Shamrock Shuffle tickets still available

Despite a late start at planning, there will be a Shamrock Shuffle this year.

The 47th annual dinner dance, which is the biggest social event of the year for St. Patrick Church in St. Charles, will be held March 8 at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. in St. Charles. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. and dinner an hour later.

The event almost was canceled due to a lack of volunteers, but Bill Heilman of South Elgin stepped up to head the organizing committee in late October. Planning began in November, about two months behind the usual schedule.

"I think people may have felt over-stretched," said Heilman, who has been a member of the parish for 10 years. "We didn't want to cancel. It's good food, good fellowship and good dancing. It's a great night to come together as one. We get to know each other better and rock the night away."

This year guests have the option of staying overnight at Pheasant Run for a reduced rate.

Heilman said about 150 tickets have been sold at $35 each, but the committee hopes to sell 300. Tickets are available until Tuesday.

According to Heilman, music will be provided by local band Just For The $$$$, with vocalist Lucy Dunn. The band will play pop tunes from the 1950s through the '80s. There will be piano music during the cocktail hour, and dancing goes until 11 p.m.

Items for the silent auction include a $450 necklace, tickets to see a Chicago Wolves hockey game, autographed photos of Harold Baines, who spent most of his career with the Chicago White Sox, and gift certificates from local merchants. There also will be a 50/50 raffle.

"The Shamrock Shuffle is primarily a social event," said Carole Bronec of St. Charles, a board member of Women of St. Patrick, the sponsoring group.

"It's for our St. Patrick community as well as the community at large. We hope to at least break even, but if we have any money left over, we give it back to the community."

Proceeds could go to the Pregnancy Center in Elgin or Lazarus House in St. Charles.

For tickets, call Heilman at (630) 677-7916 or go online to www.stpatrickparish.org.

For information on special hotel rates, call Pheasant Run at (630) 584-6300.