Next week the McGaw YMCA celebrates its official 125th birthday with some of its youngest members.
From 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 17, members and friends will gather in an informal setting at the McGaw’s Children’s Center, 1420 Maple Ave.
The children will all help to blow out the candles on the Y’s birthday cake, and will participate in a coloring contest. Each child will receive a mini cupcake to help celebrate.
Nov. 17, 1885, is the official birth date of the McGaw YMCA in Evanston. The Y was founded with 130 members and $2,210 in funds. Annual membership fees were $5 per year. The Y’s first location was the Rink Building, located at Davis Street and Chicago Avenue, with M.P. Aiken as the first President, and W.S. Mather as the first General Secretary.
With all the generations of individuals and families impacted by 125 years of service, the McGaw YMCA has reason to celebrate. The mission and vision continue to be to strive to strengthen the foundations of the community, promoting good health, providing youth with opportunities for personal development, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The hope is that it will continue to serve for another 125 years and more.