Pork fundraiser supports Kendall County community, youth programs

The community provided generous support for the Friends of Extension and Kendall County 4-H Foundation’s annual pork dinner fundraiser Thursday, June 17, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Yorkville.

After a year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefit event returned as a drive-thru dinner for the second time. Volunteers served more than 530 meals with the help of 4-H families and leaders, Master Gardeners, and other Extension volunteers. According to Executive Director Diane Morris, the annual event raised about $7,500 this year, which will support University of Illinois Extension and 4-H Youth Development programs in Kendall County.

“We want to thank the community for supporting 4-H and Extension programs, especially after such a challenging 15 months,” Morris said. “Our goal was to provide a delicious, convenient meal option, while still supporting this great cause for our community. We especially appreciate those organizations and individuals who made a monetary or in-kind gift towards our expenses and supplies. It is a huge financial help. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Kendall County Pork Producers, who volunteered their time to cook the meals, and to all our servers and runners.”

Sponsors for the 2021 Pork Chop Fundraiser include Compeer Financial, First Insurance Group, Grainco F.S. Inc., Grundy Bank, H.D. Backhoe, Heartland Bank & Trust, Kellogg Farms, Law Office of Daniel J. Kramer, Wesley and Diane Morris, Joel and Nancy Ottosen, John and Kay Shaw, Stewart Farms Partnership, Bob and Sarah Stewart, Synergy Financial Services Inc. and Wayda Go! Chiropractic.

In-kind donors include Clearview Pork Farm, Mark and Rosalie Tronc, G-Force Labels & Printing and Kendall County Pork Producers.

The following 4-H families were the top ticket sellers this year: the Wallin family, first place; Aiden Brummel, second place; and the David Wheeler family, third place.

Event proceeds will help support the community programs provided by the University of Illinois Extension in Kendall County, including 4-H Youth Development, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and Nutrition and Wellness. For information on University of Illinois Extension programs in Kendall County, visit go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk or call 630-553-5823.