YMCA Dodgeball Tournament Hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resource Network

Here at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we’re all about the Power of Play — whether it’s taking joy in the work we do, promoting growth in our community, or just having fun as a team. And at the YMCA Dodgeball Tournament, we did all three! 

We had an amazing time last month at the Y Dodgeball Tournament, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resource Network, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s Pride Employee Resource Group (ERG). Teams of Y staff members and family from across our Association came together at the Buehler YMCA to show their Y spirit in a bracket-style tournament, while also contributing to the Palatine Food Pantry! 

Congratulations to our tournament winners, the Firecrackers: Marcos Beltran, Jason Brown, Danielle Carey, Ben Ossler, and Ashley Pettinger. You played a great game! And special shout-out to the winners of Best Dressed Team, Chief Employee Empowerment Officer Jill Doerner and her husband, Ray Doerner. 

"Life is like a dodgeball game: unpredictable, fast-paced, and full of unexpected twists and turns,” said Richard Harper, co-lead of the LGBTQ+ Resource Network and Director of Talent Acquisisition, YMCA of Metro Chicago. “But with determination, teamwork, and a bit of strategy, you can dodge every obstacle that comes your way and emerge victorious." 

Thank you to all of the YMCA staff and family members who came out to the Buehler Y! Your day-to-day dedication to the Y’s mission of connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other is truly inspiring.  

 Find more photos from the Y Dodgeball Tournament on our Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (formerly known as Twitter). Want to learn more about upcoming YMCA events? Keep up with the latest and greatest via our News & Events webpage or by signing up for our marketing emails!