Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Inspire, Educate, Motivate: Become a Volunteer YBL Coach

Calling all parents, leaders, mentors and basketball enthusiasts! We have a unique opportunity for you. The YMCA is in need of volunteer coaches for the upcoming Youth Basketball League (YBL) season. For a couple hours each week, we’re looking for someone who can:

  • Instill positive values
  • Teach the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship
  • Promote the benefits of physical activity
  • Lead, encourage and have fun at the time

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer head coach or assistant coach, complete the online volunteer application by clicking below.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

The Y supports our volunteer coaches by providing the following resources:

  • Practice time and location
  • Practice site set-up, practice equipment and storage
  • Practice outlines
  • Staff supervision at all practices/games (Supervising staff is certified in CPR and First-Aid)
  • Instructional staff support at practices if requested
  • Team Sideline Benefits
    -Game schedule
    -Practice schedule
    -Picture day schedule
    -Game and practice reminders as well as any alerts to changes in the schedule will be sent directly from the YMCA to coaches/parents
  • Free volunteer coach shirt
  • Free coach plaque (Head Coach)/team picture (Assistant Coaches), one free coach/player picture
  • Hand whistles for practices
  • Game rules

To learn more, please contact your local Y brach:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Maria Freeh, Sports Director
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217

Galowich Family YMCA
Jaclyn Aul, Camp and Sports Manager
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 317

Morris Community YMCA
Chris Interial, Sports Director
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 514

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Welcomes Community for Renovated Youth and Family Space Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Wednesday, September 4, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA was proud to welcome the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovation of its Kids Corner Supervised Playroom, Supervised Activity Center, and Program Room.

Message of Thanks

The event began with opening remarks from Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce (PSACC) Executive Director Tasha Marsaglia, who invited Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair . Leclair then thanked everyone who helped transform the renovated space, noting that this project was made possible thanks to the advocacy and leadership of State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel and a generous grant from the State of Illinois. This incredible support provided the Y with the opportunity to create colorful, welcoming, and engaging youth programming spaces for children and families in our community.

Making an Impact

Leclair then introduced YMCA Director of Branch & Program Operations and C.W. Avery Family YMCA Executive Director Lisa Behounek, who shared more about how the newly renovated spaces will benefit kids in our community.  

Renovations include:

Kids Corner Playroom (Open to children ages 6 months – 7 years old)
New furniture, toys for kids of all ages, fresh paint, welcoming graphics, and a new play structure.

Activity Center (Open to children ages 7 and up)
New furniture, wall graphics, computers, gaming systems, Infinity gaming tables, a TV, and expanded arts and craft stations.

Program Room (Utilized for Fab 50 Events, Community Meetings, and Day Out of School and Summer Camp activities)
Fresh paint with new kitchen equipment and cabinetry installed.

LEARN, GROW, THRIVE

Behounek then welcomed State Senator Cappel to speak about her support of the Y’s mission. Cappel said she was proud to play a role in the project and expressed gratitude for the Y’s impact in the community. 

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Advisory Council Chairman Ryan Peterson then presented Senator Cappel with a special gift made by children in the YMCA’s Pint-Size Pupils preschool program. 

The event concluded with members of the Avery Advisory Council, PSACC, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors, and YMCA staff team joining together to cut the ribbon and formally celebrate the grand opening of the renovated spaces.

We welcome members to utilize these renovated spaces during their next visit to the Y! 

Kids Corner Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:45 a.m.-12 p.m., 4:30-8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Available to Facility Members only. For safety and security reasons, we ask that members present a membership card for themselves and their child(ren) when they are checking into Kids Corner. No reservations are required.

Supervised Activity Center Hours
Monday-Friday: 3:15-8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

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Save During the YMCA’s 2024 Fall Sports League Sale

When kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups.  Youth sports programs at the YMCA teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids who participate in YMCA youth sports have a lot of fun.

Register your child(ren) for the Y’s fall soccer, flag football, or t-ball leagues from July 26-29 and SAVE $10!*

Use promo code: LEAGUES24FA when registering online

*Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Programs vary by location. Limit one per member. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Some restrictions may apply. Learn more and register today by clicking below.

