GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

On Wednesday, February 4, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA was proud to welcome the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the facility’s 20th Anniversary.

The event began with opening remarks from Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce (PSACC) Executive Director Tasha Marsaglia, who invited C.W Avery Family YMCA Advisory Council Chairman Brian Minnis to give the afternoon’s invocation. Marsaglia then introduced Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair, who began by thanking everyone who has helped shape the Y’s story in Plainfield.

Leclair noted that, from the very beginning, the Y’s focus on bringing people together has found a generous embrace from our members, resulting in a vibrant community center where everyone is welcome.

She added that the C.W. Avery Family YMCA is now home to more than 17,000 members and program participants, and that the Y’s mission is brought to life through visionary staff leadership and invaluable volunteer and donor support. She also credited the strength of continued partnerships with local organizations like Endeavor Health, Plainfield School District 202, and Valley View CUSD 365U, for helping the Y thrive. 

Leclair then welcomed C.W. Avery Family YMCA Executive Director Erin Lightbody as the next speaker. Lightbody expressed gratitude for the day-to-day efforts of YMCA employees and volunteers and emphasized that the Y has a unique ability to help make the community stronger in a variety of ways. 

“I know I speak for our entire staff when I say how grateful we are for the opportunity to bring joy and play a small part in the Y stories that unfold throughout this building and in our programs every single day,” Lightbody said. 

Lightbody then introduced Lauren Betzwiser, granddaughter of Judy and the late Clyde Avery, who thanked the Y for honoring her family’s legacy and serving the community.

The Y then celebrated the support of the Village of Plainfield by inviting Mayor John Argoudelis to speak. Mayor Argoudelis, an advocate of the Y for many years, described the Y’s role in Plainfield’s continued growth, providing vital health, wellness, and youth development programs ensuring that residents have opportunities to thrive.  

The event concluded with members of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA Advisory Council, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, and YMCA staff joining together to cut a ceremonial ribbon in celebration of this important milestone.

To learn more about the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, please visit our branch homepage by clicking here.