Old Fat Guy Idol

Three Old Fat Guys walk into a bar and start singing . . .
and collected over $8500 in donations for breast cancer research and education.

It may sound like a joke, but in 2010, three high school friends from the tiny village of Waterman started a fundraising event known as Old Fat Guy Idol. Larry Meredith, Chuck Wesenberg, and Bob Strausberger will each perform three songs, and the audience can vote for their favorite by giving a donation to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. The singer who collects the most donations will be the winner. For the third year, Old Fat Guy Idol will be held at Pub West in Waterman, Illinois, on April 21.

The idea for the event was triggered when  a video of one of the singers was posted on Facebook and revived the friendly argument about which of them has the better voice. A friend, Lisa Youngdahl of Batavia volunteered to organize a public competition on behalf of Larry Meredith's participation in Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. This will be Larry's sixth year to participate in the 3 day, 60 mile walk. All proceeds will be used for breast cancer research and community programs. The singers will be backed up by a band that includes Lisa's husband, Greg Youngdahl, and Batavia residents, Jean Deptolla, Jay Cherry and Carol Borrelli.

This year the event has a Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/OldFatGuyIdol, where donations for votes may be given online, for those not able to attend the event.

In addition to the Old Fat Guy Idol competition, there will be live music all evening, raffles, and food. There is no cover charge for the event. Pub West is located at 100 E. Adams St. in Waterman. Call 815-264-3736 for more information.