By Al Benson
Cosmopolitan Club of Aurora held a party with a purpose Friday, June 25.
Russ George, Cosmos president, said “A Night at the Farm,” the nonprofit’s inaugural benefit, raised approximately $12,000 to fight diabetes. Attended by approximately 150 guests, the event at the Fox Valley Park District’s Blackberry Farm featured food, music, and more than 30 basket-raffle drawings with the band Sling Blade. Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created.
George said,, “Attendees moved around the farm barn to purchase tickets for the raffle of 30 baskets, the 50/50 cash raffle, a Cubs/Sox crosstown classic ticket raffle, and corks for a wine pull. A free door prize drawing allowed 25 people in attendance, to win gift cards worth up to $25.00 each.”
He thanked the event sponsors, including the Spartan House, Arch Printing, Sling Blade band, Fox Valley Park District, ticket-buyers and Aurora Cosmopolitan members who worked to make the event happen.
George said, “We are planning on repeating the event next year Friday, June 24, 2022. Our board members feel that with more time to plan and market, add an additional 15 to 20 sponsorships and boost attendance to 250 guests, our net profit could easily become $20,000.”
Founded in 1927, Cosmopolitan Club of Aurora is known as the club that fights diabetes. In 1973, the Cosmos decided to start a campaign against diabetes. Today the nonprofit promotes awareness of diabetes and raises funds for diabetes research at University of Chicago’s Kovler Diabetes Center, ADA educational Summer Camps for type 1 diabetic children, diabetes education at Rush Copley Medical Center Diabetes Educational Center and helps provide diabetic alert dogs.
Additionally, the Club sponsors two scholarships for Waubonsee Community College nursing students, contributes to a school supplies drive by Communities in Schools and is raising funds to replace a diabetes educational display at SciTech Hands On Museum in Aurora.
Future Cosmo events scheduled will include:
• Saturday, Aug. 7: Annual “Race to Fight Diabetes,” 6 p.m., Sycamore Speedway, Route 64, Maple Park.
• Thursday, Sept. 23: Second annual drive-thru barbecue, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Aurora Advent Christian Church, 905 N. Edgelawn Drive.
• November: Date to be announced, “Make a Goal to Fight Diabetes,” Chicago Steel hockey game, Fox Valley Ice Arena, Geneva.
Aurora Cosmos meet at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Oak Street Restaurant, 945 Oak Street in North Aurora. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. is optional. Prospective members are invited.
Call 630-966-0657, E-mail cosmoaurorail@Gmail.com or visit auroracosmo.org for more information.