Volunteering Across the Association

Volunteer Groups Bring Energy and Enthusiasm to Service Projects with the YMCA

In January, YMCA programs and services were supported by 111 volunteers representing seven companies and organizations who donated 422 hours of their time. 

Deloitte volunteers assisted with the January Produce Day hosted by the YMCA Community School program at Libby Elementary School in the Washington Park neighborhood.  The Libby School Produce Days operate outdoors, regardless of the weather. The January Produce Day was extremely cold, but that did not dampen the spirits and the enthusiasm of the volunteers.  In fact, Deloitte volunteer team captain Lara Wigmore sent an email with this sentiment: “I wanted to let you all know that our team of Deloitte volunteers had a truly exceptional experience today at the Libby School Produce Day.  I am still in the process of compiling feedback and photos, but in the meantime, please know how much Deloitte values opportunities to contribute to our broader community.  Again, thank you for making this such a wonderful experience for all who attended!”

We are grateful to the Deloitte volunteers for helping us unload the Greater Chicago Food Depository truck, and sorting and distributing the food items. Hundreds of disadvantaged seniors and families depend on these Produce Days to provide them access to fresh produce and other healthy food items.

A group of Deloitte volunteers also spent an afternoon with the North Lawndale YMCA School-Age Child Care program, helping the kids with their homework and then playing games and doing crafts with them.  The volunteers also tackled the bulletin boards, creating new displays throughout the building.

Public Allies Chicago volunteers spent Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in service with the School’s Out programs at the High Ridge and Lattof YMCAs.  The volunteers worked with YMCA staff to lead games, crafts, sports, and other fun activities with the children. 

Whole Foods Market – Gold Coast Store volunteers visited the Lawson House YMCA on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  They made sandwiches, brought snacks and fruit, and enjoyed lunch with 76 residents.  

Last fall, volunteers from Associated Bank spent an afternoon with the Wabash YMCA School-Age Child Care program.  That day of service made such an impact on them that they asked if they could volunteer in the program one afternoon each month in 2010!  They had their first visit of the year on Jan. 22, when they enjoyed getting to know the children while helping them complete their homework, playing sports and games, and doing crafts with them. 

A group of area Target Store Team Leaders volunteered at the YMCA Community School program at Lawrence Elementary School.  They brought craft materials and helped the children make volunteer cards and crafts for their parents, teachers, and other loved ones.  They also brought healthy snacks for everyone to enjoy.  The Target volunteers loved their service day – even the fire drill that interrupted the schedule momentarily!

For more information about group volunteer projects, contact Linda Dean, Director of Volunteerism.

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January Membership Campaign Results Announced

The January Membership Campaign numbers are in!  Collectively, we grossed 6,174 new/reinstated paying units, which is 474 units better than last year and 582 units above our goal.  Everyone did an amazing job--especially in this continued challenging economic market!  Thank you to all membership center staff for setting us up for success in 2010!

For more information, please contact Anne Bergquist, Vice President of Brand Management and Marketing.

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Grayslake Kicks Off Strong Kids Campaign

The Grayslake YMCA started its Strong Kids Campaign with the "Thanks for Caring"/My Y Week.  Members participated in a Group Exercise Fitness Challenge where they voted for their favorite class or day of the week to exercise.  Participants cast their ballots by donating one dollar to the campaign, and each person who voted received a raffle ticket for a daily prize drawing.  A grand prize winner will be drawn and will enjoy a dinner donated by a local restaurant.  All proceeds will benefit the Grayslake YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign.

For more information, please contact Angie Flesch, Operations Director.

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Elmhurst Active Older Adults Host Health Fair

The Elmhurst YMCA Active Older Adults (A.O.A.) group invited the A.O.A groups from the Greater LaGrange and McCormick Tribune YMCAs to host a health and fun fair.  Community volunteers donated their time and provided diabetes screenings and blood pressure checks. Local businesses gave members tips on selecting the right athletic shoe for their activities and helped them identify heart healthy food choices. Dr. Logan, a local physician, led a cardiovascular health Q&A session.

For more information, please contact Karen Keenley.

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Indian Boundary YMCA Encourages “Change” for Haiti

Ramona Brand, Director of Child Care Services, initiated an after-school program during which children decorate boxes and use them to collect loose change as donations for Haiti. The children are aware of the tragic earthquakes that occurred in Haiti last month and teachers have helped them discuss the devastation that Haiti is currently experiencing.  The children are motivated to help and have talked to parents, members and fellow students about the need to raise funds. They have been rather resourceful and have even found ways to collect more change by assuming additional chores at home, babysitting, and reaching out to the community. The YMCA is proud of the children's genuine concern and efforts.

For more information, please contact Meridith Thornton, School Age Site Director.

