Rep. Keicher recognized with YMCA Legislative Hero Award

Pictured (left to right): YMCA Board member Brandon Diviak, YMCA Board member Rev. Bob Hansen, State Rep. Jeff Keicher, YMCA Executive Director Mark Spiegelhoff.

The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs honored State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, with their “Legislative Hero Award 2022” this week in recognition of his “generous support and contribution in advancing the Cause and Mission of YMCAs across the State of Illinois.”

“I am deeply honored to accept this award from an organization that accomplishes tremendous good here in our community and across Illinois each and every day,” Rep. Keicher said. “The Kishwaukee Family YMCA in Sycamore in particular is the gold standard in terms of people who care. They embody an organization-wide commitment to programs that truly make a difference in the lives of local youth and families, from the donors to the staff and volunteers. It is truly a privilege for me to be a voice for the YMCA down in Springfield and a supporter of them here at home.”

The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities. Founded in London in 1844, the Y has grown into one of the largest organizations focused on strengthening communities in the U.S. and around the world, serving more than 64 million people in 120 countries.

Rep. Keicher’s record of accomplishment in support of the YMCA includes securing $100,000 in member initiative funding in FY19 for the YMCA Sports Center facility improvement project; securing additional funds from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program for YMCA capital improvements; partnering with the Kishwaukee Family YMCA to sponsor blood drives to benefit local hospitals, the most recent of which impacted 87 lives; featuring the YMCA as a vendor at both his Senior Health Fair and at a Get Covered Illinois event; and Keicher’s consistent attendance at YMCA community events including Healthy Kids Day, the Community Awards Dinner, and Donor Appreciation lunch.

For more information, please call Rep. Keicher’s office at (815) 748-3494 or visit the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs online at www.illinoisymcas.org.