Thanks and Giving Begin at Rock Island Public House for Those in Need

Giving thanks at the Rock Island Public House in Blue Island means taking account of all one has to be grateful for and benefitting those in need heading into the holiday season.

“Tend to Your Neighbor” is an earnest culmination of community leaders pulling resources into play for a Double Charity Event Saturday November 18 from 5 until 10 p.m. at Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde Western Avenue. Proceeds benefit underserved communities on the North and South sides of Chicago.

“We at the Public House have so much to be thankful for,” said Jennifer Brown, who owns the Blue Island establishment with her husband Dave. “Partnering with our patrons to aid nonprofits Blue Cap and The Friendship Center feels so rewarding.”

Blue Cap’s local mission in Blue Island is to support, encourage and educate people with intellectual disabilities to enjoy quality life experiences and be valued members of the community. Blue Cap's vision is: 70% of people served will have meaningful, paid work, volunteer positions, or desired social roles in the community by July of 2024.

An all-inclusive approach to addressing greater Chicagoland hunger was introduced to the Browns by Half Acre Beer Company, whose support of The Friendship Center (TFC) helps address the food-insecure populations of Chicago’s Northwest side.

“Throwing a net over both the South and North sides of Chicago to help our underserved population is something everyone can join in on,” said Dave Brown. “We’ll never meet those in need but knowing our efforts impacted their lives is a personal reward in itself.”

TFC’s food-rescue program is one of the largest in the City of Chicago, serving more than 4,500 neighbors facing hunger each month. TFC is also a proud partner of the Great Chicago Food Depository and part of the larger Feeding America network of hunger relief organizations. All donations are tax deductible.

Proceeds Saturday will come from Half Acre products, $2 raffle tickets and donations. Patrons can earn raffle tickets with the donation of need items such as toothpaste and brushes, shampoo, soaps, tissue, personal care items, diapers, baby wipes and lotions as well as other practical items addressing personal hygiene needs.

The giving season continues at the Public House after Saturday. Until December 20th, proceeds from Half Acre’s Tend Winter IPA and its flagship brew Daisy Cutter Pale Ale will continue to help those under the watch and care of The Friendship Center.

Saturday’s special raffle prizes from Half Acre include product, merchandise and brewery tour tickets at 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago.

Half Acre organizers will hold court on the patio with plenty of firewood to “tend to” the fire pits for warmth and preparation of delicious S’mores from the open flames, all as a “thank you” for joining the efforts.

Bizarro & Son will be on hand with its specialty house dishes delivered directly to tables indoor and on the patio. The “Mexican Scratch Kitchen” prepares healthy dishes made only with fresh ingredients – nothing processed.

Location

Rock Island Public House

13328 Old Western Ave, Blue Island, IL 60406, USA

Get directions

Dates

Saturday, November 18, 2023, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.