McGaw YMCA staff celebrate a successful Day of Giving with President/CEO Monique Parsons, pictured center. EVANSTON, IL – The spirit of generosity was in full bloom at the McGaw Y on May 8 during its 2025 YMCA Day of Giving. This annual 24-hour fundraising event brought the community together around a shared mission to create brighter futures in Evanston. Thanks to the generosity of 130 donors, over $15,000 was raised—unlocking a matching gift and doubling the impact to more than $30,000 in support of McGaw YMCA’s life-changing programs and services. The front lawn outside 1000 Grove Street was transformed into a colorful Garden of Gratitude, a vibrant display of pinwheels planted for every donation made. Each pinwheel symbolized a supporters’ commitment to creating brighter futures in Evanston by sustaining the Y’s vital programs and services, including high-quality child care and early education, nutritious meals, swim lessons, summer camps, and safe, […]

EVANSTON, IL – McGaw YMCA is proud to announce the return of its Day of Giving on May 8, 2025—a one-day opportunity for the Evanston community to come together and help create brighter futures. This year’s goal is to rally 130 donors in just 24 hours. Thanks to a generous matching gift, every donation made on May 8 will be doubled, up to $15,000—supporting essential programs. “We are thrilled to bring back the McGaw YMCA Day of Giving,” said Mark Metz, Chair of the McGaw YMCA Board of Directors. “This is a powerful opportunity for our community to come together and support the Y programs that change lives. With the support of a generous match, every gift will go twice as far.” To celebrate each act of generosity, McGaw YMCA will plant a colorful pinwheel in its Garden of Gratitude on the front lawn for every donation received, symbolizing the