Special Events
In the News...
Spoon River College Celebrates Success of 8th Celebrity Waiter Dinn
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(Macomb) -- The Spoon River College Foundation’s Eighth Annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner is officially the most successful Celebrity Waiter Dinner to date. The event was held at the Macomb Outreach Center in the MidAmerica National Bank Conference Hall on Saturday, February 18, 2012 and raised more than $22,500. Since its inception in 2004 the event has raised almost $150,000 that has been used to fund teaching and learning projects at the Macomb campus.
Approximately 135 guests enjoyed the “Awesome 80s” event, which included a dinner catered by Sodexo Food Services and entertainment provided by “The Breakfast Club,” an 80s band from Chicago.
“We are truly amazed by the continued support of the businesses and individuals in our community,” said Emily Gillett, Spoon River College Foundation Coordinator. “Because of the generous sponsors, fantastic volunteers, and event attendees, we continue to have a successful event year after year!” 
The Celebrity Waiters continues to be the highlight of the event. Kevin Gaul, Pella Plant manager and SRC Foundation Board Member, served as this year’s emcee. Twenty-one celebrity waiters raised $8,125 in tips. Ben VanZante and Scott Kingery of Pella received the most tips during the evening, earning them the coveted trophy that is passed from year to year among the winning waiters. In addition to event sponsorships and the waiters’ tips, this year’s record funds also included money from a silent auction and souvenir photos.
The Event’s major or “TOTALLY AWESOME” Sponsor was PELLA Corporation.
The “TUBULAR TABLE” Sponsors were; Citizens Bank, Matt & Shannon Duncan, First Bankers Trust, First State Bank of Illinois, Heartland Bank & Trust Company, McDonough District Hospital, MidAmerica National Bank, Pella Corporation, Phil & Vicki Murphy, Purdum Gray Ingledue, Spoon River College, Spoon River College Foundation, State Farm Insurance – Cathy Early, and Table Grove State Bank. 
The event’s Celebrity Waiters were; Kenny Boyd, Kevin Dean, Mike Inman, Andrea Keene & Jacob Strom, Rachel Lester, Jeremy Melvin & Ryan Newbrough, Jason Orris, Taylor Snowman, Tom Stites, Laura Swanson Leezer, Andy Taylor, Rick VanBrooker, Dr. VanVleet, Howard White, Mitch Worley, and Ben Van Zante and Scott Kingery.
The Celebrity Waiter Dinner is one of several events sponsored by the Foundation throughout the year to raise awareness and financial support for scholarships and the college’s academic programs. Managed by a volunteer board, the Foundation’s mission is to seek resources to provide ex
cellent educational opportunities to Spoon River College.
“The support of the volunteers and our Board enables the Foundation to accomplish its mission,” said Gillett. “We are always looking for volunteers who would like to get involved with us and support our students in achieving their educational goals.”
To learn more about the Spoon River College Foundation, visit the organization’s website at www.src.edu/foundation or contact Emily Gillett at emily.gillett@src.edu or (309) 833-6039.
ANNUAL GOLF OUTING AT WEE-MA-TUK COUNTRY CLUB
The annual Foundation golf outing occurs each year in August at beautiful Wee-Ma-Tuk Country Club in Cuba. The event is a full day of golfing, contests, food and fun. Net proceeds from the golf outing are divided equally to support the SRC Athletic program and to contribute toward a required $1 million cash match for the future multipurpose facility to be located on the Canton campus. For the past five years, the golf outing has raised an average of over $17,000 each year.
CELEBRITY WAITER DINNER
The Celebrity Waiter Dinner takes place each year in February at the SRC Community Outreach Center in Macomb. The themed dinner features pre-dinner activities, a delectable dinner, lively entertainment, optional costume attire, and celebrity waiters competing to receive the highest amount of tips for the evening. The event is supported by over 50 volunteers. Net proceeds from the event are used to provide technology/furnishings for the Spoon River College Macomb campus and the Community Outreach Center – Macomb.
THE LAST BEACH PARTY
The first fundraiser specifically designated for the Havana area was held last September. The Last Beach Party raised over $10,000 and included an evening of fun activities, great food, and entertainment “on the river.” The proceeds from this event are supplying Technology Enhanced Classrooms and Student Lounge Furniture at the new SRC Center in Havana.
The first fundraiser for the Rushville area is currently being planned. It is the Foundation’s goal to support the Havana and Rushville Centers on a rotating basis so that needs of all of the college’s campuses and centers can be addressed.
For more information about Special Events, please contact Emily Gillett at emily.gillett@src.edu or (309) 833-6039.