Celebrating a Night of Possibilities

Each autumn, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago brings together our friends and supporters to celebrate the individuals and organizations who work diligently to advance the Y’s mission of connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. This annual event generates significant philanthropic resources to support the highest priorities of our association.

The 2022 event, A Night of Possibilities, recognized the past, present, and future achievements made possible by the generosity of the Y community and by three supporters in particular.

Then-Board Chair Sharon Fairley received the Volunteer Award for her service and commitment to the Y. A former federal prosecutor, Sharon is one of Chicago’s most respected legal professionals and criminal justice reform advocates. As Chair of the Y’s Board of Managers, she helped the Y navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw a successful leadership transition, and continues to be an enthusiastic advocate for the organization and those it serves.

Juatise Gathings, Director of Operations and Community Engagement for Discover Financial Services, received the Leader Award. Juatise was recognized for purposefully leading the opening of a local Discover call center by focusing on employment, education, and neighborhood engagement to strengthen the local community.

Chicago’s own Wilson Sporting Goods received the Partner Award for their generous support of the Y’s youth sports program. Their engagement includes not only financial resources, but also a deep commitment to mentorship and volunteerism. For more than 100 years, Wilson has been on a mission to help athletes everywhere reach their true potential.

After two years of virtual events, the 2022 Recognition Dinner was held in person at Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago’s West Loop. As Y President and CEO Dorri McWhorter said in her remarks, “Isn’t it nice to be back in person, y’all?!”

Since 2014, the event has raised more than $10 million to empower the Y to carry out its mission. It’s safe to say this support opens up worlds of possibilities.