Charter One Support Continues through Summer

Charter One Bank previously provided a $200,000 grant to support the 2008 summer day camp programs at five YMCA community schools. However, due to the unexpected additional support from Chicago Public Schools, the bank’s grant also helped advance the 2008/2009 school year, during which four schools were added to the YMCA roster. 

Charter One’s support has helped to leverage additional resources for some of Chicago’s lowest-income communities during a time of economic challenge. Careful spending has extended the use of the grant into support for nine community school summer 2009 day camp programs. Through this support, Charter One has proven to be the most successful YMCA community school partnership. 

For more information, please contact Mark McKelvey, Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.

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Volunteering Across the Association
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is participating in President Obama’s “Summer of Service” initiative in a big way. During the month of June, we hosted 25 volunteer groups throughout the Association! This translated into more than 600 volunteers offering more than 2,000 hours of community service at our centers.

We hosted nine church youth groups, linked to us by our friends at the Chicago Center for Student Missions. These youth groups assisted with summer day camp and school-age child care programs at Garfield, High Ridge, North Lawndale, Rauner Family, South Chicago and Wabash YMCAs, and they also spent time playing bingo and socializing with the senior residents at our Fred Matthews, III, and Emil Jones, Jr. YMCA housing units.

Thirty volunteers from McDermott Will & Emery helped the McCormick Tribune YMCA sort a truckload of fresh food items donated by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and then distributed the food to several hundred disadvantaged seniors and families in the community.

Six volunteers from L’Oreal’s Research and Development team spent a morning at the Wabash YMCA decorating windows, doors, hallways and bulletin boards for summer. They also donated materials and supplies to make the decorations. 

Two volunteers from the William Wrigley, Jr. Company assisted with the Libby School “Produce Day.” They helped unload a truck of fresh food donated by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and then sorted and distributed the food to several hundred disadvantaged seniors and families in the community.

Forty volunteers from the Chicago Association of Realtors spent a productive day at the South Chicago YMCA. They painted the residence lounge, board room, cafeteria and laundry room in lighter, brighter colors. They also spread mulch, trimmed bushes and planted flowers along the outside of the building.

The Marketing Department of the Allstate Insurance Company brought 140 volunteers to the Leaning Tower YMCA to assist with a huge number of projects, including painting residence rooms, picnic tables and outdoor planters; spreading mulch and planting flowers; dismantling an old storage shed; cleaning and organizing storage closets; washing minibuses inside and out; sanitizing toys; and assembling a popcorn machine. Allstate also made a financial contribution to cover the costs of the materials and supplies for these projects.

Thirty volunteers from HSBC worked with the Foglia YMCA to repair and re-sod the sports fields, and to spread mulch in all the flower beds, along the sidewalks and around the trees. Their work added much to the Y's curb appeal. HSBC made a financial contribution to cover the costs of the materials and supplies for these projects as well.

Twelve volunteers from AT&T, including AT&T President-Illinois Paul La Schiazza, spent the afternoon at the McCormick Tribune YMCA interacting with the children in the school-age child care and Teen Reach programs. They read stories, played board games, and drew and colored pictures with the younger children, and played a game of softball with the teens. The volunteers also brought playground balls, boxes of crayons, board games and other fun stuff to donate to the programs.

Two groups of Northern Trust volunteers each spent an afternoon with the Wabash YMCA school-age child care program, playing games and sports, doing crafts, reading stories, and enjoying snacks with the kids. This one-on-one interaction with the kids is vital in our effort to help youth and teens develop assets that strengthen and support them into their adulthood. 

