Boys & Girls Club of Joliet to Name New Auditorium After the Late Mike Adler

During a special March 18 gala held in his honor, the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet paid tribute to the legacy of Mike Adler by unveiling the name to the organization’s new auditorium — the Michael W. Adler Auditorium.

Mike, who was vice president of SMACNA Greater Chicago member company, J.L. Adler Roofing Company of Joliet, passed away on May 31, 2016, from complications of metastatic melanoma.

He also served as president of the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet until January 2013, when he had to step down because of his illness.

“My father-in-law, Joseph Adler, was president of the board before Mike became involved, so it’s something that has been important to our family for a long time,” said Joanne Adler, Mike’s wife. Many of Mike’s relatives and friends attended the gala, including Joanne and their four children, Kelly, Erin, Michael and Collin, and his father, Joe. Joanne said they were all touched to learn that the new auditorium will be named after Mike.

“We knew they had commissioned a painting of Mike that was similar to one they already had of one of the Clubs’ founders, and the plan was that it would be unveiled at the gala for a new ‘Hall of Honor,’’’ Joanne said. “But they also unveiled a rendering of a new auditorium that they’re going to name after Mike. That was a complete surprise to our family. My daughter, Kelly, and I had been going to the meetings to help them plan the gala and that was something they kept as a secret. It was awfully nice.”

According to the gala program, Mike “provided key guidance to the organization during a time of economic hardship,” and his “unparalleled leadership qualities were instrumental in alleviating the Club from distress, therefore setting a foundation that secured strength and success for the future of the Club.”

Joanne said that she and Kelly plan to continue Mike’s important work with the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet.