Local Sports Calendar

United Way Witches Ball

The 2016 United Way Witches Ball is set for Friday, October 7^th, at the Thelma Keller Convention Center, Effingham.

The evening will begin with hors d’oeuvres and silent auction at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm, a live auction at 8 pm, and music from 9 pm to Midnight provided by DJ Crispy.

Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required. New this year is a Halloween Costume Contest.  Awards given to “Best Individual” and “Best Group”.

Tickets are $60 each and may be purchased by calling the United Way office at (217) 342-3824.

Items included in this year’s silent and live auction include:  Hamilton Broadway Show in Chicago, Tickets to the St Louis Blues vs Chicago Blackhawks in luxury seats on the ice to include unlimited drinks and food, St Louis Cardinals “Cardinals Club” all inclusive tickets to include food, drinks and parking, Chicago Cubs autographed jersey signed by 27 members of the current team, 2015 Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney, Brandon Rush, Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli, Jarron Collins & Ron Adams autographed floorboard, Stephen Piscotty autographed bat, Aledmys Diaz autographed helmet, Santa’s Express St Louis Christmas train ride & hotel package, Daytona Beach condo getaway, Presidential Suite at Wyndham Glacier Canyon Wisconsin Dells condo getaway, Southern Illinois cabin getaway, Lake of the Ozarks getaway, Hermann Hills getaway, Conrad Indianapolis getaway, Brazilian barbecue dinner, private wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres package, wine tour, dinner & drinks package, TV, electronic smoker with Bluetooth, Illini football tickets, Illini basketball tickets, St Louis Cardinals tickets, Fox Theatre tickets to include Annie, Finding Neverland, An American in Paris, and Fun Home, Effingham Performance Center tickets, adult and kids party packages, jewelry, spa packages, golf packages, Boos butcher block, electronic dart board, St Louis legends photo autographed by Whitey Herzog, Ozzie Smith, Tom Herr, Willie McGee and Vince Coleman, Yadier Molina autographed photo, Anthony Rizzo autographed photo, Santa home visit, deer hunting items, weekend tractor and attachment rental, Disney theme park tickets, customized fire pit, personalized landscape boulder, restaurant and gift certificates and many other great items.

New this year is Apple Bobbing.  Individuals can purchase an apple for $25 each or 5 for $100 and have a chance to win prizes.  A limited number of apples will be sold.  Total prize values over $4,000.  If you would like to purchase an “apple” please call the United Way office at 342-3824.  Need not be present to win!

Proceeds from the event benefit 23 local partner agencies; Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois – Effingham County, Blessings in a Backpack, Boy Scouts of America - Lincoln Trails Council, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Effingham County, Catholic Charities, CEFS Golden Circle Nutrition Program, CEFS Literacy Program, CEFS Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Effingham Child Development Center, Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search & Rescue, Effingham County Youth Commission, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Heartland Human Services, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Effingham County, One Hope United, Oneighty, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR (Strategic Training & Restoration), SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now) and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.

Join in on the fun and help our community LIVE United.  RSVP today to (217) 342-3824!