GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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.