MC3, the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce business networking group, is holding its annual Shop With A Cop fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 15, to benefit the McHenry County Police Charities effort for children of families struggling economically. Denny Norton, the president of MC3 and the owner of Ringwood based Performance Unlimited, described the MC3 event as a party that benefits a good cause.

To be sure, the event, held at McHenry VFW on Route 120 east of the Fox River, will include live and silent auctions. However, it will also include games, food and drinks and live entertainment. So, if you boil it all down, it really is a party.

“And a darn good party, too,” said Norton. “We figure it’s the perfect mix when you can have a great time while benefiting a great cause.”

Last year, MC3 raised more than $18,000 for Shop With A Cop. As with this year, the fundraising also included donations from area businesses, such as Burger King and Wendy’s. The two restaurants have held Dine and Donate nights at their establishments on Route 120 and Route 31, respectively. On given nights, 15 percent of proceeds from sales between certain hours is contributed to the event.

Wendy’s is holding another Dine and Donate night from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The way Shop With A Cop works is that Police Charities partners one police officer with a child or, possibly, siblings. Then they go to Walmart, on Rout3 31, Johnsburg, to do some Christmas Shopping. Each child is given $150 to spend. Each child also receives a coat, hat, gloves and boots so they can stay warm through the winter.

“It’s really incredible to see the smiles on these children as they interact with the police officers,” Norton said. “The officers bring the kids to Walmart one morning before it officially opens and then the officers take the kids up and down the aisles shopping. Mostly, they buy things for people in their families. In fact, the police officers often have to remind the kids to buy something for themselves.”

Norton said that another great thing about the program is the way it pulls individuals and businesses together for a great cause. That’s very evident on the night of the fundraising party when tables are filled with donations for the auctions.

This year’s contributors include:

In terms of the party, Norton said it includes the live musical notes of the two-man jazz band, “2 Rich.” Musically, the evening also includes a choral competition between the McHenry High School Chorus and Johnsburg High School Chorus.

“Not only do they perform, but they sometimes do so attired in the finest Victorian outfits,” Norton said.

The event at the VFW is open to the public and easy to find. Norton said attendees should just look for the Performance Unlimited stockcar out front. For more information about the event, visit: http://www.mc3online.com.