Funding needed for popular West Dundee community event

Just a couple of years ago, West Dundee's National Night Out was recognized as one of the best in the country. Now, organizers of the community block party say they may need to cancel some of the night's most popular attractions because of funding constraints.

Interim Police Chief Andrew Wieteska said crowd favorites like the petting zoo, pony rides and fireworks may be eliminated unless sponsors are found for the event, which is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, in the parking lot of the Target store on Route 72.

"We're in a jam this year," Wieteska said. "We have had very good funding from both local and corporate sponsors in the past, but that is down significantly."

Wieteska said the event costs about $15,000 to put on and organizers are still trying to secure about $5,000 in donations. A grant from Target that previously covered a portion of the costs is no longer available, Wieteska said.

"I know the whole idea is to get the community together, but these are parts of the night that the community loves and we don't want to cut them if we don't have to," he said. "This is really a community event - an event the community pays for - which makes it even more special."

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Police and fire departments from West Dundee, Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow and Gilberts participate, contributing equipment for displays and demonstrations.

West Dundee Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said the trustees would consider pitching in between $1,000 and $2,000 at its July 12 meeting.

"The police department and the community believes in this event," Cavallaro said. "It's just a matter of seeing what kind of funding we can come up with ... I truly believe National Night Out will continue this year, but on a smaller scale."

Last year, more than 1,500 people attended the event and in 2008 the West Dundee National Night Out placed in the top 10 nationally for communities with populations less than 15,000.

"This is an event that the community wants every year and the village board loves it so we want to keep it going," Wieteska said. "It's a great way to connect with the community."

If you would like to sponsor the National Night Out, call Interim Chief Andrew Wieteska at (847) 551-3810.