The North Suburban YMCA overflowed with ghouls, zombies, and other costumed creatures as the community celebrated the Y’s 5^th Annual Spooky Halloween Party on October 28.  Approximately 2000 guests attended the afternoon event, which featured a wide range of activities to please all age groups. Young visitors enjoyed inflatable moonwalks, indoor trick-or-treating, games, facepainting, and art projects, while adventurous souls toured two haunted houses and a uniquely scary boat ride on the Spooky Pool. Costume contests drew applause for creativity at different age levels, and families took home complimentary photo booth souvenirs and other goodies.

“The Halloween Party has really become a centerpiece of the community,” said Howard Schultz, Executive Director/CEO of the NSYMCA.  “With each passing year, more people are coming out and bringing their friends because they know that it will be fun for everyone. Our staff puts on a fantastic show and creates wonderful memories for all the families that attend.”

Local business sponsors helped make the party a success with monetary, product, and personal support. Sponsors included: Duxler Complete Auto Care; Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC; The Northbrook Tower; Castino Painting; Northbrook Dairy Queen; Pioneer Press; SVET; Sunset Foods; Young Chefs Academy; AA Service Company; Abt; Buffalo Wild Wings; Dunbrook Cleaners; First Bank of Highland Park; Healthy in Harmony; Just Kids Store; Mathnasium; Midwest Vein Center; Mike’s Garage & M&S Engines; The Complete Dog; UPS; Viccino’s Pizza; and Wilson Landscaping. Volunteers from Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, and the Northbrook Fire Department also helped create spectacular spooky effects and enabled the Y to continue the tradition of an outstanding family event.

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and keep its programs available to all, including those facing financial hardship. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources.  Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve-city region for over 40 years.  The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all.  For more information or to make a donation call Tara Bilby at 847-272-7250, tbilby@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.