Morris Area Help Network to host first fundraiser

The Morris Area Help Network will hold its first fundraiser from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, March 9, at Honest Abe's in Morris.

The Morris Area Help Network was established to assist those in need in the Grundy County area and is a not-for-profit organization.

The March 9 event will feature more than 50 items, including Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, University of Illinois and Illinois State tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, restaurant and hair salon certificates, music, concert and racing opportunities, electronic items, such as an iPod Nano, DVD player, golf foursomes, fitness center certificate, DJ services, roof repairs, gas cards and much more.

In addition to the auction items, there will be special appearances by Jill Carlson from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Carlson is a sports anchor at WBBM TV CBS 2 in Chicago. She will serve as a guest auctioneer during her visit.

Morris' own Paige DeChausse, finalist from American Idol season 9, will make an appearance. Paige will take the stage about 9:15 p.m. for a brief set and then the auction will continue right afterward.

The event is free and open to the public. All proceeds from the event that night will go directly to Morris Area Help Network.

Donations are still being accepted through members of the board and the committee. They can be reached at Chad Macaluso (815-514-7233), Glenn Schaefer (630-991-0552), Ellen Hanson (815) 942-6700, Stephanie Kinzler (815-666-4985), Ali Muno at (815-503-3378), Terry Egeland (815-258-9704) and Tom Kinzler (815-735-1450).

The Morris Area Help Network's next general meeting is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Morris Public Library. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization or volunteering is welcome to attend.