Freedom Bash raises awarness, donations for troops
By Romi Herron For The Courier-News June 15, 2012 9:26AM
Freedom Bash 2012
Updated: July 11, 2012 10:32AM
With patriotic décor and temperatures topping 90 degrees on Saturday, Hanover Township’s Eighth Annual Operation Support Our Troops: Freedom Bash gave more than 300 guests a summer-like experience that also benefited military troops.
“I have a theory about daytime festivals,” said Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire. “And that is that the weather doesn’t really affect them one way or the other. Based on today I’d say the heat definitely didn’t have a negative impact.”
With more than 500 people attending the opening night of Freedom Bash on Friday, the car show — featuring 45 entries — was a big hit, he added. The get-together was held at the township office in Bartlett.
And since Friday, the township has been accepting donations of goods and supplies for U.S. military personnel. Saturday’s main focus was family, Macquire said. A Touch-A-Truck event, dance performances, and tae kwon do demonstrations from local groups were provided, and bingo, beer and food tents, and a children’s play area were continual attractions. New this year were bakery and craft sales.
Linda and Glenn Hill of Streamwood sold Linda’s handsewn electronic bags and coloring book kits at the craft show. Emphasizing that they were focused on the overall cause and not on their craft sale profits, Linda said participating in the event gave the couple a chance to show their appreciation for the military.
“Our son Jeffrey was in the Army from 1997 to 2001 and he came home just two months before 9-11,” she said. “He was a tanker and was stationed in Kuwait.” Glenn is also a U.S. Veteran.
Community Relations Manager Tom Kuttenberg said the event was geared to raise awareness, as well as donations to be sent to the troops. One trailer was filled with goods at the close of the event, he said. Most coveted items are peanut butter and jelly, international phone cards, mayonnaise packets, nasal sprays and eye drops, crackers, cereal bars, foot powder, body wash, microwave popcorn and mouthwash.
Helen Suire and Sophie Morton walked to the craft show Saturday from their residence next door and spent time inside the township’s air-conditioned administrative offices, checking out the artwork on display.
Suire, who has lived in several states including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and South Dakota, said she was reminded of the times she worked with Native Americans in the Dakotas.
“They were quiet, kind, wonderful people,” she said.
Morton said she enjoyed the live music at Friday’s opening event.
