2018 ANNUAL REPORT

During my youth, I had the privilege to personally experience the positive impact of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs

I recall my first day walking into Club One in Pilsen in September of 1960. Even then, Pilsen was a tough neighborhood for kids to navigate. The Club provided a place to study, meet new friends, participate in athletics, and even enjoy new experiences.

Our Club Director, Emil Syngel, and all the counselors quickly became like family and offered strong guidance, discipline, leadership, and support. We knew our mentors cared about us and they helped lay the foundation for the rest of our lives.

I remember how it felt to go away for the first time to our Summer Camp in Salem, Wisconsin. It meant being away from home and a chance to learn new skills like how to canoe, sing campfire songs, and meet kids from other Clubs. I felt so grown up and independent.

The Club also gave me the opportunity to meet Chicago legends like Mike Ditka, Dick Butkus, and Ernie Banks while attending events at the Union League Club. Interacting with these star athletes and other successful adults inspired me. I knew I wanted to study hard and grow up to be as successful as the Union League Club members.

Club One also gave me my first job, where I eagerly worked part-time from 1972-1976 learning about responsibility and planting the seed of becoming a part of helping other kids build great futures.

I continued to work hard and became a successful professional who also became an active member of the Union League Club. One of my driving goals throughout my entire life has been to help the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs grow, build, and ultimately change more lives.

I invite you to get involved in supporting, mentoring, and engaging Union League Boys & Girls Club youth. Join our 100-year tradition of helping youth who need us the most to reach their full potential and build a great future.

Dear Friends of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs

This past year, our organization achieved so much – including celebrating 100 years of working with the underserved youth in Chicago and helping to shape their futures. Because of the tireless work we all put into having a lasting effect on our members’ lives, we are growing and achieving so much.

We strive to create an environment where our youth can focus on our core values – good character and citizenship, academic success, and healthy lifestyles. Having a safe place to go after school and consistently work on these goals is how we impact the lives of our members and set them up for a better future. Our youth participate in programs such as homework help, college exploration, science, sports, nutrition, and serving others through community service. We continue to develop specialized programming that introduces our youth to future career paths and encourage them to work hard and plan for their futures.

We encourage you to learn more about the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs. Come to Camp Day, take a club tour, or attend one of our events, such as the Wine Dinner or Associate Board Holiday Party.

Join us and become a part of the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs. Become a trustee or Associate Board member, support our Englewood campaign, or become a programming partner.

Help us celebrate our 100th Anniversary by increasing your monthly draw, make an honorary donation, or buy a 100th Anniversary pin.

Thank you for all you do and I look forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Sincerely,