Exchange club plans fundraiser

Sometimes it is best to be last.

That's what participants will hope for in the Tri-Cities Exchange Club's annual Draw-Down fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. May 8 at Riverside Receptions in Geneva.

The event represents the largest fundraiser of the year for the club, which will provide funds to various organizations that aid in the club's national project of prevention of child abuse and strengthening family values.

The club targets the sale of 100 or more tickets at $100 each to create a grand prize of $4,000 or more at the draw-down, which will also feature a $200 cash prize for every 10th ticket drawn. Numbered tickets are drawn through the evening, with the final four being eligible for the grand prize. Final contestants can either share the final prize or continue to draw numbers to eliminate contestants.

Information about tickets for the dinner event or the purchase of draw-down tickets is available by calling club president Dave Heun at (630) 561-1986. Past sponsors and supporters of the club are encouraged to buy blocks of tickets for employees.

"We really like to see those who have supported our club in the past have a chance to get something in return at this fun event," Heun said.

The Tri-Cities Exchange Club meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at the Colonial Restaurant on Route 38 on the west side of St. Charles. The club's main emphasis is the prevention of child abuse and the promotion of patriotism -- as seen through its contributions of Freedom Shrines at area schools and libraries, and the handing out of miniature American flags at the Swedish Days parade.