Sister Cities' fundraiser set at new eatery

The word "fun" in fundraiser pokes its one syllable into a joyful stance and promises itself to guests who attend a promising Sister City event.

No one is more elated than Schaumburg resident Mary Nagy, a perennial cheerleader for the Sister City concept that pairs Schaumburg to Schaumburg County in Germany, a sisterhood that will celebrate 25 years in the fall.

In the meantime, Nagy, who sits on the Schaumburg Sister Cities Commission and is chair of the Schaumburg Sister Cities Association, invites the whole community to begin the celebration now. The association is the commission's fundraiser arm, one that helps to support both Sister Cities: Schaumburg in Germany's Lower Saxony and Namerikawa, Japan.

Association members partnered with John Barleycorn to host a 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday wine and hors d'oeuvres event -- loaded with hospitality -- in the facilities of the upscale casual entertainment complex, 1100 American Lane in Schaumburg. Manager Scott Struchen will welcome guests on behalf of Barleycorn owner Sam Sanchez and managing partner Michael Gonzalez who themselves might be present.

Nagy said fundraisers become essential to sustain goals to maintain the relationship.

"Besides having a fun night out to greet friends and meet new ones, our fundraiser will gather strength by getting newcomers acquainted with our efforts and add to our desire to fund the 25th anniversary," Nagy said. "We are fortunate to team with Barleycorn because the owners have a mission philosophy of community involvement."

In conjunction with the anniversary events, Nagy organized an exchange in Germany from Sept. 25 to Oct 2.

Besides Nagy, Schaumburg Trustee Hank Curcio is liaison to the association board with Joan Thome as secretary and Shawn Williams as treasurer. Others are Ruth Park, Darcy Davidsmeyer, Tom Dewing, Juli Anne Scully, Peter Woods and Joanmarie Wermes.

Those who look forward to raffles will not be disappointed because supporters have gift baskets and other surprises.

Guests may sip wine and beer and a taste a variety of appetizers, including southwestern firecrackers, Vietnamese spring rolls and mini quiches at the festivity open to the community for a $30 donation to the Schaumburg Sister Cities Association, a 50lC3 organization.

Struchen said he looks forward to meeting folks and believes it is "a great opportunity" for the newly established business to make an impact on the community.

"It is important to create relationships so John Barleycorn opens its doors to welcome the Schaumburg Sister Cities," Struchen said.

Reservations are not necessary.