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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)—came together in May 2016 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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Save the Date for 2nd Annual Foos for Families in 2017; Human Foosball Tourney Set for April 30

October 14, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — Last spring, the first-ever Foos for Families human foosball tournament in Macomb raised more than $3,000 to help support families through the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS). The event was also a win-win for community partnerships, as key players—including Western Illinois University, the Macomb Park District, Ameren and several businesses—in the western Illinois region came together to host the tourney.

To continue the success of the inaugural Foos for Families, the organizations are working together to host the second annual tourney in Macomb on Sunday, April 30, 2017.

According to Jeremy Robinett, assistant professor in the WIU Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA), the tournament — which was held May 7 this year at Veterans Park in Macomb — involved two foosball fields and three age-group brackets. 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 tourney.

"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," he noted. "We are excited to once again plan the tourney and continue the partnerships among the University, the community and regional and area businesses to help families in western Illinois."

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.

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

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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