Fling into Spring!
The West Cook County Youth Club was proud to host its Annual Spring Fling Dinner & Silent Auction on April 11, 2026, at The Empress in Addison. The evening brought together approximately 200 guests, including community leaders, supporters, and friends of the Club, all united in support of our mission to serve youth and families throughout Bellwood, Hillside, and Berkeley.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of three outstanding community leaders whose ongoing commitment to young people and local communities continues to make a meaningful impact. We were honored to celebrate Mayor Andre Harvey of Bellwood, Village President Bob Lee of Berkeley, and Mayor Joe Tamburino of Hillside for their leadership, partnership, and dedication to creating opportunities for youth.
The event featured an engaging silent auction with more than 70 items, offering guests a wide range of experiences, services, and gifts to bid on throughout the evening. In addition, three exclusive live auction packages added excitement and energy, helping drive further support for the Club’s programs. Altogether, the event raised more than $30,000.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Ron Steele, a former Club member, whose DJ services and photo booth brought energy and fun to the event. His involvement was especially meaningful, reflecting the lasting impact of the Club and the continued connection of alumni who give back to support the next generation.
The Spring Fling once again demonstrated the strength of our community and the shared belief in the importance of providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for young people.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, and contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing our work together to support the future of our Club.
Peddling for Success!
On April 15, 2026, the West Cook County Youth Club proudly partnered with Level 12 to host a special Bike Giveaway Program that brought excitement and opportunity to our young people. Through this generous initiative, five Club members will receive brand-new bicycles, along with helmets and locks, promoting physical activity, independence, and outdoor engagement.
Level 12 is a Toronto-based firm that provides team-building programs for corporations across North America. On April 15, Level 12 was in Wood Dale working with the sales team from D&W Fine Pack Corporation. As part of their team-building exercise, D&W’s team members were divided into groups of five to build five 20-inch bicycles.
The event concluded with Club Director Ed Sheehan addressing the group, sharing information about the Club, its programs, and how the gift of these bicycles can have a meaningful and lasting impact on the young people who receive them.
We are incredibly grateful to Level 12 for their partnership and commitment to supporting youth in our community. Their generosity continues to make a positive difference, helping us create opportunities, experiences, and lasting memories for the young people we serve.
Special Guest Leo Villone speaks with the Club
On Thursday, April 16, the Club hosted Leo Villone, a junior at Hinsdale Central High School. Leo spoke with Club members about the importance of preparing for the next step in their educational journeys.
As part of his project, Leo collected apparel; including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, from friends, relatives, and various colleges and universities. Following his presentation, Club members were invited to select items of apparel to keep.
We would like to thank Leo for taking the time to visit the Club, share valuable information, and provide such great swag for our members.