Steaks to Fry in Western Springs

If you see smoke in downtown Western Springs on Friday, Sept. 7, there's no cause for alarm. Just follow your nose as the smell of grilled beef perfumes the neighborhood air to where members of the Western Springs Rotary Club will be grilling steaks in honor of local veterans and first responders.

The yearly Rotary Club Veteran Steak Fry always draws a great crowd. How could it not, you might ask, when is supplying these mouth-watering cuts of meat?

Tickets to the event get you food and drinks for $15.

The steak fry kicks off at noon and runs until 1:30 p.m. Since it's on a Friday, maybe you can ask your boss for a long lunch break, or, just bring the whole office!

The event was started in 2000 by the Western Springs Rotary Club as a way to thank veterans for their service to the county with a free meal. Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Rotary decided to expand the reach of the event to include first responders—members of the police and fire departments—too.

"It's a nice way to give back and thank them for all that they do," said Larry Odelson of the Western Springs Rotary Club. "It's a great event."

Last year, the Western Springs Rotary Club served up 138 steaks, and this year their shooting for even more.

"It's been really popular especially in the last few years," Odelson said.

Support a Veteran, Donate a Ticket

Each year the Rotary gives away as many free tickets as it can to veterans and first responders, so they can enjoy a meal on the house. In order to do that, the Rotary is asking for the community's help. Residents can purchase tickets for themselves and also pick up an extra ticket for donation to a veteran to give them a free meal.

"We need donated tickets ahead of time so we can give them away," Odelson said. "So, we're trying to get [residents] to buy them early. We can't tell people to come if the tickets aren't purchased."

Even if you can't make the event, you can still send a veteran there in your place by donating a ticket, Odelson said.

Rotary clubs in Hinsdale and in La Grange will also be participating. Readers can find contact information for these clubs by clicking the links to visit their websites.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Linda Johnson at in Western Springs at 708-246-0892. Know a Western Springs Rotary member? They can also sell you a ticket—just give them a ring.