Apr 24, 2026

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Honors Community Leaders and Youth Changemakers at 2026 Impact Celebration

CHICAGO (April 22, 2026) — The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago hosts its annual Impact Celebration tonight, bringing together civic, philanthropic, and community leaders to celebrate the Y’s mission and the individuals and organizations making a difference across the region.

“The Impact Celebration is one of the most powerful nights of the year for the Y, because it brings together the people who make our mission possible,” said Adam M. Alonso, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “This year, we’re not only recognizing the honorees and the young leaders who inspire us every day, we’re also celebrating the YMCA’s impact on people, neighborhoods, and communities across the Chicago metro area. It’s a reminder of how much we can do when we come together as a community.”

Y for Life
The 2026 Impact Celebration will highlight the Y’s mission to strengthen community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. The event supports the Y’s work serving more than 120,000 individuals each year through programs focused on everything from healthy living at all ages and stages of life to youth development and social responsibility. 2026 Honorees This year’s honorees represent the spirit of community partnership and long-term investment in the people and the communities the Y serves:

  • Neighborhood Sports Little Village (Chicago) — A coalition working to expand access to safe, high-quality sports programming for youth in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
  • Foglia Family Foundation (Barrington, IL) — Recognized for its longstanding philanthropic support for wellness, education, and community-based programming.

Youth Changemakers
The dinner will also feature young leaders who exemplify the Y’s commitment to youth development:

  • Cielo Camarena — A YMCA Illinois Youth & Government program participant from Chicago whose student-authored bill is currently under consideration by the Illinois General Assembly and was recently passed by the House (House Bill 4372). The bill would require Illinois public schools to cover the contributions of Latin Americans in relevant coursework.
  • Irving Park YMCA Teen Leaders Club — A program that builds leaders and brings young people together to serve their community.

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About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is your Y for Life, serving more than 120,000 people each year through a network of around 100 community centers, overnight camps, and learning sites. From sports and fitness to aquatics, camps, preschool, and before- and after-school programs, the Y helps individuals and families build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits at any age or stage of life. The YMCA of the USA proudly celebrates 175 years of community impact in 2026.

Media Contact
Jack Segal
Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-805-8838
[email protected]