Randy's Vegetables in Sleepy Hollow holds fundraiser
The corn may be roasting in the fields, but some will be left at Randy's Vegetables Farm Stand in Sleepy Hollow to hold a fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 12, for Illinois Special Olympics athletes.
Owners Randy and Christine Gaitsch already have the corn ears picked and ready for their second fundraiser. They also have arts and crafts vendors, police officers from the Fox Valley and raffles in line for the seven-hour event.
“The corn's not a problem,” Christine said. “We have plenty, and it's in good shape.”
Like last year, the couple planned the event with the Sleepy Hollow Police Department, along with officers from East and West Dundee and Gilberts. Their goal is to invite as many people as possible and surpass the $2,700 they raised in 2011.
The corn roast will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the couple's Randall Road farm stand. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., they will host a car show. While revelers are munching on corn, they can take part in a bag throwing contest, buy tickets for raffles or browse among the vendors' stands.
“A couple generously donated a steer and a hog. We'll be using them for a meat sale in the raffles,” Christine said. “Only 700 tickets will be sold for $10 each.”
First prize will be a gas grill and 75 pounds of beef and pork. Second prize will be a tabletop grill and 75 pounds of beef and pork. Third prize will be 50 pounds of beef and pork.
“We'll also have a 50/50 cash raffle and other meat sales, depending on how much is left,” Christine said. “This will be a real community event. The vendors who will be here will all donate a portion of their proceeds to Special Olympics.”
The money will be given to the Illinois Special Olympics Torch Run, which raises money for ongoing training programs for athletes with physical and mental disabilities. They compete in Olympic-style games. This year's Special Olympics games were held in June.
“This is a cause that is dear to our hearts,” Christine said. “We have longtime customers who have children with special needs. We've watched the children grow up.”
For details about the corn roast, visitrandysvegetablesfarmstand.com.