BOURBONNAIS, IL – The community at Culver’s of Bourbonnais has once again turned compassion into action, amassing over $35,000 in donations for nearly 50 local non-profits throughout this year. At the helm of these initiatives is General Manager Rachel Vandergriff, whose leadership has fostered a culture of giving within the restaurant and beyond.
The year’s fundraising highlights include a significant share night for Tyler Bailey on May 8th, which saw 25% of sales — a total of $3,548 — going to the Bailey family. This event built on the momentum of a 2022 fundraiser that raised over $15,240 for the families of Officer Bailey and Sergeant Rittmanic. Other key fundraisers, contributing 10% of sales each, brought in $680 for both BBCHS Best Buddies and St George PTO, $585 for Manteno Pack 385 Scouts, and $535 for the Kankakee Area YMCA.
The restaurant’s ongoing commitment to the Kankakee Area YMCA resulted in $2,700 raised over six events this year.
“During our most successful night, the share night for Officer Bailey and Sergeant Rittmanic, I remember taking a step back and seeing the restaurant packed to support local heroes, my team all working together, smiles on everyone’s faces, It was just a moment where I felt such a huge sense of community and I was so proud to see everyone under one roof supporting an amazing cause,” Vandergriff shared. “I feel that way about every share night we host, honored that we can be such a big part of our community and blessed to be able to donate to some really amazing organizations.”
Manteno Boy Scouts Pack 385, for instance, used their funds to enhance their Pinewood Derby and aid families in need. This sentiment of direct assistance is echoed across various initiatives, including aiding a local basketball team’s trip, supporting animal rescues, funding a prom, and aiding mission trips.
Culver’s fundraising efforts stem from a simple but effective approach, encouraging community members to dine and donate. The restaurant warmly welcomes new partnerships, inviting interested groups to join the cause through a straightforward application process available online or at the restaurant, ensuring that every next share night seeds a future of communal support and enrichment.
