University News

Second Annual Foos for Families Tournament April 29

April 4, 2018

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MACOMB, IL -- Several individuals—representing key sectors of the Macomb community, including Western Illinois University faculty and students, the Macomb Park District, several businesses and the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS)—are busy planning the third annual Foos for Families Human Foosball Tournament Sunday, April 29 in Macomb's Veterans Park.

According to Jeremy Robinett, assistant professor in WIU Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA), the tournament will take place at Veterans Park or at WIU's Student Recreation Center (rain location) in Macomb. All proceeds benefit the CYFS.

The event will feature teams of six-eight people, over age 13, playing on an enlarged foosball field. Team registration is $30 before Saturday, April 14 and $40 after that date. To register a team, visit the Macomb Park District website at macombparkdistrict.com.

There will also be a Foos for Families benefit, including a raffle, taking place at Chubby's in downtown Macomb from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17.
 
Students in Robinett's Spring 2018 RPTA 467, "Event Planning and Management," course are responsible for planning and promoting the event, as well as providing labor during the tournament.

"The first and second Foos for Families tournaments were wonderful ways to raise funds, even though we got rained out last year," said Robinett. "We're excited that Campus Recreation has agreed to serve as our rain location this year, so come rain or shine, we'll be playing! Over the last two years, we've raised a significant amount of money for the CYFS and have had more than 30 sponsors."

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

"For example, Macomb Park District provides space, a registration site and the equipment (staff at the Macomb Park District constructed the portable foosball courts), and because the CYFS is a non-profit organization, the event has non-profit tax status," he said. "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 is a wonderful opportunity for students to apply the knowledge they were gaining in class to a practical, community-based activity."

Carrie Depoy, youth, family and outreach supervisor for the 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," she said.
 
Depoy said generous sponsors have already come forward this year.

"Without the generosity of our donors, Foos for Families wouldn't be possible," she said. "We're very appreciative of their support."

This year's sponsors include:

Refreshment Services Pepsi; WIU Campus Recreation; Laurie and Terry Burch; Greg Mason Construction; Allstate Insurance – Stacy Foxall; Casey's General Store; Cassady Martial Arts; Depoy Auto Service; Laverdiere Construction; Regional Office of Education; J & L Cattle Co.; Lucie, Scalf, Sutton and Bougher; NTN Bower; Mayor Mike and Melissa Inman; Sleep Tight; Moore's Tires and Domino's Pizza.

Individuals or agencies interested in learning more about sponsorship can contact Depoy at (309) 833-1791. For more information about the events, contact Robinett at (309) 298-1967.


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