What are your plans Saturday night? If you have the chance, you might want to put the Shop With A Cop Fundraiser on your calendar. From 6 p.m. to Midnight, at the McHenry VFW (3002 IL-Rte 120, McHenry - just a little east of the Fox River) the house will be rockin' as a couple hundred partygoers prove that you can have a wonderful time while doing something selfless to help deserving children.

This is the 11th year that MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group Performance Unlimited belongs to, will host this bash. It is traditionally one of the best parties of the year in the McHenry area. This year, the live music is provided by 'Holy Smoke.' The food, as always, is buffet style from some of the better eateries in the area.

Between groovin' and dining, you'll have a chance to win some prizes - lots of prizes. There are raffles, silent auctions, and live auctions. We're not talking about one or two auction and raffle items; we're talking table after table of items donated by individuals and businesses from all over the county and beyond. For instance, you'll have a chance to place the winning bid for a Classic Wrigley Field Rooftop Experience, including Rooftop Bleachers & Dining Package for a regular season Cubs game with a two-night stay for two. But, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The point is that, with the funds raised at this event, area law-enforcement officials will pick up disadvantaged children in the area and share some holiday spirit. Arriving in their squad cars, the police will chaperone children, one on one, to an area store where each child receives $150 of spending money.

Year after year, the police tell amazing stories of disadvantaged children who have one focus with their spending money - shopping for gifts to give their parents and siblings. Many of these children truly know the spirit of Christmas. Each child also receives a winter coat and boots.

Then, when the shopping is done, the children sit down for breakfast with their police officer/sheriff deputy chaperone while Santa Claus makes a special visit. And, all this is possible just because you came out to have a good time.

Hope to see you Saturday.