Magic of Rotary Fund-raiser is April 20

Elmhurst Rotary Club will host Magic of Rotary at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Butterfield Country Club, 2800 Midwest Road, Oak Brook.

“We are inviting the community to join us for a memorable evening to support our student scholarships and other community and humanitarian service programs,” said Bill Shanklin, fund-raising chairman.

The gala event begins with a 6 p.m. social hour with hors d’ oeuvres, followed by dinner, a silent and live auction, musical entertainment and dancing.

“This year, we are focusing on Shelter Near and Far by spotlighting two exceptional charitable causes: Bridge Communities and ShelterBox USA,” Shanklin said. “Bridge Communities is transforming lives by providing housing, mentoring and supportive services to homeless families in DuPage County. ShelterBox, a Rotary International disaster relief charity, provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by natural and manmade disasters.”

The benefit also features a raffle drawing for a $10,000 first prize, a $1,000 second prize and $500 third prize. Only 350 tickets will be sold and are available from club members for a $100 donation. All proceeds will benefit the Elmhurst Rotary Charitable Trust Fund, a 501(c)3 organization. Raffle and dinner tickets are available from Rotary members and offered on the club’s website, at www.elmhurstrotary.org.

Elmhurst Rotary has a long history of community and international service. The 58-year-old club has awarded nearly $500,000 in college scholarships to some 400 Elmhurst students. Last year, the club awarded $75,000 in grants to over 40 local charities and completed a $25,000 grant to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. Each year, hundreds of needy area residents are treated to a full turkey dinner at the club’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.

In addition to support of local organizations, Elmhurst Rotary has been a major supporter of ShelterBox USA and global-related projects, including Children UP!, which sponsors students to attend school in Uganda, A New Day Cambodia, and the Human Development Foundation in Pakistan, organizations that provide housing and education for children. The club has also provided financial support for projects in Mexico and Nigeria.

Through support of Rotary’s massive PolioPlus program, the club has helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in more than 200 countries.

For more information about raffle tickets, dinner tickets or underwriting, contact Bill Shanklin at (708) 267-3987 or visit the club website.