For those who punch a time clock at work, when quitting time comes around, they generally put whatever they’re working on down, cleanup, punch the clock and head out. For a dedicated business owner, that isn’t always possible. That’s particularly true at Performance Unlimited in Ringwood where success often leads to long hours.

When a business does a good job and treats its customers fairly and with respect, word gets around. The word is out on Performance Unlimited and they are often working long hours to keep up. One day soon, however, they’ll actually close-up shop a little early. That’s because they have somewhere very special to go.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, they’re going to a party. But not just any party – this is the Shop With A Cop party, the annual fundraiser to benefit children of families with financial challenges. Denny Norton, the owner of Performance Unlimited, is a member of MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group that hosts the event. Norton is one of the driving forces behind the group’s efforts with McHenry County Police Charities.

With the monies raised at the party, area police officers will pickup area children for one-on-one shopping (or two- or three-on-one when siblings come along). Each child receives $150 to spend buying presents for their family (the officers usually have to remind them to buy something for themselves).

Each child also receives a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots. Then, the officers take the children out for breakfast. While the children and officers eat, members of MC3, and other volunteers, wrap the presents the children have purchased.

“Seeing the looks on the faces of these children makes the effort well worth it,” said Norton. “Of course, that’s easily said since the party is really a great time, too.”

The Shop With A Cop party is at the McHenry VFW on Route 120, just east of the Fox River. It starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. During that time, those attending are fed while listening to live music. They also have tables and tables of raffle and auction items to bid for.

“The live music includes a sing off between the McHenry and Johnsburg High School Madrigal Choirs,” said Norton. “They perform wearing clothes from the Victorian Era. It’s really something to see and hear.”

The auctions include a silent auction and a live auction.

“You can actually do some of your own holiday ‘shopping’ with the raffle and auctions,” Norton said, “assuming you have the winning raffle ticket or the bid.”