site of Morris Hospital YMCA

October 18, 2023

Volunteer and staff leaders from the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers gathered at the future site of the Morris Hospital YMCA for a special beam signing ceremony on Monday, October 16.

YMCA Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin kicked off the event by welcoming guests and introducing YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. Leclair offered an invocation and expressed gratitude for the dedication and service from all those involved with the project and invited Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers President and CEO Tom Dohm to speak about the importance of the Hospital’s partnership with the Y.

Dohm noted the common vision both organizations share to promote healthy living for residents of all ages in Morris and Grundy County, and spoke about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead to expand programs and services to the community when the new facility opens.

Dohm then introduced Grundy Bank President and CEO and Morris Community YMCA Council Chairman Kevin Olson, who thanked government officials across federal, state, and local levels for their continued support of the project.

Olson introduced 16th U.S. District Representative Darin LaHood, who spoke about including the Morris Hospital YMCA in his 2024 Community Project Funding requests; 38th District Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin, who discussed the impact of securing funding from the state of Illinois; and City of Morris Mayor Chris Brown, who expressed the community’s unwavering support of its $2 million investment in the facility.

YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Guy Christensen then concluded the program by recognizing the incredible work of the Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign Leadership Cabinet, whose extensive efforts to raise awareness and funds for the new building have allowed the dream to build a full-facility YMCA in Grundy County to become a reality. Christensen then invited all those in attendance to ceremoniously autograph their name on a steel beam that will be placed in the heart of the new facility, which is expected to open to the community in early 2025.

To learn more about the future Morris Hospital YMCA or to make a donation to the Capital Campaign, please visit the Morris Community YMCA Capital Campaign homepage today.

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2023 Heritage Club Celebration Honors Planned Giving to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA

October 10, 2023

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The Greater Joliet Area YMCA hosted its 2023 Heritage Club Dinner at Mistwood Golf Club on Thursday, September 28. Held annually, this evening celebrates charitable giving at the YMCA and recognizes those donors who have chosen to make a legacy gift to the YMCA.

Heritage Club membership is granted to those individuals who have included a gift for the YMCA in their will or estate plans. Many Heritage Club members have also generously established a named endowment fund or supported the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, which helps to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

Message of Thanks

The evening began with Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Guy Christensen welcoming those in attendance and thanking them for their continued support of the Y’s mission. Christensen then invited Endowment Development Committee Volunteer Jackie Bersano to offer an invocation. Bersano then welcomed Endowment Development Committee Chairman Susan Lee to the podium to introduce vocalists Jeff and Michelle Ray and pianist Victor Moreno, who provided the evening’s entertainment.

Celebration of Charitable Giving

Following dinner, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair reflected on the incredible support the Y continues to receive from the community. She recognized the YMCA’s past donors, volunteers, and employees whose foresight and vision laid the groundwork to help to shape what the YMCA is today. Leclair reiterated that the same passion and forward thinking mentality must continue to guide YMCA programs and services in our community.

Grundy Bank President and CEO and Morris Community YMCA Council Chairman Kevin Olson then stepped to the podium to speak about the Grundy Bank/Ron Wohlwend Endowment Fund, which was recently established to honor Wohlwend’s legacy and commitment to community. He noted that Wolhwend, who served as honorary chairman of the Morris YMCA’s Capital Campaign before his passing in the spring of 2021, would be extremely proud to know the future Morris Hospital YMCA is now under construction, with an anticipated opening in early 2025.

Leclair then introduced Galowich Family YMCA member Dawn Vlaicevic, who spoke about the impact of YMCA programs on her family. Vlaicevic shared her grandson Jaxson’s experience in the Y’s Summer Day Camp and Before and After School Kid Zone programs, crediting the Y’s diverse and supportive environment for helping his development. She also expressed gratitude for the YMCA’s financial assistance program and the invaluable resources that Y families are provided through the YMCA Mission Strong Fund.

An Invitation for Impact

Endowment Development Committee Volunteer Donna Zanzola closed the celebration by expressing the Y’s appreciation for those donors who have generously made legacy gifts to the Y over the years. The YMCA’s doors continue to expand with open arms and it is through gifts like those provided by Heritage Club members that make this possible.

To learn more about Heritage Club membership and the Y’s endowment fund, please visit: https://www.jolietymca.org/giving/planned-giving/

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