Head to tropics without leaving Batavia at fundraiser
Close your eyes. Imagine it -- the warm sun shining down on you, the tropical winds cooling you and the sounds of tropical tunes floating through the air.
Too bad newspaper columns don't come with a soundtrack. That could put you on a beach in Hawaii in no time. Or maybe a scratch-and-sniff column scented like suntan lotion would get you in the mood.
On Feb. 2, you can experience the warmth of tropical hospitality without even leaving the boundaries of Batavia. From 5:30 to 11 p.m., guests can join the Society of St. Vincent DePaul in a night of fun and feasting. You can enjoy pig freshly roasted in a barbecue pit, chicken, dirty rice and veggies. There will be tropical cocktails and beer and, of course, the floral lei greeting. And here's the kicker: You can help someone by attending.
The February event will be a fundraiser to benefit the organization.
"We help those in need in the Fox Valley, regardless of faith," said Sandy Kowalkowski, co-chair of the Feb. 2 event. "We're hoping the community will come and support us and have a good time as well."
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was created in 1833 when a group of French students decided to create a group to help those less fortunate. Their mission was based on the Biblical text of James 2:26, "Faith without works is dead."
According to the organization's Web site, the group provides assistance to the poor and less fortunate by making payments for housing utilities, food, clothing, furniture, medical expenses and prescription expenses. The society provides disaster relief as well helping those who have suffered losses from flooding or fire
"In the past we have had a sweetheart dance but we decided to make a change this year and try to bring a little sunshine and fun to the event," said Kowalkowski.
Let's face it. We could all use a little more sun during the month of February.
Kowalkowski has a fun night planned with limbo contests and even a special game of tossing the ring on a flamingo's beak. The Tropical Sound Steel Drum band will play tunes to get everyone in the island mood.
"We plan to have a silent auction and we already have some nice auction items that have been donated," said Kowalkowski.
Many area businesses have donated a variety of items. State Street Jewelers donated a charm bracelet with a palm tree to keep with the theme of the night along with a gift certificate to the store. There will be Cougars tickets, family passes to Funway, a gift certificate from Zanos, wine baskets from Gibby's Wine Den and dinner for two aboard the Odyssey Cruise ship in Chicago.
"We also have an autographed baseball from the Cubs and an autographed picture of Brian Anderson of the White Sox," added Kowalkowski.
Give her a call and make your reservation. Attire is casual. Just pull out those Hawaiian shirts, shorts and flip flops.
If you go
What: Caribbean Night fundraiser for the Society of St Vincent de Paul
Where: Shannon Hall at the Eastside Community Center
When: 5:30 to 11 p.m. Feb. 2
Tickets: $50
Reservations: Call (630) 482-3659