Raising funds 0n-line

Virus forces cancelation of UCP’s breakfast for 500

By Steve Metsch

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual fundraiser for the United Citizens Party led by Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty will not be held in-person this year.

Usually held at The Drake Hotel Oak Brook on a Saturday in October, the breakfast typically draws 500 people.

“We’ve enjoyed the event for years and bringing so many people together, the businesses and the residents,” Getty said on Oct. 3. “But, unfortunately due to COVID, we had to cancel it.”

Lyons Mayor Chris Getty. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania — *Lyons Mayor Christopher Getty had to cancel the United Citizens Party annual breakfast fundraiser because of the pandemic. Donations are accepted by mail and on-line. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania*

The event raises funds for the United Citizens Party, which was formed by Getty in 2004 with the goal of electing local leaders in Lyons to improve conditions for its residents and businesses.

Although the fundraiser won’t be held in person, the need is still there. So. the UCP is asking people to help by sending a check or by making donations on-line.

“We’re just in different times now where we have to think outside the box and continue to move forward,” Getty said.

“Financial resources are still needed since I’m going to be running for re-election and we’re going to be running candidates in the April 2021 municipal election,” Getty said.

The UCP will have candidates in the municipal, school district, library and township elections in April.

In a flier sent to those who’ve donated in the past, the UCP highlights the many achievements it has made over the years.

Lyons has renovated more than 50 streets over the past few years, paved more than a dozen alleys, and improve the water system.

Emil Scheive Park was renovated in 2016, Red Oak Park on the west side of town was dedicated in August, Veterans Park was completed in 2012, and William G. Smith Park – named for a former mayor – was also renovated in 2016.

To donate to the United Citizens Party on-line, visit https://ucpfundraiser2020.eventbrite.com. To send a check or money order payable to United Citizens Party, mail it to: 7710 Ogden Ave., Lyons, IL, 60534.

Getty and UCP members hope the breakfast can return to the hotel in 2021.

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Steve Metsch

Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]