Come out to enjoy Jeeps on the Run after-party Dec. 3
With registrations for the 2023 Jeeps on the Run Toys for Tots Run nearing capacity, event organizers are reminding the public that neither Jeep ownership nor run participation is necessary to join the after-party.
That fun begins at 11 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. It will feature a totally '80s music tribute by The 1985 band, as well as raffles, a Santa's workshop for kids and food and drink for purchase. After-party tickets are $5 each and are available at jeepsontherun.com.
"It's fun for the whole family," said Mike Missak, president of Jeeps on the Run, a group of Jeep aficionados who've been coming together to support causes for about 11 years.
"There's a dance floor, we'll have face painting, games, crafts ... and, of course, Santa will be there."
Adding to the day's excitement will be the drawing of the winner's name for a new Jeep valued at more than $46,000. Jeep raffle ticket buyers need not be present to win.
"The Jeep is 100% donated by our title sponsor, Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram," Missak said of the Fox Lake dealership helmed by Ray Scarpelli Jr. "Tickets are $20 each and are available at jeepsontherun.com."
A maximum of 3,000 tickets will be sold for the Jeep, a hydro blue, four-door Wrangler featuring upgraded wheels, wireless car play, power windows, a hard top and automatic transmission. The winner is responsible for taxes, title transfer and license plate costs.
Registration fees for the Jeep run, as well as after-party and Jeep raffle ticket proceeds, will go toward purchasing additional toys for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program. Toy donations are also being accepted now at numerous locations, including Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 23 Route 12, Fox Lake.
Jeep owners participating in the run, many of whom elaborately decorate their vehicles, will depart the dealership at 10 a.m. Dec. 3 for their 22-mile trek to Lincolnshire.
Jeeps on the Run has collected roughly 145,000 toys benefiting about 40,000 families over the last decade. Toys go to families in Lake and McHenry counties.
"We hope lots of people will attend the after-party this year, have a great time and bring a toy," Missak said, noting that the Marriott is JOTR's biggest after-party venue yet. "It's a great way to give back to the community while having fun."
The title sponsor for the after-party is Old National Bank. Other event sponsorships remain available; find details at jeepsontherun.com.
"To many people who come, this is the kickoff to Christmas," Missak said. "It's the new family tradition. Come on out, help us fill two semi-trucks full of toys, take your picture with the Marines, and have a blast."
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