Jackie’s Magic Food Drive returns to Warren High

What’s become an annual way to raise money for Warren Township’s food pantry, and to honor a teenager who cared about feeding those in need, returns Saturday, Oct. 22.

Jackie’s Magic 2011 Food Drive will feature an illusion show starting at 7 p.m. at Warren Township High School’s O’Plaine Road campus auditorium. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. with close-up magic performers and balloon artists.

In addition, there will be a raffle with items and services from local businesses.

Jim Stanislawski, known as Jim Stan Magic Man, started the magic show in exchange for food in honor of his daughter, Jackie, who died in a vehicle crash in December 2003. It was then the family discovered Jackie had been collecting food to launch her own drive to help local families.

In appreciation for a donation of nonperishable food items or a cash donation, attendees on Oct. 22 will be treated to a 90-minute show.

Onstage will be magicians Mark and Sue Holstein, Joe Diamond, Bill Blagg, Tristan Crist, Magic Sam, Fizbin Xanatos and Stanislawski. Warren High students will run technical crews for lights and sound and help collect food.

Attendance has been growing each year, and Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik has been instrumental in that growth, organizers say.

Jackie’s Magic Garden recently was dedicated near Warren High’s Almond Road upperclassmen campus. The garden will be a teaching tool for Warren’s transitional students.