North Suburban YMCA Receives $463,000 Gift from Walgreens Foundation.

Dec. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Northbrook, IL    The North Suburban YMCA was the recipient of a $463,000 bequest from the estate of Charles R. Walgreen, Jr., the grandson of Swedish immigrants, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 100.  The gift will be used for the Y’s $4.1 Phase II Capital Campaign, Investing in a Healthier Community, to expand and renovate the YMCA building located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook.  With the Walgreens donation, the Y now has enough cash on hand to begin essential initial Phase II structural and planning work.  

Dan Jorndt, a retired former Chairman of Walgreen's and longtime supporter describes Mr. Walgreen as shy, smart, kind and very generous.  “He loved the YMCA,” said Jorndt, “I would see him working out in the weight room on Saturday afternoons when he was well into his 90's.”

“We are extremely grateful for Walgreen’s continued support of the North Suburban YMCA.” said Bob Dahlke, Jr., YMCA Board President “This bequest is the perfect foothold to begin Phase II enhancements.  Right now we have started renovations of freight to passenger elevator conversion which should be complete in March.”

The Y’s plans include upgrading and modernizing the facility to make it fully ADA compliant; expanding the facility space by up to 25,000 square feet to increase indoor fitness and wellness studios; adding additional children’s and family program spaces,  installing a new indoor warm water therapy pool; replacing the existing playground with a new fully accessible one; renovating and upgrading the locker rooms, tripling the capacity of the after-school child care facilities; and replacing the Y’s outdated mechanical and HVAC equipment with new, energy efficient, “green” technology systems.

“We will not be financing any debt so this gift provides cash in the bank to move forward  to renovate and replace outdated systems and space, including tripling our capacity for childcare,” commented Howard Schultz, Executive Director/CEO of the North Suburban YMCA.  

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and transform the facility. All board members including Phase II co-chairs, Phil Ruben, Dave Otis, and Don Roth are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources.  Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve city region, for over 40 years.  Their mission is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities through family-focused programming accessible to all.  For more information or to make a donation contact Howard Schultz at 847.272-7240.

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The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and transform the facility. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve city region, for over 40 years. Their mission is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities through family-focused programming accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation contact Howard Schultz at 847.272-7240.