More than 400 people turn out to help support important youth program.
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ROCHELLE — Kim Dewey had her hands full Wednesday night.
When she wasn’t feeding spoonfuls of spaghetti to her 14-month old son, Jack, the Davis Junction woman was overseeing the dessert table at the 18th annual Focus House fundraiser. Dewey was one of 30 people throughout the northern Illinois area, mostly from Rochelle and Ogle County, who volunteered their services for the night.
“I think Focus House is a great cause,” another long-time volunteer, Mike Rogers, said.
“It’s very important we keep this going,” first time volunteer, Jennifer Thomason, added. “Focus House is changing a lot so it’s important for the community to know what great work they do here.”
According to first year Focus House director Brenda Mason, approximately 400 people participated in last Wednesday’s event, including 350 who ate in the school gym and another 56 who ordered take-out. Altogether, they raised about $3,800, a little less than last year’s total of $3,836.
Of this year’s total money raised, $700 came from the Hub City Cruisers, with the stipulation that it go specifically towards the jobs program in honor of Don Burke. The two silent auction items that brought in the most money were the beautiful stained glass window made by staff member Jeff Sundberg and a large seed package.
“It was wonderful,” Mason said of the whole thing. “I am extremely grateful for the community’s support. We have expanded our services to an alternative program, so help is needed more than ever.”