Public horse art benefits community in more ways than one

The Barrington Area United Way will celebrates its 50th anniversary Saturday, Oct. 17, with a party and auction of horse statues that have been decorated by and displayed throughout the community over the summer.

Twenty-six of the fiberglass horses that were hand-painted by local artists were displayed around town by such sponsoring groups as Barrington Unit District 220 schools, local businesses like Barrington Saddlery and Marquardt Buick and agencies like the Barrington Area Council on Aging and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois.

Those agencies, as well as groups like Barrington Youth and Family Services, Barrington Career Center and the Roy Wilmering Scout Cabin, all depend on the United Way to raise money for the programs that help and benefit Barrington residents.

Saturday's events will start on the grounds of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, 450 W. Route 22 in Barrington, with a final display of the horses from 3-5 p.m. That free event will also include family activities and refreshments.

The Barrington Roundup Auction - also known as the "Ultimate Barrington Event" - will follow from 7-10 p.m. at the same location.

In addition to the live auction emceed by Dave Nelson, the event will include appetizers from Barrington Gourmet, a live band, a silent auction, a raffle and open bar.

Tickets are $75 per person for the Roundup.

To RSVP or to view the horses, or for more information about the event, go to barringtonuw.org or call the United Way office at (847) 382-8778.

For those who can't attend in person Saturday, information is available about absentee bidding. Donations can also be sent to Barrington Area United Way, P.O. Box 733, Barrington, IL 60011.