It's going to be a high-flying spectacle March 14 when the YMCA of McDonough County presents a unique fundraising gala to take the longtime Macomb facility to even greater heights in 2026.
The YMCA Circus and Aerials program (Y Circus), in partnership with Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University, led president and YMCA Circus alumna Juliet Fansler, present 'Cirque Du Soiree' beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 14 at the YMCA. The gymnasium will be transformed into a spectacular night under the circus lights as contortionists, aerialists and acrobats take to the stage – and the rafters – to entertain the crowd. This year's event takes the place of the longtime fundraiser, Pastapalooza, which was created in 2011 to honor Steve Pastorelli, who served as the YMCA executive director, from 1969-2000.
Pastorelli, who passed away January 2015, became the Y's first full-time program director following his graduation from Western Illinois University.
'Honoring Steve for many years with our annual fundraiser was a fitting tribute to the man who started it all,' said YMCA CEO Nick Knowles. 'We think he would approve of, and most enthusiastically support, this year's fundraiser, which showcases one of our incredibly unique programs and the area children who take part. We're here to serve the county, and we hope the county shows up to support the YMCA Circus program and our 2026 fundraiser.'
Tickets for the March 14 fundraiser are $35/person or $350 for VIP seating for a table of eight (seven VIP tables are available). The event will feature a buffet dinner (including a vegetarian option), dessert and a cash bar, all catered by Park Place of Macomb. Included in the ticket price is a special meet-and-greet with Gamma Phi. To register, visit tinyurl.com/YMCAFundraiser2026. To sign up for a VIP table, email [email protected].
Twenty-five area children will perform at the March 14 event, along with Juliet Fansler, Sabrina Gaber, Amy Brandel of the Gamma Phi Circus, as well Gamma Phi alumna Kyle Lantz, who is touring professionally with Teatro Zinzanni Chicago.
Through Gamma Phi, Fansler performs in Russian swing, teeter board and two 'secret' acts, while Gaber is a contortionist and dancer.
Brandel performs the Spanish web, duo trapeze, acrobatics, aerials, dance and some 'secret' acts,' and Lantz is a dance trapeze artist and aerialist.
Founded by Amy Fansler Milas nearly 15 years ago, the Y Circus offers opportunities for area residents ages four and up to learn circus-style acrobatics and floor routines, such as clowning, stilting, juggling and more. Western Illinois University Theatre Technical Director Dan Schmidt provides his tech and safety expertise to the show, while other parents help coordinate events and performances.
'We're one of only two YMCA circuses in the country and we're so proud of our youth performers,' Milas said. 'We are so excited to be a part of the next generation of fundraising for the YMCA, and we look forward to showing the crowd the skills of our performers.'
The Gamma Phi Circus, of which Fansler Milas is an alumna, was founded in 1929. It has established itself as a unique performance troupe, supporting acrobatic and circus arts in higher education. Gamma Phi Circus performers have gone on to tour professionally with such groups as Cirque de Soleil, Disney Cruise Lines, Circus Vargas and more. Alumni also perform with the NBA and WNBA.
For more information or to become a volunteer or take over as director of the program following Fansler's final retirement from the program later this year, email [email protected]. To sign up for the YMCA Circus program, which is open to ages 4+, visit macombymca. org/programs/circus. In addition, a new adults-only aerials class will begin on Tuesdays, starting DATE.
First to give adults the opportunity they’ve been asking about for years and second in hopes that it could possibly create a few instructors or coaches that might be skilled enough and willing to teach aerials themselves. In which case we could potentially open up an Aerials Class for youth once again.
