University News

WIU Faculty, Staff and Students Taking Part in YMCA Fundraiser

March 3, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - As part of its continued dedication to the local community, Western Illinois University is proud to see its faculty and students help the YMCA of McDonough County with its upcoming Cirque du Soiree fundraiser event at 5 p.m. Saturday March 14 at 400 East Calhoun St. in Macomb.

The evening will feature performances from the YMCA Circus Academy, a program that features local performers. The academy has been assisted by WIU Health and Wellness Services professor Tamara Bories, who has served as aerials coach, as well as Corbin/Olson Hall Complex director Brooke McDaniel. WIU senior Physical Education major Jeightlin Sickels, of Bushnell, is a coach for the Academy, and senior RPTA major Tanner Lewis, of Rushville, is an intern at the YMCA and will help run the shows.

The show will also feature talented artists from the Gamma Phi circus at Illinois State University.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and cost $35 per person, or a VIP table for eight can be reserved for $350. The night will include a buffet-style dinner and a cash bar will be available during intermission.

Another show featuring the YMCA Youth Academy will be performed at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15.

"We are so grateful for the support of our local community in helping us put on this wonderful never-been-done-before event including dinner and a circus show," YMCA Circus Academy Director Amy Fansler Milas said. "It has been my honor to develop and run this program since 2011, with a year break in 2023/2024. This program is one of my proudest accomplishments. I hope you can join us for my last show this weekend!"

Fansler Milas said some local parents and community members are interested in keeping the program going after her departure and anyone interested in helping out with this project can contact the McDonough County YMCA.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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