June 5 was Deloitte “IMPACT Day," and we were fortunate that they chose two of our centers as service partners for their community service day. One group of 40 volunteers painted the gymnasium, the locker rooms and stairwells at the Austin YMCA. Another group of 40 volunteers hosted a carnival for the Head Start and pre-school child care kids at the North Lawndale YMCA. North Lawndale invited their friends up the street, the Garfield YMCA Child Care program, to join in the fun. The kids had a good time playing ring toss,duck pond and other games. They also loved the bouncy house. The carnival wrapped up with a cookout lunch. Deloitte generously contributed to both Austin and North Lawndale YMCAs to help cover the costs of the materials and supplies for these service projects.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) selected the McCormick Tribune YMCA as its service partner for a group of 25 volunteers. They cleared away brush and weeds and re-painted the dumpster corral; cleaned and painted the second floor rear stairwell; cleared away weeds and overgrowth around the marquee and planted flowers there to add curb appeal; and completed other general landscaping projects such as trimming bushes and trees, planting flowers around trees, spreading wood chips, and painting the “no parking” curbs. They accomplished all of this in half a day! PwC also contributed financially to cover the costs of the materials and supplies for these projects.

Twelve of our colleagues from the Financial Development Department at the YMCA of the USA spent an afternoon with Lawson House residents.They played Bingo and enjoyed an ice cream social as they got to know one another. The volunteers provided the Bingo game and prizes, as well as the ice cream toppings. Since it was a hot day in June, everyone was very happy with the ice cream treat!

Harris Bank deployed more than 70 volunteers to three YMCAs – Buehler, Elmhurst and Indian Boundary – to complete a variety of service projects, including indoor and outdoor painting; weeding, mulching and planting flowers; and hosting a lunch cookout for the kids at Buehler, a carnival for the kids at Elmhurst, and a “sports day” for the kids at Indian Boundary.

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

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Rachel's Challenge

During the Friendship Challenge Week, all Foglia YMCA campers participated in a week of giving and kindness. The camps organized various games, large and small group activities, and arts and crafts that promoted helping others. Rachel’s Challenge, held on July 15, was the highlighted event of the week, and more than 800 children from nine different YMCAs in the Chicagoland area participated.

Rachel’s Challenge is an organization that travels across the country speaking to schools and businesses (and now day camps) about Rachel Scott, who passed away at the age of 17 in the traumatic incident at Columbine High School in 1999. Her dream to promote compassion and kindness in others was brought to life through this amazing presentation.  The guest speaker, Brandie Orozco, spoke to two different groups: a K-5th grade group and a 6th -8th grade group.  Foglia YMCA staff led team-building games to reinforce the idea of working together and accepting one another. 

This was the first day camp Rachel's Challenge has ever addressed. The event and its message was well-received by the Foglia YMCA campers and staff, and Rachel Scott undoubtedly left a lasting impression.

For more information, please contact Jim Dalbec, Youth & Teen Coordinator.

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Cardio Equipment Fair a Success

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago attended the first Cardio Equipment Fair at the O’Hare Westin on July 8. The event was attended by 45 fitness and management team members representing 17 YMCAs. Attendees were invited to test and evaluate the newest models of cardio equipment in the industry. The event featured vendor presentations and a full line of cardio equipment from Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac and Matrix. 

Based on the group’s evaluations and feedback, the YMCA plans to purchase 225 pieces of new cardio equipment this year.

The Cardio Fair is part of a new, coordinated approach to fitness equipment procurement across the Association.  The overall goals of the process are to:

• Maximize purchasing leverage to reduce equipment costs
• Improve equipment service (i.e. reduce equipment down times)
• Standardize lines of equipment at all centers
• Improve member satisfaction by continually providing the newest and most up-to-date fitness equipment

For more information, please contact Carrie Wall, Vice President of Operations.

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Donation Sends Siblings to Summer Camp 

In memory of her late husband, Mike, Jean Dotson and her family made a donation to the Strong Kids program to help kids participate in summer camp. Mike Dotson grew up attending the Elmhurst YMCA, and the Y has always been important to the Dotson family.

Mike passed away suddenly last year, leaving Jean struggling to financially support her family. In addition to the support from her Y friends, the Y gave Jean and her family a scholarship so they could remain as members of the Y during this tough time. Even though she is still fighting to make ends meet for her own family, Jean found a way to give back to the Y in memory of Mike.

Two children, a brother and sister, benefited from Jean’s donation and were able to attend a week of summer camp. The children’s mother recently transitioned through the WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) program, which helps and supports victims of domestic violence. She is now starting a new job and re-establishing her family in new housing.

