Fundraiser to boost Elgin Youth Scholarship Fund

Elgin’s Parks and Recreation Department is launching its latest fundraiser to help low-income youths participate in department programs.

Parks and Recreation Director Randy Reopelle said the Youth Scholarship Fund often is depleted midway through the summer. Beer and BBQ at Bowes is expected to help replenish it.

The event will run from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Bowes Creek Country Club, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., on Elgin’s west side. The country club is home to a city-owned golf course and Porter’s Pub.

“The weather forecast is incredible,” Reopelle said. “And I don’t think there is a more picturesque place in Elgin for this.” Advanced tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children but $5 more on the day of the event.

Kids will get a root beer float, hot dog and soft drinks. Adults can enjoy beer samples from the Silverado Homebrew Club in St. Charles as well as craft beers, barbecue rib tasting and a pulled pork sandwich. For designated drivers or teenagers more interested in the adult food, $15 tickets get some of everything besides the beer.

Reopelle said the fundraiser isn’t expected to attract a huge amount of money in its first year but he hopes people will have a good time and tell their friends about it for next year.

“We hope in the future that we’re one of those things people plan in advance for,” Reopelle said. “Right now we’re trying to knock some of those other things off their calendars.”

The Elgin Fox Trot and Team Challenge also raise money for the Youth Scholarship Fund, which helps almost 500 kids each year participate in programs they otherwise may not have been able to afford. Students who qualify for free lunch programs are eligible for $100 in free activities.

The latest fundraiser is expected to allow the city to fund even more programs for low-income youth who Reopelle said often need the exercise and engagement more than others.

“We just know there’s so much more demand, especially with the economy being bad,” Reopelle said.

The event will have live music, train rides, face painting, a clown and some golf activities. Buy tickets online at any of the three Elgin golf courses, city hall or cityofelgin.org/bbbowes.