Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Home Depot-Shorewood Provides Generous Donation for Membership Desk Renovation at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is excited to start the new year with a fresh look after completing renovations on our Membership Desk this past week!

This project, which was made possible by a generous $9,246 donation from Home Depot-Shorewood, featured installation of a new countertop, updated cabinets, and a fresh coat of paint.

“The Y strives to be a welcoming place from the moment someone walks through the doors, and we know the updates to our Membership Desk will continue to help members and guests feel at home when visiting the Y,” C.W. Avery Family YMCA Executive Director Erin Lightbody said.

We would like to thank Home Deport-Shorewood for their generosity, as well as the members of the Y staff team who assisted with the completion of the project. We also thank members for their patience throughout the construction process.

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Tickets Now On Sale for the 2026 YMCA Gala

The 2026 YMCA Gala, generously presented by Midland States Bank, will be held on Saturday, February 28, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Tickets for this must-attend event are now on sale!

Since its inception, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised nearly $1.8 million to benefit families within our community. Join us as we celebrate charitable giving at the YMCA by showcasing the Y’s impact in our community and the generous donors who help to make our mission come to life each and every day.

This elegant evening will include:

  • A cocktail hour, dinner, and open bar
  • Silent and Live auctions
  • Raise the Paddle giving opportunities
  • Wine Pull and Heads or Tails raffles
  • Live entertainment and dancing

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.

PURCHASE GALA TICKETS TODAY

INSPIRING GENEROSITY
At this year’s Gala, the Y will also present the C.W. and J.L. Avery Philanthropic Award to Paul E. Gantzert in recognition of his generous and inspiring charitable support of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.

LEARN MORE
For more details about remaining sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase cash raffle/toast of the town raffle tickets, visit our event headquarters.

If you have questions about the 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.org
Phone: (815) 782-0800

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

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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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Hollywood Casino Donates More Than $9,000 to YMCA Mission Strong Fund

Every day the Greater Joliet Area YMCA affirms its commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Y programs provide opportunities for all generations, ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. And as a non-profit, community-based organization, the YMCA relies on the generosity of its members and the support of charitable giving to provide services and financial assistance for children, adults and families living in our community.

That is why the YMCA would like to thank the Hollywood Casino Joliet, which recently provided a $9,354.30 donation in support of the YMCA Mission Strong Fund. This gift will help to ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

“Fulfilling the Y mission is not possible without the kindness of local businesses like Hollywood Casino, and we are so grateful to have their support,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair said. “We know that this donation will make a difference for children and families participating in programs throughout the Y,” added Leclair.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here. To show your support by making a donation, please click here. 

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Support the YMCA on Giving Tuesday

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.

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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Give to Strength: Make a Donation to the Y During Our 12 Days of Giving Campaign

For nearly 100 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; and families are staying active and spending quality time together.

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. This would not be possible without the support of our generous donors.

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 2025 Mission Strong Fund during our 12 Days of Giving Campaign, which begins on November 21 and will continue through Giving Tuesday on December 3.

Your gift this holiday season 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

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United Way