Deputy Sheriff to sponsor benefit for Open Arms Mission

Lake County Deputy Sheriff John “Bam Bam” Van Dien is sponsoring the fifth annual “Feed the Hungry” benefit to raise funds for Open Arms Mission Food Pantry in Antioch.

The benefit will be held Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Steve’s Sports Bar, 26029 W. Route 173 in Antioch. A $5 donation will be taken at the door.

A deputy sheriff for more than 25 years, Van Dien said his job inspires him to give back to the community he serves. “In my job I have been in homes where there is nothing in the refrigerator and there are four or five kids. That breaks my heart, and now more than ever people need our help.”

The food pantry, staffed by volunteers, provides food to needy Antioch, Lake Villa and Lindenhurst residents every week. Donations are needed to purchase food boxes that will be distributed during the holidays, in addition to weekly food allocations.

“The timing is perfect for this fundraiser because every dollar will go toward holiday food boxes. The holidays are a time when our families are most challenged,” said OAM Food Pantry Executive Director Marytherese Ambacher.

“We are getting a lot of help from the community to organize the event and provide food, beverages, entertainment and prizes for the raffles,” said Van Dien. Anyone who would like to donate a prize can drop it off at Steve’s Sports Bar before the event.

All proceeds from the event will go to Open Arms Mission Food Pantry, 1548 S. Main St., Antioch. Tickets are available in advance at the sports bar, from food pantry volunteers and at Open Arms Mission.

All donations to OAM are tax-deductible. Donations may be made online at the food pantry’s Web site, www.openarmsmission.org, or by mail at PO Box 79, Antioch, IL 60002.

For more information, contact Open Arms Mission Food Pantry, (847) 395-0309.

 

 


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