Fox Valley fundraisers

To submit a listing, e-mail foxvalley@dailyherald.com or fax to (847) 608-0849.

October 4

Annual banquet: Tri-County Pregnancy and Parenting Services annual Fundraising Banquet and Auction will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, Route 31 and Three Oaks Road. For details, call (815) 455-0965.

October 5

Pumpkin Pedal: Special Olympics Illinois is gearing up for its 17th annual Pumpkin Pedal Bike Tour on Sunday, Oct. 5. Bicyclists can choose to ride on the 25-, 45- or 62-mile routes. These tours will begin and end at Kaneland Middle School, 1N137 Meredith Road in Maple Park (between Route 38 and Keslinger Road). A family ride will take place at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles and takes riders on their choice of a 10- or 20-mile bike path route.

Bicyclists may start anytime between 7:30 to 10 a.m. and all routes will be cleared at 4 p.m.

Bicycling enthusiasts can register the day of the ride at either Kaneland Middle School or LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. There is a $30 registration fee with all proceeds to benefit Special Olympics Illinois athletes. Online registration is available at ActiveUSA.com. Riders are also invited to attend a post-ride luncheon that will begin at approximately 11 a.m. at both sites. Current sponsors of this year's event are: The Daily Herald, Bike Rack, Sikich, Creative Mobility, Bohn Illustration, Kaneland Middle School, Panera Bread, Coca Cola and Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club. For information, call the Special Olympics office in St. Charles at (630) 377-7250 or e-mail shutchins@soill.org.

October 18

Turning Point auction: Turning Point is preparing for its 26th annual auction to be held Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Crystal Lake Country Club. Items are being solicited for the fundraiser, which in past years has featured bidding on items from whole pigs to Caribbean vacations. The evening features a silent auction and cash bar, followed by dinner and a live auction. Last year's top item was Fender guitar autographed by stars ranging from David Crosby and Stephen Stills to movie star Jerry McConnell. Businesses and individuals wishing to donate items to the auction should call Joe Kvidera at Turning Point at (815) 338 8081. Items donated to the fundraiser are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tickets to the event are available by calling Turning Point at (815) 338 8081.

October 25

EYSO: The Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra will host "Grape Expectations," its annual fundraiser, from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at Fox Valley University and Business Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. The annual fundraiser features tastings of approximately 30 red and white wines (some are paired with chocolates) and appetizers. Silent auction includes sports memorabilia, a painted violin and gift baskets for various occasions. Cost is $50 per person. For information or tickets, call (847) 841-7700.

Sherman Hospital Auxiliary: The Sherman Hospital Auxiliary will host a fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Seville in Streamwood beginning at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event will support the auxiliary's pledge of $1 million for the Birthing Center at the new Sherman Hospital, currently being built at Randall and Big Timber roads in Elgin. Fashionique Productions of Palatine will showcase a professional fashion show with clothing from boutique stores in Barrington and Chicago. Coats will also be featured and modeled by friends of Sherman Hospital. A special guest vocalist will add a special touch to this event.

In addition to the show and luncheon, jazzy gift bags and raffle tickets will be sold during the cocktail hour. Guests will also be able to browse the boutique vendor tables during this time. The fashion show raffle will feature several great items such as $1,000 cash, a silver cocktail ring and earrings set, a catered dinner for eight in your home, gift certificates, items from the show's participating stores and a night in Chicago with hotel and dinner. Several other raffle items will be displayed the day of the event. Luncheon reservations and raffle tickets are available by calling the Sherman Hospital Auxiliary office at (847) 429-8720.