The Kane County 4-H Foundation will be host to its 13th annual pork chop dinner and auction fundraiser from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at the Prairie Events Center of the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it helps support 4-H Youth Development programs in our communities, as well as other valuable University of Illinois Extension services,” said Bill Collins, treasurer of the Kane County 4-H Foundation and event co-chairperson. “Prior to 2020, the annual event raised about $20,000, and the goal this year is to match that.”
Tickets are on sale now, with the choice of a two-chop dinner for $15, a one-chop dinner for $13, or a pulled pork sandwich dinner for $10. The pork will be prepared by the Elburn Lions Club and served by 4-H Foundation, clubs, families, and other Extension volunteers and supporters.
Tickets may be purchased through the local 4-H club or 4-H Foundation volunteer, or by contacting the dinner co-chairs Bill Collins at 630-484-6852 or Karen Sunderlage at 815-766-2955. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door for an additional $1 per meal.
The event features a silent auction of popular items and themed baskets donated by Kane County 4-H Clubs, Master Gardener volunteers, local Home and Community Education (HCE) groups, and other area supporters. Silent auction bidding ends at 7 p.m. and the live auction begins.
Proceeds from the dinner and auctions will benefit University of Illinois Extension programs in Kane County including: 4‑H Youth Development, Home and Community Education Association, Horticulture, Master Gardener, and Nutrition and Wellness Programs.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at bronze, silver, and gold levels, and all donations are tax deductible. Donors may request a set number of complimentary tickets based on sponsorship level, and they will receive recognition at the event. To donate, contact Bill Collins at 630-484-6852 and Karen Sunderlage at 815-766-2955.
“We are grateful for the community support we receive each year and are proud to give back to Extension,” said Collins. “As state funding becomes less available, local support through fundraisers such as this one is vital to maintain the quality of Extension programs offered to the entire county.”
At this event, face coverings are required for all participants, spectators, volunteers, and staff in any indoor space. Anyone who has experienced COVID-19 symptoms within the previous five days of the event is asked to please stay at home. The planning committee may adjust events in response to evolving guidance as provided by the CDC, IDPH, and University of Illinois. Additional local venue guidelines will be followed.
Learn more about University of Illinois Extension in Kane County at go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office at 630-584-6166 or uie-dkk@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
— Kane County 4-H Foundation