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Several individuals—representing key sectors of the Macomb community, including Western Illinois University, the Macomb Park District, Ameren, several businesses and the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS)—recently came together to make the first-ever Foos for Families human foosball tournament and fundraiser a success. Staff at the Macomb Park District constructed two human foosball fields (one being used in this photo) for the tourney.
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Western Illinois University Recreation, Park, Tourism and Administration Dept. Assistant Professor Jeremy Robinett with the winning team (a group of WIU ROTC alumni in town for a reunion) in the Foos for Families human foosball tournament, which was held May 7 at Veterans Park in Macomb.
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According to WIU RPTA Assistant Professor Jeremy Robinett, WIU's recreation, park, tourism and administration students provided their labor and energy to infuse the Foos for Families tournament. "It was wonderful opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they were gaining in class to a practical, community-based activity," he noted.
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One of the fields used in the Foos for Families human foosball tournament.
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First-Ever Foos For Families Raised $3K for Community Organization

June 8, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — Several individuals—representing key sectors of the Macomb community, including Western Illinois University, the Macomb Park District, Ameren, several businesses and the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS)—recently came together to make the first-ever Foos for Families human foosball tournament and fundraiser a success.

According to Jeremy Robinett, assistant professor in the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA), the tourney — which was held May 7 at Veterans Park in Macomb and involved two foosball fields and three age-group brackets — raised more than $3,000. Students in Robinett's Spring 2016 RPTA 467, "Event Planning and Management," course planned and promoted the event, as well as provided labor during the tournament.

"The first Foos for Families Tournament was a wonderful success. We raised a significant amount of money for the CYFS and had more than 15 sponsors. We also had five teams participate, and they represented high school, college and older-adult teams. The winning team was a group of ROTC alumni in town for a reunion. It was a wonderful opportunity for people to come together for a great cause," he noted "Research has suggested that in trying economic times, the best way for communities to succeed is by using the strengths of each economic sector. We offered further proof for this with Foos for Families."

Robinett explained that representatives of each participating organization drew on their organizations' strengths and resources to contribute to the success of the event.

"For example, Macomb Park District staff provided space, a registration site and the equipment (staff at the Macomb Park District constructed each foosball field out of pallets), and because the CYFS is a non-profit organization, the event has non-profit tax status. CYFS staff also provided us with contacts and help from its friends and donors. And WIU's RTPA students provided their labor and energy to infuse the event. It was wonderful opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they were gaining in class to a practical, community-based activity," he added.

Sponsors for the first-ever Foos for Families tourney included:

  • Ameren — corporate sponsor;
  • Pepsi, Kent and Debby Seifert and the Western Illinois University Union — "Strikers";
  • RP Lumber — "Forwards";
  • Bottled Water by RNJ Distribution, Greg Mason Construction, Depoy Auto Services, Cassady Martial Arts Academy, Citizens Bank, Terry and Laurie Burch, No Place Like Home and Chubby's — "Midfields"; and
  • Engravings by Lin; Macomb Mayor Mike and Melissa Inman, FYI, TJR Designs and Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., Sorority — "Goalies."

Carrie Depoy, youth, family and outreach supervisor for the CYFS and an adjunct instructor in the WIU Department of Health Sciences and Social Work, said the event raised funds for and awareness about the needs of families in the community.

"Specifically, this event helped us raise funds for items like school supplies, winter coats, activity fees, haircuts and hygiene products, medications not covered under prescription plans and many other everyday needs," she noted.

According to Robinett, planning for the second annual Foos For Families will get underway this summer.

For more information, contact Robinett at (309) 298-2817 or via email at JL-Robinett@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing