Since 2018, the Big Band and BBQ sponsored by Senior Services Associates, Inc. of Kendall County has been the signature fundraising event for the non-profit agency serving the needs of Senior Citizens and their families.
The tradition will continue Thursday, Sept. 3, as the first event of the weekend at Yorkville’s Hometown Days festivities. Patrons can enjoy dining under the big top from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with live Big Band music available from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., compliments of the Yorkville Big Band. There’s even room under the tent for those who just want to sit and listen to the music or even to dance!
“We are happy to have the Yorkville Big Band at our fundraiser and to be able to open the Hometown Days weekend for all these years” said Yolanda Olaque, office manager for Senior Services Associates, Inc. “Listening to the Big Band is my favorite part of this event,” she added. “Just being able to visit with everyone who comes out, and then to sit back and listen to them play is wonderful. They have a delightful new soloist singing with them too.”
“Many of us are working the event,” said Cindy Adams, coordinator – friendly visiting and phone calls for Senior Services Associates, Inc. “It’s a great way to spread the message of who we are and what we have to offer. Most of us will be helping to serve, saying ‘hi’ to everyone, taking orders, helping them to the table, there will be golf carts available for seniors who cannot walk the distance to the tent, and we will have all our informational literature available for them too,” Cindy added.
“All funds raised from this event will support our Yorkville office,” said Amanda DeVito, director of Community Services for Southern Kane and Kendall Counties. Our services are provided free of cost, so we must find ways to raise funds, and this event helps us continue providing programs and services to those who rely on them.”
There will be a 50/50 raffle this year too! “Tickets are $5 for one ticket or $20 for five tickets. Already, the 50/50 pot is a little over $1,000,” she said. The winner of the 50/50 does not need to be present, and those interested can buy tickets in advance by visiting the Beecher Center, 908 Game Farm Rd., Yorkville, during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Big Band & BBQ Night is a rain or shine event, and patrons can dine in the big top tent or purchase carryout dinners. There are three meal choices available including, two BBQ pork Chops, half a BBQ chicken, or a Combo meal of one BBQ pork Chop and one quarter BBQ chicken. Each meal includes baked beans, Cole slaw, applesauce, bread and butter. Meals are available for $22 each, but the better deal is to invite a friend and order two meals for just $40.
The event will offer a great way to meet and visit with staff of Senior Services Associates, Inc. too, as you offer your support for the variety of services they offer for older adults in Kendall County. Programs such as adult protective services, assessment and care coordination, caregiver assistance, information & assistance, recreation, education, and health programs, transportation services, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Tickets are available at the Senior Services website, https://seniorservicesassoc.org/events/big-band-bbq-2026 or at the agency’s front desk at the Beecher Center.
Further on in the weekend, the public can return to Beecher Community Park to enjoy all the fun of Hometown Days. A full line up of scheduled events for Thursday through Sunday, September 3-6, is available on the Yorkville Parks Department website: https://www.yorkville.il.us/459/Hometown-Days-Festival.
Senior Services Associates Inc. is a non-profit agency that spans three counties, Kane, Kendall and McHenry, with a variety of engaging events and programs to serve older adults and their families. It is dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life for individuals age 60 and older, the disabled, and their caregivers by providing access to the social services they need, dedicated to preserving their independence, promoting mental and physical well-being and protecting their rights and dignity.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer, whose career has spanned over ten years as a public relations professional, 22 years as a professional television and radio host, print journalist, and volunteer coordination professional. She enjoys networking among non-profit social service agencies and service providers throughout the State of Illinois. She is in her third term as an elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.