The Kane County 4-H Foundation will host its 7^th annual pork chop dinner and auction fundraiser from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18, in St. Charles.

“Last year, the event raised more than $20,000 for University of Illinois Extension programming in Kane County, and the goal this year is to raise the same amount or a bit more,” said Jeff Bornemann, president of the Kane County 4-H Foundation. “This annual event helps support 4-H Youth Development in our communities, as well as other valuable University of Illinois Extension programs.”

The dinner will be held in the Prairie Events Center at the Kane County Fairgrounds located on Randall Road in St. Charles.  Attendees have the choice of a 2-chop dinner for $14, a 1-chop dinner for $12, or a pulled pork sandwich dinner for $8.  All dinners include sides, roll, dessert and a drink (pop sold separately).  The dinner will be prepared by the Elburn Lions Club and served by Kane County 4-H’ers and Extension volunteers.

Throughout the evening, there will be a silent auction of themed baskets donated by Kane County 4-H Clubs, Master Gardeners, local Home and Community Education (HCE) groups and other area supporters.  At 7 p.m., there will be a live auction of prizes, including sports event tickets.

Tickets for the dinner are available through 4-H families or at the University of Illinois Extension Office at 535 S. Randall Road in St. Charles, through Wednesday, April 1, or contact the dinner co-chairs, Bill Collins at 630-484-6852 and Mike Panek at 630‑650‑6334.  A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the door for an additional $1 per meal.

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.

In addition, sponsorship opportunities are available at the bronze, silver and gold levels.

According to Bornemann, sponsors help ensure the event’s success and are a vital part of the support needed to continue Extension programming.

“As government 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,” said Bornemann. “We are grateful for the community support we receive each year and are proud to give back to Extension.”

Sponsors may request a set number of complimentary tickets, and all donations are tax deductible.  All donors and sponsors will receive recognition at the event. To sponsor or donate, contact Bill Collins at 630‑484-6852 or Mike Panek at 630-650-6334.

To learn more about University of Illinois Extension in Kane County and all the programs they offer, please visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk. For more information on the 4-H program in Kane County, contact Program Coordinator Doris Braddock at dbraddoc@illinois.edu. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please notify at least two weeks in advance.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.

SOURCE: Kane County 4-H press release