Miniature golf event raises funds for Des Plaines food pantry

Water rushing down the side of a mountain at a mine-themed miniature golf course provided the setting for the eighth annual summer fundraiser for a Des Plaines food pantry Saturday.

Held at the Mountain View Adventure Center in Des Plaines, Putt for the Pantry benefitted the Self-Help Closet and Pantry of Des Plaines and gave families and friends the opportunity to have fun while helping a charitable cause.

“Our food pantry has been around since 1971,” said Self-Help Closet and Pantry Executive Director Debra Walusiak. “We serve Des Plaines residents by providing food and clothing,”

She said more than 500 households are registered with the organization, an increase of 100 households since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social distancing was being practiced at the four-hour event, which featured lunch and a raffle in addition to miniature golf. Approximately 75 participants, spread throughout the afternoon, were expected, Walusiak said.

Nearly 40 businesses, organizations and families provided sponsorship or in-kind contributions for the event.