Prevail, an Oak Park non-profit organization, is hoping to use an old-fashioned method to raise funds- namely planning a box social.
Prevail focuses on offering emergency financial aid in times of crisis, and hosts a fundraiser every year, called Songs of Hope and Struggle. Their third annual fundraiser will be held next week, with Chicago jazz musician Don Stiernberg playing while attendees take their choice of four dinner box options, including an old-fashioned meatloaf sandwich.
A common way to raise money in the early 1900s, box socials are probably familiar today only to people who know the musical ‘Oklahoma’, where one of the major events in the play is such a gathering.
At a traditional box social, women cook and pack their finest meal, which would then be auctioned off to raise funds for causes such as needy families, schools, and churches. The men bidding on the Boxes had no way of knowing who cooked the meal, but part of the fun was that the cook and the winning bidder would share the meal. This custom faded over time, but events like this may help it to regain popularity.
Prevail’s officials could work with brochure printers to create a mailer that describes the April 23 event, the organization, and the concept of the box social, as well as the choices on offer.Get a Free Quote for Boxes
