The River Grove Lions Club raised about $42,000 with the seventh annual Steak ’N’ Lobster Fest, which took place Aug. 4.
Ray Saylor, president of the River Grove club, called it “the best year yet. It turned out phenomenal.”
The fest was held at River Front Park. Saylor said it is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Besides the steak and lobster dinner, there was entertainment, including performances by the Rat Pack Show, Jersey Girls and Mistaken Identity. There was a face painter as well.
“The community looks forward to the fest every year,” Saylor said.
Elmwood Park Deputy Chief and Lions Club member Andy Hock and Jake McWherter held a bags tournament to help raise funds. Hock said Dana and Rob Logisz won the tournament. The first-, second- and third-place finishers received a monetary prize, with the rest of the proceeds going toward the club.
Lisset Lacayo, who is a club member, brought her daughter Miranda Deleon, 10, to the fest. Lacayo said she wants her daughter to get an understanding of how important it is to help others.
“I like to participate in this event because the Lions Club gives back,” she said. “I want Miranda to get accustomed to that. We should care about other people that need our help, especially children.”
Lou Olmetti said he lived in River Grove for 50 years, and he and his wife later moved to Plainfield.
“I love this place,” he said. “I come back to the neighborhood all the time.”
The event also attracted local politicians from neighboring towns, including Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny, who spoke of how the club provides scholarships for students.
“The fact that they bring people together from other communities makes it even better,” Jezierny said.
Lions Club secretary Tracy Aller said the club provides eyeglasses and hearing aids for children in need.
“If somebody comes to us and we know there’s a need, we help,” she said.
Saylor said the Lions Club is hoping to purchase a pavilion on Ditka Drive in the near future as a legacy project.
“We’re more than halfway there,” he said of the funds raised.
Saylor said the next major Lions Club event will be the Halloween costume party at Elmcrest Banquets in October.
