Snow may be on the ground now, but planning is already well-underway for the Kishwaukee Sunrise Rotary “Taste of DeKalb” 2020.  “Taste” committee members Dave Dosier and Gip Seaver provided a history of the event and how they help make an impact on funding local non-profits during the February 12 Sycamore Rotary Club meeting. 

 

“Taste” started three years ago when the Sunrise Rotary wanted to launch an event that would generate enough money for them to make significant donations to area non-profits with a focus on children, youth, and families. The idea of a food truck “taste” event came up and at the same time changes were made to the local Corn Classic 10K/5K runs which opened the way for making the Rotary fundraiser part of the ending celebration.  Rather than raise money by charging admission or taking a portion of sales from vendors, the club’s fundraising committee decided to do a major push for sponsorships.  They secured enough support for a $10,000 grant pool which has been replicated for succeeding years.  Non-profits benefiting from the Sunrise Rotary grants include DeKalb County Community Gardens mobile food truck, Hope Haven, Pay It Forward House, Camp Kesem (supporting children of cancer patients), CASA, and the Girl Scouts. 

 

“Taste of DeKalb 2020” will be held September 27 at the Frank Van Buer Plaza in DeKalb (Locust and N. 2^nd Street).