Backpack Ball on the Horizon

Blessings in a Backpack – Effingham, IL is hosting a Backpack Ball, Friday, February 27^th at the Effingham Knights of Columbus. 

This event will feature dueling pianos by Spanky Entertainment from St. Louis. Food will be provided by Country Rhodes Catering, with walleye, shrimp, chicken wings, pulled pork and more. Desserts are being donated by talented local bakers. Dinner will be served from 6:00-8:00 pm, with entertainment from 8:00-11:00 pm. A photobooth will be available to capture the fun, provided by Caught on Camera Photobooth. A ball gown is not necessary for this ball, attire is casual. 

Auctions by Schackmann will host a live auction at the event, with a variety of packages - birthday parties at a fire house, tumbling and gymnastics facility, original artwork from Jamie Stang and Ed Baumgarten, an ice fishing adventure in Ely, Minnesota, EPC and sporting event tickets and much, much more. Kendra Franklin and Kacie Volpi are Co-Directors of Food Inventory and Distribution, and have been working with donors to collect items for the live auction. 

“We’ve been astonished at the number of people who contact us to offer donations. Our auction has amazing experience packages, and really terrific items,” said Volpi. Franklin added, “As food costs rise, our budget must also. Proceeds from this event will have a tremendous, positive impact on our ability to feed the children in our program. We’re humbled by the generosity that’s been extended to our event and our program.”

Fundraising Director Tiffany Toney commented, “It’s an honor to be part of a community that doesn't just talk about charity – they live it. We are very excited to present this unique entertainment event; it’s going to be a night to remember.”

Tickets are $50 each, or $500 for a table of 8, with reserved seating. RSVPs and checks, payable to “Blessings in a Backpack,” can be mailed to P.O. Box 28, Effingham, IL 62401, or email them here.

 100% of proceeds will benefit the local Blessings in a Backpack program. At this time, the group provides nutritional assistance to nearly 350 area children who do not have access to enough food over the weekends. Local volunteers meet twice per month to pack food bags, which are then distributed to the schools so that teachers may add the bags to the student’s backpack. 

For more information about the event or the organization, contact spokeswoman Jamie Waldhoff at 217-273-8346, or visit them on Facebook.