Stonehouse Pub Fundraiser Benefits Families in Need

In honor of the spirit of giving inspired by St. Nicholas, Stonehouse Pub at 103 Stephen St. will sponsor a “Fill the Shoes” 50/50 raffle and meat raffle from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. The event, which will benefit Lemont Township’s Family Assistance Fund and food pantries, will take place immediately following Lemont's Hometown Holiday celebration.

Longtime residents may be familiar with the meat raffle, a fund-raising tradition spearheaded in the community for years by Lemont's “King of Meat Raffles,” none other than Lloyd Hoster.

Terri O’Neill-Borders of the Hope and Friendship Foundation describes Hoster as a “very kind and generous man.”

“Lloyd has raised funds for the military, Lemont Lions, Lemont Food Pantry and Lemont Township for years and years,” O’Neill-Borders said.

And although Hoster’s health is not the best this year, he said he is determined to continue the tradition – even if he has to stay seated and let his friend, Toby Tully, run the raffle as his “pit boss.”

“I’ve been doing this since about 1977,” Hoster said. “So I hope to be at the microphone Saturday night. You gotta get people excited.”

Ramping up the crowd’s enthusiasm is what a meat raffle is all about, Hoster said. For those who have never experienced the carnivores’ favorite game of chance, Hoster explained that people buy “paddles” numbered from one to 35 for $2 each, then one of the “Meat Masters” spins a wheel containing 35 numbers. If your number comes up, you’re a winner.

Stonehouse co-owner Norb Siwek said players will have a chance to win a turkey, ham, pork tenderloin or box of hamburgers, as well as Stonehouse Pub T-shirts and gift certificates.

In honor of the St. Nicholas tradition, the evening will also feature a “fill the shoes” 50/50 raffle, of which half of the money donated will benefit the township’s family emergency fund and the remainder will be divided into three cash prizes.

Tickets for the 50/50 raffle, which cost $1 each or six for $5, will be available for purchase at Stonehouse until 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The drawing will take place at 8 p.m. and winners need not be present.

Siwek said Stonehouse will be cooking up a batch of Guinness beef stew for $3 per bowl – and donating the entire proceeds from each serving to the township’s family assistance fund.

So stop by at Stonehouse Saturday, grab a bowl of Guinness, buy a 50/50 raffle ticket or purchase a paddle for the meat raffle – and help make life a little better for local families in need.

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