Earlier this year, the mother received a Buehler YMCA family membership, and because of Jean's generosity, her children were able to enjoy a week of summer camp.

For more information, please contact Laura Brown, Executive Director.

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Lattof Youth Handball Team in Championships

The Lattof YMCA Youth Handball team is in Venice, California, competing in the Junior National 3-Wall Handball Championships. The team will compete against the top junior 3-wall players from across the country.

The Lattof team consists of Steve Matiasek, 13; C.J. Laffey, 16; Eric Matiasek, 16; Kyle Kloss, 17; Dan Sterrett, 18; and Riley Kloss, 19.  The team will return to Des Plaines July 22. 

The Lattof YMCA will host the National Junior 4-Wall Championships Dec. 27-30. Players from the USA, Ireland, Canada and Mexico will visit the Lattof Y to compete.

For more information, please contact Don Quinlan, Program Leader.

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Strong Kids Annual Golf Outing
The Foglia YMCA hosted its 10th Annual Golf Outing at Ivanhoe Golf Club on June 29.

This year’s event counted on the participation of more than 90 golfers and raised more than $50,000. All the proceeds of the golf outing go towards the center's Strong Kids scholarship fund, which offers financial assistance to kids and families that otherwise could not afford to participate in the Association's programs and services.

The evening's silent auction included a weekend stay at a downtown condo packaged with Cubs tickets, a week stay at a California Four Season property, a home rental in Nevada for a week, a Bears skybox pre-season game and much more!

For more information, or if you are interested in participating in the 2010 golf outing, please contact Bonnie Caputo, Member Relations and Marketing Director.

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Rainbow Push Coalition Conference

The South Chicago YMCA campers attended the Rainbow Push Coalition Conference sponsored by Rev. Jesse Jackson. The two day conference was held at McCormick Place June 28-29.

Campers received information about drug and gang prevention, job readiness, martial arts, and hip-hop clothing design tips. Additionally, campers received backpacks stocked with school supplies.

Rev. Jackson spoke to the campers about the importance of education and drug and gang prevention. Campers ended each day by participating in basketball tournaments, dance activities and a fun obstacle course.

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King, Queen and Princess of Buehler

The Buehler YMCA participated in the Palatine 4th of July Parade. The Y had a very strong presence with the King and Queen, Group Groovers and the Adventure Guides. Fliers and one-day guest passes were handed out to onlookers along the parade route.

Photo, from left: Buehler Princess Gwyneth Hartzel, Queen Clare Spotak, King Zach Bernier

For more information, please contact Bill Kelly, Membership Relations Director.

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Samuel W. Anderson Memorial Gift

Camp MacLean received a gift from the Anderson family as a memorial to Samuel W. Anderson. When the family contemplated the best way to memorialize Samuel’s life, his dedication to family and his work ethic, they realized that the camp’s leadership program best represented all the wonderful things that mattered most to Samuel. The two-year leadership program teaches teens to be responsible, to have a strong work ethic and to increase their maturity level. The program challenges teens to balance work and play, to accept constructive criticism and to be accountable for their actions.

Part of the Anderson’s gift is the construction of a new summer cabin used for the leadership program, valued at $100,000. The current cabin facilities were constructed in the 1960’s and are in great need of replacement. The gift also includes the planting of 30 trees in the boy’s cabin area, costing $8,000. The current trees in the boy’s cabin area have suffered from oak blight and are also in need of replacement.

In memory of Samuel Anderson, Camp MacLean’s leadership program has received a generous gift that is sure to aid in its growth and success.

For more information, please contact Brian Ensberg, executive director.

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Fun in the Sun

Families and staff alike had a blast at the Leaning Tower YMCA Fun In The Sun family night on July 14.  Kids and parents played parachute games, bags, and ran relays as well as decorated and planted seed cups to take home.  Kids played in the inflatable bouncy house, and everyone enjoyed hot dogs on the grill and the beautiful weather!

For more information, please contact Amanda Yeast, Member Relations Director.

