In Vernon Hills, Oktoberfest has always been about much more than just beer.
Now in its 12th year, the event began in response to Hurricane Katrina and has been a source of revenue for local and national non-profits since. This year, money will be sent to Baton Rouge to aide in flood recovery efforts.
“We wanted to get back to those who had been impacted by the flooding,” said Joe Carey, director of community development. “It’s definitely an event we want to encourage families to attend and bring their kids.”
The village will match however much is raised for the Baton Rouge Foundation with the goal being $5,000. Other groups present included local scout troops, high school clubs and non-profit causes.
Mukul Verma is the director of communications at the Baton Rouge Foundation. He said they are grateful for the funds coming in from across the country.
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“It’s much appreciated and it’s absolutely necessary,” Verma said.
Verma said the disaster is unique because some devastated areas are not even in the flood zone, leaving some victims unprepared and without flood insurance.
“A lot of these folks have been helping each other out. Strangers are showing up to people’s houses to help them recover. People are coming together over a very, very stressful situation,” Verma said. “But we’ve become a much better community for it.”
Verma added that a focus of the operation involves assisting elderly and impoverished people. Funds go to various efforts, mainly helping people to rebuild or clean out their houses.
At the Vernon Hills event, there was plenty to do for the kids including a balloonist, pumpkins to paint, face painting, hay rides, slides and bounce houses.
Louis and April Ibarra came to the Saturday event with their son Oliver. They said Oliver’s favorite ride was the big slide.
“It’s great that it’s laid back,” Louis Ibarra said.
Kristin Sanchez and her co-worker Brittany Keller went to the event with Sanchez’s two kids, who liked painting pumpkins most.
“It’s nice to get drinks and be able to give the kids fun,” Kristin said.
To donate, go to classy.org/VernonHillsIllinois.
Tom Ackerman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.