Wine tasting in Elgin to collect donations for Toys for Tots
Geno Kenny Jr. and his wife, Julie, fundraise every year for Kane County Toys for Tots at their Elgin liquor store, and they want to make this year's donation their biggest yet.
They are holding a wine tasting from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Geno's Fine Wine & Spirits, 300 S. McLean Blvd., with free admission to anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy or makes a monetary donation. The couple said they also will donate 10 percent of event sales to Kane County Toys for Tots.
“We know all the toys go to kids in the area. It's a great cause,” Julie Kenny said.
The tasting will feature about 35 wines from California, Italy, France and Germany, as well as light food from In The Neighborhood Deli in Elgin. Guests will receive a wineglass and a list of participating wines to be served by representatives of wine distributors.
“When people walk around, they can make tasting notes and jot down whatever they want,” Julie Kenny said.
The Kennys have been married for 36 years and work full time at the liquor store they've owned since 2000. They've done Toys for Tots fundraisers for the last eight or so years. Customers have always been generous, with one person recently donating $100, Julie Kenny said.
“I've already purchased a ton of toys from donations, maybe 50 toys,” she said. “I go to the Dollar Store here in the strip mall and I always tell them (at the store), ‘When there are sales, let me know.'”
Tom Culumber, who oversees Kane County Toys for Tots donations in Elgin and South Elgin, said the Kennys have been great contributors to the cause spearheaded by the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve. The effort collects new, unwrapped toys for babies up to 14-year-olds and distributes them to area nonprofits. Books and electronics are OK, but stuffed animals are not accepted, Culumber said.
“Last year, over 10,000 needy children received toys based on the generosity of the residents, businesses and corporations, including Geno's wine store,” he said.
Geno Kenny Jr. said he and his wife have always loved kids. They have three children and three grandchildren.
“Kids don't really have a choice as far as which situation they are going to end up with,” he said. “They need the most help.”