University News

Second annual Foos for Families Organized by WIU Students

April 25, 2017

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MACOMB, IL – The second annual Foos for Families human foosball tournament, organized by students in the Western Illinois University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA), will be held from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, April 30 at Veterans Park in Macomb.

RPTA event planning students, taught by Assistant Professor Jeremy Robinett, are helping plan and promote the event and will staff the event. The event is put on in partnership with the Macomb Park District.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Macomb office of the Center for Youth and Family Solutions (CYFS). Last year's event raised more than $3,000 for the center.

"Foos for Families is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with organizing events that benefit communities," said Robinett. "Not all learning happens in the classroom, and Foos has been a tremendous way for students to gain an appreciation of how much work it takes to actually plan and manage events. I think one of the greatest benefits from this event is that it shows our students how much the community supports them."

Robinett said students worked with staff from CYFS and the Macomb Park District to organize the event.

"Area businesses were so kind when students went to visit with them about possible sponsorships," he said. "Several of my students told me about the new appreciation they have for our community because of this event."

WIU junior RPTA student Apolline Ngati, of Macomb, said the event has provided students with a hands-on learning experience in event planning.

"I have had the opportunity to collaborate with amazing individuals in the community to reach a common goal," Ngati said. "This event has taught me the importance of paying attention to details and how to include everyone in an activity, from college students to community members. Overall, I have enjoyed my experience with Foos for Families and benefited from experiential learning in the process."

CYFS Youth, Family and Community Outreach Supervisor Carrie Depoy said Foos for Families is fun for families and friends, and it's a chance to show the families her office works with how much community support is behind them.

"I can't describe how it makes you feel when you hear a teen say they finished school because people believed in them," said Depoy. "It's not just our clients who benefit from Foos for Families. Events like this show the college students the tremendous impact they can have on their local communities."

Sponsors and donors for this year's event include RP Lumber, Refreshment Services Pepsi, the Macomb Park District, the CYFS, WIU's RPTA department, Depoy Auto Service, Greg Mason Construction, Mayor Mike and Melissa Inman, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #189, Casey's, John Biernbaum, Laurie and Terry Burch, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sports Corner, Chubby's, Stacy Foxall, All State Insurance, Engraving by Lin, TJR Designs, No Place Like Home, Colchester State Bank, Cassady Martial Arts, Taco Bell, Michael's Hair Design, Macomb Square Music, Parnassus Antique and Vicki Duba.

There will be both competitive and family divisions for the foosball tournament. This year's event will also include a raffle and games.

To register for Foos for Families, visit macombparkdistrict.com/ and click on "register now."







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