Flag Football

Soccer

T-Ball

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Sponsorships For The 2024 YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic On Sale Now

Sponsorship opportunities for the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s third annual Mission Strong Golf Classic, which will be held on Wednesday, September 18 at ‘The Creek’ at Morris Country Club, are now available. Proceeds from this year’s golf outing, which is generously presented by Midland States Bank, will benefit the Y’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, the success of all YMCA fundraising events rely heavily upon the generosity of area businesses and individuals through sponsorships. Exciting sponsorship opportunities, ranging from $250 to $5,000, with corresponding benefits are available. Presenting, leading, titanium, and graphite level sponsors are invited to purchase additional foursomes for this year’s outing before they go on sale to the general public on July 15, 2024. Dinner tickets for the 2024 Mission Strong Golf Classic are also available for $50.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

JOIN US

Third Annual YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic
Wednesday, September 18

Lunch – 11 a.m.
Shotgun Start – Noon

‘The Creek’ at Morris Country Club
Morris, IL

Your day will include:

  • 18 holes of golf with a cart
  • Lunch and complimentary beverages on the course
  • A cocktail reception, dinner, and awards
  • A welcome gift, course games, prizes, raffles, and more

Cost: $700 per foursome or $175 for an individual golfer, $50 for dinner reception only

*Foursomes and dinner tickets will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 15.

To learn more about the 2024 Mission Strong Golf Classic, please contact:

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Donnie Chestnutt
Mission Advancement Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 782-0800

EVENT INFORMATION
Dori Fugate
Volunteer and Special Events Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 782-0502

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2024 YMCA GALA Nets More Than $250,000 For Mission Strong Fund

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.

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Celebrating Volunteer Leadership at the YMCA: Cheri Rubocki

As the Y begins an exciting year of serving our community in 2024, we are proud to announce that Cheri Rubocki will begin a two-year term as Chair of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA Board of Directors this month. Rubocki has spent the last two years as the Board’s vice chair, and has been a member of the Board for the last seven years. Rubocki’s term as chairman officially began last week, when she ceremoniously received the gavel from Past Chair Guy Christensen.

“It’s very humbling to be in a position like this for an incredible organization. The leadership team I have around me is amazing. The passion of our Y volunteers is inspiring, and I love being a part of it,” Rubocki said.

Rubocki, a Joliet native, has spent more than 30 years in the banking industry and currently serves as Senior Vice President and Director of Talent Acquisition for Old National Bank. Her relationship with the Y traces back to the year 2000 and the JETS swim team.

“That was the year my son joined the team, and my daughter joined the JETS the following year,” Rubocki said. “I started to learn more about the Y just by being around the facilities and meeting the employees. When I started to recognize the impact Y programs had on the community, specifically for children, that’s when I wanted to become more involved.”

Rubocki would go on to serve on the parent board of the JETS, and later joined the Galowich/Smith Family YMCA Advisory Council in 2015. She became a member of the Metro Board in 2018, and she credits the relationships she has built with other volunteers as a driving factor in her passion for the Y.

“It’s always the people. When I joined the advisory council, I had the opportunity to meet the board members and it was clear how much dedication and commitment these individuals had to help lead the Y,” she said. “And with people like President and CEO Katy Leclair driving the work the Y does every day, it’s easy to get excited about lending a helping hand.”

Rubocki is also excited about projects on the horizon, including the planned opening of the Morris Hospital YMCA in early 2025.

“I’m so impressed with the support local businesses and community partners have shown to make the Morris facility start to come to life,” she said. “I also can’t say enough about the work Guy Christensen, Kevin Olson, Missy Durkin and all the members of the Morris Capital Campaign Cabinet have done to put us in this position. We’re in a really great place.”

And whether it’s through free swim lessons in the Y’s Safety Around Water Program, or invaluable childcare at before and after school and summer day camp sites, Rubocki believes a continued emphasis on serving those in need is what will allow the Y to continue to make a huge impact in the communities we serve.

“My favorite thing about the Y is that we do not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay. Our doors are always open. That’s what differentiates us. Everything we do is tied to our mission and we stay focused on meeting the needs of our community,” she said.

On behalf of the Y, we’d like to thank Cheri for her continued leadership and wish her well in this new role.

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United Way