Compassion for Campers Benefit Event Scheduled at Crystal Lake Brewing

Compassion for Campers (C4C), the program that provides essential gear and equipment to the unhoused and underhoused population of McHenry County, has scheduled a special benefit program.  Compassion for Campers is Counting On You will be held at Crystal Lake Brewing, 190 North Main Street in Crystal Lake on Wednesday, August 30 from 6 to 9 pm.

Crystal Lake Brewing will the the venue for Compassion for Campers is Counting On You

According to C4C coordinator and spokesperson Patrick Murfin, the program which distributes its supplies at the Community Services Days at Willow Friendship Center, 100 South Main Street in Crystal Lake on the first and third Fridays of every month is in dire need of operating funds. 

Warm weather and soaring local housing costs mean more people on the streets including many dispossessed for the first time, women, and families with children in addition to long-time clients.  As the many agencies and groups at Community Service Days  work cooperatively to find temporary and long-term housing and support, C4C is a vital, lifesaving emergency service.

The program will feature A Kaleidoscope of Sounds produced by C4C client Gregory John Garrison with original compositions on synthesizer as well as  vocalist and guitarist Carrie MacDonald, and longtime folk artist Norm Siegal.  Ron Relic will be the Master of Ceremonies.  The evening will include  silent auction baskets and gift cards, a 50-50 raffle, and hors d’oeuvres/finger food.  A $25 Donation at the door is requested and includes a chit for a beer or other beverage.

Compassion for Campers is an independent ministry of the Tree Of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry with the support of other churches, organizations, and individuals.  It is entirely dependent on generous donations or fundraisers to supply the nearly $1000 need to purchase supplies for each distribution.  The congregation holds a special dedicated account for C4C that cannot be used for any other purpose and donates all administrative services, so all available funds go directly to client needs.

For more information visit the Facebook Event, on the web at, or contact Patrick Murfin a pmurfin@sbcglobal.net or 815 814-5645.