Mt. Prospect fest to raise money for needy

The Mount Prospect Jaycees 31st Annual Memorial Day Carnival steps off Wednesday with the hope of raising money for the needy.

The carnival opens at 6 p.m. at the Mount Prospect Plaza, at the corner of Rand and Central roads. It continues through Memorial Day.

It's the same carnival that it's always been with the tilt-a-whirl rides and games, said Amanda Braus, president of the Mount Prospect Jaycees, a not-for -profit charity.

"It's the rides and carnival games," Braus said. "It's a great way for the community to get together."

The carnival is the group's biggest fundraiser, Braus said.

The goal this year is to make about $10,000, said Amanda's father, Larry Braus, who's an associate member of the Mount Prospect Jaycees.

Last year, the money was used to fund a number of projects, including a hospital caravan, where about 50 volunteers dressed up like clowns and handed out toys to sick kids.

The group also gives scholarships to Prospect High School and Rolling Meadows High School students.

The money also goes to local women's shelters.

The group will have a membership tent at the carnival for anyone who'd like to join, Amanda Braus said.

For more information, contact, www.mountprospectjaycees.com.

If you go …

What: The Mount Prospect Jaycees 31st Annual Memorial Day Carnival

Who: Mount Prospect Jaycees

When: 6-10 p.m. May 21, 22; 6-11 p.m. May 23; 1-11 p.m. May 24, 25, 26

Where: Mount Prospect Plaza, corner of Rand and Central roads

Tickets: Unlimited ride special is $16 for 6-10 p.m. May 21, 22; 1-5 p.m. May 24, 25, 26

For more information: www.mountprospectjaycees.com