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Buehler YMCA Makes it Easy to Belong During Tough Times

During a time when it’s most needed, the Buehler YMCA is stepping up its efforts to help people belong to the Y. The Y recently visited the Palatine Opportunity Center to help members of predominantly lower-income, Latino households understand the different programs and services the Y offers. During the two-day visit, seven new families were welcomed into the Buehler YMCA family.  Based on the families’ incomes, they were able to take advantage of Buehler’s scholarship program and pay only $10 to $30 per month for a family membership that is valued at $82 per month.

Last year, through the money raised by the Strong Kids Campaign, the Buehler YMCA provided more than $250,000 in membership and program assistance. The 2009 need is proving to be even greater, and the YMCA is taking dramatic steps to both keep its members and bring new ones into the family.

For more information, please contact Bill Kelly, Membership Relations Director.

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Brookfield Days Parade

The Greater LaGrange YMCA marched in the Brookfield Days parade on July 4, its third parade this year. The staff and members helped hand out healthy fruit snacks to people watching the parade.  For a small, temporary facility, this YMCA is really making a difference in the community.

For more information, please contact Debbie Strus, Program Director.

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Danielle Martinez has been an integral part of the Rauner Family YMCA front desk membership team, with a passion for programming and working with children. As part of the membership staff, Danielle continually made extra time to assist with youth programming. such as arts and crafts, Incredible Edibles and homework hour. She has been promoted to Program Coordinator for the CDBG grant after school program, “CHAT.”

For more information, please contact Marty Gutierrez, Executive Director.

Robin Wagner, Teen/Family Coordinator at the Buehler YMCA, has recently added the title of Volunteer Coordinator to her job description. Robin coordinates the Y's Healthy Kids Day and annual Halloween event, both of which rely heavily on volunteers to make them run smoothly. She is currently compiling a 12-month schedule of volunteer needs for special events and other areas of operation at the YMCA.

For more information, please contact Robin Wagner, Teen/Family Coordinator.

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Bomb Squad Visits Leaning Tower

The Bomb Squad Division of the Chicago Police Department recently visited the Leaning Tower YMCA. Day campers got to see a demonstration of the robot and participated in some hands-on activities with the squad’s truck and bomb suits.

For more information, please contact Amanda Yeast, Member Relations Director.

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YMCA Employees Go the Extra Mile

In the absence of a Member Relations Director at the Rauner Family YMCA, Nancy Martinez stepped up and took a leadership role. Nancy and the membership team coordinated an exciting calendar of summer events for Rauner members, including a member car wash, member barbecue , outings to Ravina and family fun nights. Thank you for your hard work, Nancy!

For more information, please contact Marty Gutierrez, Executive Director. 

Angie Drazkowski, Building Supervisor at the Buehler YMCA, went the extra mile for a front desk volunteer that had lost a treasured ring from her deceased husband. Angie comforted the distraught woman and helped her retrace her steps. The ring was found later in the evening. The volunteer sought out the Buehler Executive Director to tell her that Angie is an “angelic” staff member.

For more information, please contact Mark Purcell, Operations Director.

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Kidsfest

Kidsfest '09, held on July 17, was attended by 134 people from the westside area and neighboring communities. The Dr. Effie O. Ellis leadership and staff wish to thank everyone who, in one way or another, made the event a huge success - namely, all the community partners, local businesses and the 31 volunteers. The next kidsfest is on September 11, which will be a joint effort with Marshall YMCA.

For more information, please contact Anelyn Jablo, Site Director.

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YMCA Alliance Community Job Fair

On June 18, the YMCA Alliance sponsored a community job fair at Kelly Hall. More than 100 people attended, 45 percent of which were YMCA clients, and 55 percent were residents of the West Humboldt Park community. According to participants, 19 people received employment offers. Contests for the best dressed were held to encourage and support those who came dressed in their interview best.

For more information, or to donate interview attire and accessories for people participating in the Y Alliance employment assistance programs, please contact Laura Pleasants, YMCA Alliance Executive.

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Brookfield's Relay for Life

A team from the Greater LaGrange YMCA participated in Brookfield’s Relay for Life this year. They were one of 28 teams that came to raise money and awareness for Cancer research. The team walked, ran and even took a sledgehammer to the "cancer car."

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

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