Compassion for Campers to host benefit Aug. 30 at Crystal Lake Brewing
Compassion for Campers, the program that provides essential gear and equipment to the unhoused and underhoused population of McHenry County, has scheduled a special benefit program.
"Compassion for Campers is Counting On You" will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Crystal Lake Brewing, 190 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake.
According to Compassion for Campers coordinator and spokesperson Patrick Murfin, the program which distributes its supplies at the Community Services Days at Willow Friendship Center, 100 S. Main St. in Crystal Lake on the first and third Fridays of every month, is in dire need of operating funds.
"Warm weather and soaring local housing costs mean more people on the streets including many dispossessed for the first time, women, and families with children in addition to longtime clients," Murfin said. "As the many agencies and groups at Community Service Days work cooperatively to find emergency and longtime housing and support, C4C is a vital, lifesaving emergency service."
The program will feature "A Kaleidoscope of Sounds" produced by C4C client Gregory John Garrison with original compositions on synthesizer as well as vocalist and guitarist Carrie MacDonald, and longtime folk artist Norm Siegal.
Ron Relic will be the master of ceremonies. The evening will include silent auction baskets and gift cards, a 50/50 raffle, and hors d'oeuvres/finger food.
A $25 donation at the door is requested and includes a chit for a beer or other beverage.
Compassion for Campers is an independent ministry of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry with the support of other churches, organizations, and individuals. It is entirely dependent on generous donations or fundraisers to supply the nearly $1,000 need to purchase supplies for each distribution.
The congregation holds a special dedicated account for Compassion for Campers that cannot be used for any other purpose and donates all administrative services so all available fund go directly to client needs.
For information, visit the Facebook event page at tinyurl.com/3akt95ca or treeoflifeuu.org/justice/social-justice/compassion-for-campers/, or contact Patrick Murfin a pmurfin@sbcglobal.net or (815) 814-5645.