Democrats organize party with a cause

Local Democrats have found a way to celebrate President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration while responding to his call for a national day of service.

As part of Tuesday night's No-Hunger Ball, hosted by the Miltown Township Democrats, attendees will eat appetizers and sip punch while watching television highlights of the historic inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The only thing anyone needs to gain entry to the party is a donation of money or a bag of nonperishable groceries to the Milton Township food pantry.

"I think most people can get away with filling the bag with macaroni and cheese for less than $5," said Amy Tauchman, chair of the Milton Township Democrats.

"We don't want people to feel put out because we have a number of people in our group, too, who are struggling economically," Tauchman added. "We wanted an event where everyone can feel like coming."

About 100 people are expected to attend the event, which is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Theosophical Society's main building, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton.

Tauchman said organizers wanted to give Obama supporters who can't watch the inauguration live a chance to experience the celebration.

"Some people will have been at work all day, and this will be their first chance to see what happened and experience the history of it," she said.

Since the inauguration is one day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Milton Democrats say they wanted their celebration to have extra meaning.

Responding to Obama's call for a day of service, local Democrats are out collecting food donations that they plan to bring to Tuesday's ball.

"The No-Hunger Ball is an ideal chance to get this new administration off on the right foot by digging our feet in right here, in our own township, and starting to solve our own problems right now," Tauchman said.

Anyone wishing to attend the event is asked to RSVP by leaving a telephone message at (630) 771-5543, ext. 5, or e-mailing milton@dupagedemocrats.com.

For details about the event, visit democratsofmilton.com.