McGaw YMCA Gala 2025: Shining Bright in the Evanston Community

The McGaw Y President/CEO smiling at the audience.

Monique Parsons, McGaw YMCA President/CEO, welcomed guests at the McGaw YMCA Gala on January 25.

EVANSTON, IL. – The McGaw YMCA hosted its annual gala on January 25, 2025, in the Sebring-Lewis Center, bringing the Evanston community together for an evening that truly shined. This year’s event, presented by Northwestern University, celebrated the YMCA’s unwavering commitment to being a beacon of hope, support, and transformation in the lives of all it touches.

With over 200 attendees, the gala offered an unforgettable experience, featuring delicious cuisine and exciting raffles generously curated by local Evanston businesses. Guests were captivated by an inspiring opening performance from violinist Windy Indie and enjoyed lively music by DJ Corey Bless.

Monique Parsons, McGaw YMCA President/CEO, spoke passionately about the Y’s impact in the Evanston community. From offering affordable housing and providing meals for families and children, to reshaping community health and creating life-changing youth education experiences, she shared how the Y illuminates a path for growth, connection, and opportunity.

“The McGaw YMCA isn’t just a place to work out—it’s a lifeline in our community,” Parsons said. “It’s a place where children learn to swim and families from every corner of Evanston connect. It’s where neighbors find hope, support, and belonging.”

Parsons invited the audience to envision an Evanston where no child is left without care, no neighbor faces hardship alone, and no dream feels out of reach. She emphasized that, together, supporters of the Y can turn this vision into reality and ensure the Y remains the place in Evanston where the porchlight is always left on.

A powerful video presentation highlighted the profound impact of the Y’s programs on people across Evanston.

The evening raised over $250,000 in support of the McGaw YMCA’s mission. These vital funds will fuel programs in affordable housing, early childhood education, and health and well-being—helping the YMCA continue to shine brightly in service to its mission.

The success of the event was made possible by the incredible generosity of attendees, donors, and sponsors. Special thanks to presenting sponsor Northwestern and lead sponsors: Anonymous, the Lewis-Sebring Family Foundation, and the Tom F. and Susan P. Moran Family Foundation. Visit the gala webpage for a full list of sponsors.

McGaw YMCA Gala 2025

Interested in supporting the McGaw YMCA? Consider making a one-time or recurring donation at mcgawymca.org/donate.

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