Algonquin church hosts photo race fundraiser

An Algonquin church is organizing a sort of “Amazing Race” for photo bugs in an effort to raise funds creatively.

The Congregational Church of Algonquin is hosting a “Photo Road Rally” contest on Saturday, Oct. 27, where teams will be given a list of people, places and things, and will have two hours to zip around McHenry County to take at least two photos for each category.

The registration deadline is Sunday, Oct. 14.

Teams will take the photos via cellphone, and will then email them to the church. The team with the most eligible photos wins.

The list of photos will be kept under wraps until the contest, to ensure that overly zealous photographers don’t shoot pictures ahead of time, said Sally Cope, a member of the church’s fundraising committee and wife of the Rev. Brian Cope.

Some examples that won’t be on the list are “man eating a hamburger” or “historical monument,” she said. All the photos will have to include the team’s placard, so participants will have to get permission from the people they photograph, she added.

“Most you can find within five to 10 minutes of the church. But I can see someone saying, ‘Oh, I know where that is in Elgin,’ and drive down there,” she said.

The photos then be featured on a slideshow at dinner. “We’re hoping for foolishness and fun,” Sally Cope said.

The church got the idea from the Internet, she said. “A lot of small churches are facing fundraising issues over the years. We like to have fun — that is one of the trademarks of this congregation, and this was one of the fun ways to do it.”

The winning team will get $200, but there will also be silly prizes, such as “3 Musketeers” candy bars for the best teamwork.

The proceeds will benefit church’s ministries, including Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) and Meals on Wheels Association of America. The fundraiser is open to the community. The cost is $30 per person including dinner. Register at algonquinucc.org or by calling the church at (847) 658-5308.