EVANSTON, IL. – The McGaw YMCA proudly announces the launch of its 140th Anniversary Celebration, a year-long series of events and initiatives honoring more than a century of service and community impact in Evanston.

Since its founding on November 17, 1885, the Evanston YMCA—now the McGaw YMCA—has served generations of Evanstonians with mission-driven programs that nurture spirit, mind, and body. As part of the YMCA of the USA, which will celebrate 175 years in 2026, McGaw Y has carried forward the national mission while evolving to meet local needs from its first home at Jennings Hall on Davis Street to its current location at 1000 Grove Street.

In the early 20th century, the Evanston YMCA founded Camp Echo (1924) and several neighborhood branches, including the Emerson Street Branch—a cherished hub for Black Evanstonians until 1967, when the YMCA of the USA ended segregated branches nationwide. These branches provided opportunities for fitness, youth development, civic engagement, vocational training, social connection, and affordable housing for men, shaping Evanston’s social and cultural fabric for generations.

Renamed the McGaw YMCA in 1984, the Y has expanded its reach with the Children’s Center, Grimm Family Aquatic Center, Sebring-Lewis Center, and MetaMedia, an innovative digital media and maker space for middle school youth. Today, the McGaw Y continues its legacy of responding to community needs with a campaign to renovate its historic Men’s Residence, ensuring it remains an affordable, dignified place of belonging.

“As we celebrate 140 years in Evanston, we honor our past and look forward to continuing to serve our community for generations to come,” said Monique Parsons, President/CEO of McGaw YMCA.

“This anniversary celebrates everyone who has been part of our local story, while also recognizing our role within the larger YMCA movement, which has been helping people and communities learn, grow, and thrive across this country and around the world. Together, we are creating brighter futures.”

Learn more about the history of the YMCA in Evanston at mcgawymca.org/about/history.

Year-Long Celebration

The 140th anniversary celebration kicks off on Monday, November 17, 2025, and continues with a series of events and fundraising initiatives, including:

• McGaw YMCA 140th Birthday Celebration: Cake with the CEO & Author Talk – November 17 | 5:00-7:00PM. Join President & CEO Monique Parsons on Nov. 17 from 5-7PM in the Chinnock Lounge for an evening of history, community, and connection. Shorefront Legacy Center Founder Morris (Dino) Robinson will present on the history of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA from his newly revised book, Gatherings: The History and Activities of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA, followed by a book signing. Guests can enjoy birthday cake and YMCA swag while supplies last and sign a giant birthday card. Free and open to the public.
• Community Family Fun Night: Birthday Bash – November 21 | 5:30-7:30PM. The celebration continues at the McGaw YMCA Community Family Fun Night Birthday Bash! Bring the entire family to the Y for glow-in-the-dark fun, including a dance party, bounce house, and more. Open to the public; registration requested but not required. RSVP here.
• Y140 Party – January 24, 2026 |7:00-10:00PM. This 21+ fundraising event is the ultimate “night in the Town” experience, blending the sophistication of our Galas with the energy, nostalgia, and togetherness of the iconic Y Parties from years past. From red carpet glam to retro-casual, show off your favorite Y Party era-inspired looks — sneakers encouraged! Delicious local bites and open bar with beer, wine, and signature cocktails. Learn more and buy tickets at mcgawymca.org/yparty.

For more information, a complete list of events, or to donate, visit mcgawymca.org/anniversary.