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Foglia YMCA Hosts Biggest Winner Partner Challenge

The Foglia YMCA kicked off its 2nd Biggest Winner Partner Challenge on Jan. 17. The program runs until March 27 when one of the 84 competitors will be named Foglia's Biggest Winner!

The cost was $40 per person for the 10-week weight loss program that includes weekly weigh-ins, e-mails, challenges and prizes such as personal training sessions, workout equipment, and a metabolic test. Health Enhancement Director Amy Kanzler and Group Exercise Coordinator Kaysi Ford developed the weekly challenges that have included participating in a cycling class, committing to four or five days of 45 to 60-minute cardio sessions, encouraging participants to try new classes and machines, and more.  There will be a Last Chance Workout for all participants on March 20 from 9-10:30 a.m.

Each participant’s measurements were taken at the beginning of the event and will be taken at the end of the 10 weeks.  First place winners will receive 12 partner training sessions.  The second place prize will be six partner training sessions and the third place participants will receive three partner training sessions. 

The total starting weight of all the participants was 17,784 pounds.  Thus far, 523.5 pounds, or 2.94 percent of the total weight, have been lost!   

For more information, please contact Bonnie Caputo, Member Relations and Marketing Director.

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First Annual Valentine’s Day Dance a Success at the Foglia YMCA

The Foglia YMCA held its First Annual Valentine’s Day Dance, partially sponsored by Northwest Family Church.  More than 70 fathers and daughters and mothers and sons came to enjoy an evening at Foglia.

There was a DJ, dancing and refreshments.  The event was a great success and participants shared many positive comments with staff.

For more information, please contact Bonnie Caputo, Member Relations and Marketing Director.

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Staff Show How They Appreciate Members

The Indian Boundary YMCA is excited to welcome more than 550 new members to the center.  In an effort to engage these important new members and keep existing ones involved, Indian Boundary developed and implemented a plan to make them feel welcome.  The plan, “Have A Heart,” began Feb. 10 and will run during National Heart Month.  The center created names tags with a heart on each that read, “Have A Heart - please tell us your name.”  During this week-long event, staff will be hosting a “Welcome to the Y” table with the name tags, introducing themselves, asking members to write their name on the tag and introduce themselves to other members  The goal is to create opportunities for staff to get to know member’s names and for members to get to know one another. 

For more information about this member retention project, please contact Connie Laidlaw,

Fitness Director.

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Members Get a Taste of the Tour at the Greater LaGrange YMCA

During a two week span, Greater LaGrange YMCA members participated in The Taste of the Tour, hour-long bike rides that marked different legs of the 2009 Tour de France. Riders were able to socialize at receptions after each ride and more than $400 was raised for the Strong Kids campaign at a raffle during the last reception.

For more information, please contact Karen Dziagwa, Health and Wellness Director.

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The Greater LaGrange YMCA Holds Super Sunday Workout

The Super Sunday Workout at the Greater La Grange YMCA was a big success. Almost 40 members came to work out prior to the Super Bowl. They enjoyed cycling, Zumba, Boot Camp, and Short & Sweet fitness classes. Some participants brought their kids to the KidsZone where they made Super Bowl-related crafts and played Super Bowl Bingo. The next workout is “Ylympics” and it is scheduled for Feb. 28.

For more information, please contact Karen Dziagwa, Health and Wellness Director.

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Black and Latino Achievers Hosts Annual Spring Break College Tour

Join the Black & Latino Achievers for its annual Spring Break College Tour!  This year's trip will take place March 26 - April 2.  Attendees will visit Alabama A&M University, University of Alabama - Birmingham, University of Alabama - Huntsville, Auburn University, Birmingham Southern College, Jackson State University, Miles College, Millsaps College, Tougaloo College and Tuskegee University.  The tour cost of $400 covers transportation, lodging, continental breakfast, field trip outings, a tour T-shirt and a journal.  The college tour is open to all high school students.

For information, please contact LaDawn Norwood, Director of Youth Development.

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Annual Indian Boundary Swim Meet

The Indian Boundary YMCA pool was buzzing with lots of activity the evening of Sat., Jan. 30 when they hosted the 4th annual swim meet.  A wide range of age groups were represented by 47 children and 20 master swimmers.  The Master Swim group included six of the center’s very own aquatics team staff.  It was a fun event that brought families together, as parents served as both timers and officials.  It also was a perfect opportunity for grandparents to observe their grandchildren in action.  The kids had a terrific time getting a chance to watch their parents swim, too.  Proceeds from participant fees are donated to the Strong Kids Campaign, which allows Indian Boundary to scholarship membership and programs fees for individuals and families who otherwise could not afford to be a part of the YMCA. 

For more information about this event, please contact Janice Fountain, Aquatics Director.

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February Anniversaries