Dinner to benefit family of firefighter

Those who knew the late Roselle Fire Department Lt. Kevin Nelson will gather today to help his family.

The Roselle Professional Firefighters Union Local 4051 and friends of Nelson will host the Nelson Family Benefit Dinner from 5 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale.

Nelson, Roselle's first full-time firefighter, died in October after suffering a heart attack at his Schaumburg home. He was 45.

"I worked with him for almost 11 years. He was a caring individual with a great sense of humor," Roselle firefighter Marc Auble said. "The union just wanted to be able to do something to help the family out."

Nelson left behind his wife, Sue and their children: Nicole, Danny and their newborn, MacKenzie. Danny followed his father's footsteps and was hired by the Roselle Fire Department last year -- only a few months after his dad's death.

Proceeds from the benefit will help send Nelson's youngest son to college, Auble said.

The event will feature a spaghetti dinner, bake sale, raffle and silent auction. T-shirts in memory of Nelson will be sold. Event organizers hope to attract between 300 and 400 people.

Nelson was a mentor to many in the department. Shortly before his death, he celebrated his 15-year anniversary with the fire department. During his career, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a lieutenant.

Donations can be made to an education fund in Nelson's name at any Harris Bank location.

If you go

What: Nelson Family Benefit Dinner

When: 5 to 8:30 p.m. today

Where: Bloomingdale Golf Club, 181 Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale

Cost: At the door, tickets will be $15; raffle tickets are $5. Children 10 and younger admitted free.

Details: (630) 980-2043