New Video: The Y is Forever Grateful for its Donor

The YMCA of Rock River Valley, like many nonprofit organizations, has experienced a difficult year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With membership numbers down, the Y has looked to donors for extra support to sustain operations and continue impactful programs. 

The Y’s biggest fundraising event over the past eight years has been the annual YMCA Community Dinner. “Our dinner is a time to come together to celebrate leaders and organizations who are a force for good in our community,” said Brent Pentenburg, CEO, YMCA of Rock River Valley. Through the dinner, the Y can share its impact and raise funds to support the mission. The event, which typically draws about 500 people, was cancelled in 2021. Though we couldn’t gather in-person, our sponsors graciously stepped in and offered support.

“Losing a fundraising event is difficult, and it is particularly difficult to lose an event with generous support during an especially difficult year, but we have all learned we can do things differently,” said Michelle Gorham, CFRE, YMCA Chief Advancement Officer. “We have an amazing community of supporters who have always wanted to make the Rock River Valley region a strong and healthy place to live and thrive – and they stepped up big this year.”

The Y is striving to raise $1.3 million this year. Sponsors donated $53,500 to the non-event helping push the total raised so far in 2021 to nearly $700,000. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors and what that spirit of giving makes happen in our community,” said Pentenburg.

Donations to the non-event and other YMCA Annual Campaign efforts help ensure the Y is a place where everyone feels welcome regardless of their ability to pay. Financial assistance is provided for various programs including membership, swim lessons, child care, camp and more. Donations allow the Y to increase its reach to those who need it most. 



2021 YMCA Corporate Sponsors
Alpha Controls & Services
Aqua-Aerobic Systems
Coyle-Kiley Insurance Agency and John & Katie Rose
Field
Illinois Bank & Trust
Judson University
Lana Engen, Aspire Financial Group, A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
Oak Street Health
OrthoIllinois
OSF Healthcare System
Rosecrance Health Network
Savant Capital Management
Schmeling Construction
Sjostrom & Sons Foundation
Stateline Church
Stenstrom Foundation
Stillman Bank
SwedishAmerican Health System
TH Foods, Inc.
Trotter Manufacturing, Inc.
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP

Click here to donate to the Y's annual campaign.