YMCA Prayer Breakfast a First For Oswego

To members of the YMCA community, an annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is nothing new. 

But when the hosts its event Friday, March 30, it will be this community’s first. Brent Finlay, executive director, said it was time to bring the event to town for one significant reason.

“We just felt it was important to implement the breakfast and have something a little uplifting, so that people might feel a little better about their world and spirituality and spread a little hope,” Finlay said.

The YMCA is a Christian organization, and Finlay said the breakfast will allow that aspect go “shine through.”

“We don’t beat people over the heads with that aspect of the Y here, but it’s nice to get back to our roots every once in a while,” he said.

The breakfast begins at 7 a.m. in the YMCA gym with a  meal followed by remarks from Oswego Village President Brian LeClercq. Tom Beerntsen, Executive Vice President, Association Development of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, will deliver the keynote speech. Beerntsen has been involved with the YMCA for about 40 years and has traveled to more than 100 countries on behalf of the Y.

“He’s known Mr. YMCA,” Finlay said. "He's really a fascinating guy and tremendous speaker."

A choral group from Wheatland Salem Church in Oswego will also perform, as will musicians from the . Finlay said capacity for the event is about 250.

Tickets are currently on sale for $20 per person. Sponsorships are also available and range from $1,000 to $25.  All are welcome. For more information on sponsorships, contact Finlay at 630-551-0797 or bfinlay@ymcachicago.org. To purchase tickets, contact Jane Bowers at 630-420-0960 or jbowers@ymcachicago.org.

Editor’s note: Sponsorship information and the ticket purchase form are attached to this article.