Christmas Without Cancer Draws Funds for Local Families

Argus Brewery will raise the bar for patrons from noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday with a fundraiser to benefit Christmas Without Cancer, a nonprofit that helps local families embrace the spirit of Christmas in the most difficult of times.

Argus has been a popular destination “draw” to the historic Pullman District for beer lovers, historians and tourists. Adding to the fun of the brewery tours, tastings, giveaways and raffles, Argus has invited local record stores to bring their vinyl to sell in a build up to Black Friday the following week.

The “Electronics Answer Man” - Dave Benedict of United TV Service - will also be on site to offer up his considerable electronics repair knowledge. As older entertainment components and other consumer electronics have come full circle, Benedict’s abilities and resources for parts are coveted in the repair of receivers, turntables, speakers, reel to reel tape recorders and older radios. People are encouraged to bring photos of their models for free advice. Visitors can also donate electronics gathering dust. Donated electronics worthy of repair will be fixed and sold with all the proceeds going to ChristmasWithoutCancer.org families.

“The frequency in which people just throw good receivers or turntables to the curb is frightening,” said Benedict. “Donating the Sansui or Kenwood in the attic to Christmas Without Cancer is a logical solution.”

Those inclined to do so can bring electronics to be donated or deliver them to United TV Service at 3255 West 111th Street in Chicago between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

“Sometimes it’s just guilt,” said Benedict. “They don’t want to throw out something that was a valued item of a parent.”

The initiative -- conceived through a discussion between Argus and Beverly Records – is being planned as an annual. Tastings and tours will run concurrent with shopping for vinyl. According to Argus Brewing and Beverly Records, the goal is to provide important funds for Christmas Without Cancer, and, build awareness regarding the benefits of shopping for rare vinyl, used records and pointing out the green sensibilities of “source reduction and re-use.”

“In the spirit of Christmas, Argus is embracing a non-profit that comes to the rescue of families challenged by cancer at Christmas,” said Jack Dreznes of Beverly Records. “Argus joins in the efforts by designating portions of beer sales.”

There is a suggested $5 entrance fee donation for the tour, pint glass, shopping and entrance to tasting room, along with surprise giveaway items.

For more information, visit: www.christmaswithoutcancer.org or www.argusbrewery.com located at 11314 South Front Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628