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Mar 2010  |  By Mibs  |  Comments

McGaw YMCA Goes Back (and) To The Future

On Saturday, January 23, more than 400 guests assembled at 1000 Grove Street to kick off the McGaw YMCA's 125th anniversary year.

Entitled “Back (and) to the Future”, this gala event benefited the YMCA's programs for the youth of the local community. Guests, dressed as everything from 1920s flappers to futuristic beings and everything in between, gave generously, danced enthusiastically and reconnected across the decades.

Laurie Vree chaired the event, with the aid of over 40 volunteers. For five hours the Sebring-Lewis Center at the YMCA was given over to the celebration of 125 years of building community and changing futures in Evanston. Ms. Vree commented, “We are thrilled that we sold out and had such a wonderful turnout of those who truly appreciate the many programs of the YMCA.”

One of the programs benefiting from the gala is Project SOAR, a mentorship program that connects adult community members with Evanston-area youth. “I have gotten so much more out of it than I ever expected. I feel that we learn more and more from one another as the weeks go on,” said Kate Jaruseski, a Northwestern University student and Project SOAR mentor. “The experience has been mutually beneficial, and I am so happy to be a part of Project SOAR.” Anja Eason, Jaruseski’s mentee, agreed. “You can go really cool places with your mentor and have fun with someone who is not your age. It's a very cool experience.”

Among the guests were: Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl; former Mayor Lorraine Morton; and the co-chairs of the 125th anniversary year, Patty and Bob Reece and Jan and Tom Hazlett. Vickie Burke, Chair of the Board, and Bill Geiger, President and CEO of the YMCA were there to personally welcome everyone.

One of the highlights of the evening was the premiere of a short film by Susan Hope Engel, The YMCA in Evanston - 125 Years Strong, on the history of the McGaw YMCA and the Emerson Street Branch YMCA. The film featured interviews with people and families whose lives have been touched by the YMCAs in Evanston, in many cases across several generations. The film can be viewed online at www.mcgawymca.org and a commemorative edition will be available for purchase. “This was an evening of reconnection, inspiration, and just plain fun--with more of the same in the coming months,” co-chairs Jan and Tom Hazlett said.

Premier sponsors of this event and of the entire anniversary year’s activities are: Harris Bank; the Lewis-Sebring Foundation; Northwestern University; and Romano Brothers & Co. Additional event sponsors are Hagerty Consulting, SchiffHardin, LLI, First Bank & Trust, Brown, Kaplan and Liss, LLI, Coldwell Banker, Evanston Capital Management, and Resurrection Health Care.

An entire year of anniversary activities is planned, including a Brillianteen Alumni Revue in March and “Unforgettable,” an event to honor the Emerson Street Branch Y in May. For more details on the year’s festivities, go www.mcgawymca.org and look for the 125th anniversary page.

“This was a spectacular beginning to an extraordinary year for the McGaw YMCA,” co-chairs Bob and Patty Reece said. “We’d like to thank all who participated as we begin a year of events and activities to celebrate our 125 years in Evanston.”