University News

Foos For Families Human Foosball Tournament April 2 at WIU, Fundraiser March 14

March 1, 2023

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MACOMB, IL -- The Macomb Park District, Western Illinois University Campus Recreation, the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS), and students in the WIU Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) have announced plans for a pre-event raffle fundraiser Tuesday, March 14, and the eighth annual Foos for Families human foosball tournament Sunday, April 2. All proceeds from the events will benefit CYFS.

Vincent Boaz, Youth, Family and Community Outreach supervisor and lead case worker for CYFS, said the event raises funds and awareness about the needs of families in the community.

"Specifically, this event helps us raise funds for items like school supplies, winter coats, activity fees, haircuts, hygiene products, cleaning items, fuel cards to attend counseling and many other everyday needs," he said. "Through the generosity of raffle donors, raffle attendees, tournament sponsors and competing teams, we're able to make a real difference in the lives of families in need."

Kara Sahagian, superintendent of events for the Macomb Park District said the event will be a great way for families and groups of friends to enjoy a unique activity on a Sunday afternoon.

"The goal is to provide a safe, fun activity that allows people to engage with others and to learn about our community while supporting families that may need extra help," Sahagian added.

The pre-event raffle fundraiser will take place at Chubby's in downtown Macomb, from 5-7:30 p.m. March 14. There will be a silent raffle of items and gift certificates to local businesses, as well as a 50/50 drawing.

The Foos for Families human foosball tournament will take place April 2 in the Mac Gym of the Student Recreation Center on the WIU campus. Teams of six to eight people (ages 14 and older) can register for $30 by March 24 at tinyurl.com/mpdregister to compete in a double elimination tournament, starting at 1 p.m.

More information about the tournament can be found at facebook.com/foosforfamilies.

According to WIU Associate Professor of RPTA Jeremy Robinett, representatives of each participating organization draw on their organizations' strengths and resources to contribute to the success of the event.

"For example, the Macomb Park District provides promotional materials, a registration site, and the equipment (staff at the Macomb Park District constructed the portable foosball courts), and because CYFS is a non-profit organization, the event has non-profit tax status," said Robinett. "WIU's Campus Recreation Center is providing a home for the event so we don't have to worry about the weather as much, and our students provide their labor and energy to infuse the event. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they were gaining in class to a practical, community-based activity."

Individuals or agencies interested in learning more about event sponsorship can contact Boaz at (309) 833-1791, or by e-mail at VBoaz@cyfsolutions.org. For questions about the Foos for Families event, contact Robinett at jl-robinett@wiu.edu or call (309) 298-1967.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing