суббота, 15 сентября 2012 г.

Fitness to pay off for contestants, Girl Scouts.(Neighbor) - Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)

Byline: Kelly Womer Daily Herald Correspondent

The Olympics may be over, but there's still one event looking for competitors.

The Girl Scouts of DuPage County Council is sponsoring All-Star Saturday Night, an evening of games and contests with chances to win medals and prizes.

On March 7, more than 200 guests are expected to make a dash to Edward Health and Fitness Center, 6600 Route 53, Woodridge, for a friendly competition designed to raise funds for the DuPage County council.

This is the first time the council has sponsored such an event, which will take place from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

'It's a follow-up on last year when the council had an initiative to encourage girls to participate more actively in sports,' said Janet Miller, director of marketing and communications for the Girl Scouts of DuPage County Council.

'There are some very positive images in sports for girls, and we believe sports benefit girls in so many ways,' she said.

Last year, while girls throughout the county learned about the ways sports could help them grow stronger physically, mentally and socially, the All-Star Saturday Night event was geared for adults.

'It's like a mini-Olympics, with competitive games for seasoned athletes and things for others, too,' Miller said.

At the fitness center, guests can take the ride of their lives on virtual reality bikes and stair-climbing machines.

An obstacle course, putting green, football throw and soccer kick also will challenge participants.

While a disc jockey plays music, guests can enter a Hula-Hoop and twist contest. To relieve stress, staff will be offering massages and tours of the facility.

Participants can earn points for their athletic efforts, resulting in a medal, which will be awarded at the end of the evening.

The event also will feature a silent auction and 'Double Play Cash Raffle,' in which only 500 tickets will be sold. For $100, residents and guests have the opportunity to purchase a pair of tickets for two chances to win the top prize - $10,000 in cash.

Other prizes include a trip for two to Hawaii and cash awards. The raffle could raise up to $35,000 for the council.

Depending on the success of the cash raffle and silent auction, the event could bring in from $40,000 to $90,000 to benefit the council, which serves 18,500 girls throughout DuPage County and surrounding communities.

The council also provides education and training for more than 5,000 adult volunteers and financial aid for girls who would otherwise be unable to participate in Girl Scouts.

'We want to make sure that all girls have the opportunity and resources to join us,' Miller said.

Tickets are available at the door for $65 each. For details about the event, call the Girl Scouts of DuPage County Council at (630) 963-6050.