News Archive

December 5, 2006:

 Chili luncheon will benefit Toys for Tots Drive

A new event on Jacksonville's holiday calendar will give local residents the chance to enjoy a bowl of chili while providing gifts for needy youngsters. 

The first "Chili Day for Tots" is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, at Illinois College's Cummings Dining Hall, and admission will be one wrapped or unwrapped toy. For those unable to bring a toy, the $5.20 admission fee will be donated to the local Toys for Tots Drive. 

Matt Kent, director of Chartwells Dining Service at Illinois College, said a chili luncheon has been held in early December on the hilltop campus for several years, and his staff felt the timing was right to donate all the proceeds to a worthy cause. 

Illinois College's Sigma Phi Epsilon Literary Society will serve as co-sponsors of the holiday luncheon, and members will be present to greet visitors and conduct several games for youngsters. Music is also planned, and Kent said arrangements have also been made to feature a visit from Santa Claus. 

The dining service director also said that Chef Howard Seidel plans to prepare four different kinds of chili for the event. Guests will also be able to select from a variety of sandwich and salad options, as well. 

Sigma Phi Epsilon will also assist during December with collection efforts on campus for the local Toys for Tots drive. Collection barrels will be placed in the lobby of the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center along with the campus dining hall. In addition, members of the literary society will collect donated toys from fans who attend the Illinois College men's and women's basketball games on Wednesday, December 6, against Knox College. 

Information about the chili luncheon is available by contacting Kent at 245-3024.

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Last updated 09/03/07 by Alexandra Cartwright-Devine