Fox Valley briefs

ECC hosts Darfur fundraiserElgin Community College students will host a "Dance for Darfur" to raise funds to help stop genocide. The fundraiser will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 17 at ECC's Events Center, 1700 Spartan Drive. It is sponsored by college's Writers Center, Amnesty International, Black Students Association, Spartan Design Club and ECC's Office of Student Life, the dance will feature a live performance by The Qballs, a blues, funk, rock and soul band. It's free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged and will be accepted at the door. Since 2006, ECC has raised more than $6,000 for the cause. For details, call Rachael Tecza at (847) 214-7578.Big Sammy's hosts fundraiserBig Sammy's in Elgin will host a fundraiser on Saturday, March 20 for the Grafton Township Food Pantry. On that day, you will be able to buy two hot dogs, fries and a soft drink for $3. The proceeds from the day will go toward the pantry. Every $5 you donate gets you a Big Sammy's coffee mug while supplies last. The restaurant is at 2490 Bushwood Drive, Elgin. Call (847) 551-1830 for more information.Violence counseling offeredThe Community Crisis Center in Elgin provides free domestic violence counseling services for northwestern Kane County. A licensed counselor and is available to adult and adolescent females. For information or an appointment, call (847) 697-2380.Meet the bunny in CaryThe Cary Park District will hold a breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Community Center, 255 Briargate Road. Included in the breakfast are pancakes, sausage, milk and juice. After everyone eats, the bunny will arrive to meet everyone. Preregistration is required and each child must come with an adult. To register, call the park district at (847) 639-6100. Fees vary based on residency and age.Elgin police stepping up patrolsElgin police are urging motorists not to let their friends drive impaired and to get a designated driver for St. Patrick's Day festivities. Police say they will be working extra patrols and overtime in search of impaired drivers this week. "Driving impaired is a deadly decision, and it is against the law," said Sgt. Leigh Rawson, the department's traffic commander. "We will show zero tolerance."