Get an early start on St. Pat's fun and help a good cause

A welcome break from winter's woes awaits green-clad Celts as they join in an afternoon of song, dance, plated corned beef and a pint of brew in the grand tradition of St. Patrick.

Not willing nor able to wait until St. Patrick's Day on March 17, Bob Healy and his wife, Peg O'Herron -- co-chairs of "Irish Fest" along with Mike and Mary Prindiville -- chose 2 to 6 p.m. March 9 to hold the 11th such fund-raiser festivity at Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. Healy says the day is more than a day of fun.

"This marvelous program benefits Avenues to Independence, an agency that serves the Northwest suburbs with residential, job placement and centralized workshops for 270 developmentally disabled adults," said Healy, father to one of Avenues' clients.

Noel Rice, the noted and acclaimed director of the Irish Academy of Music, will play authentic Irish instruments, including the fiddle, tin whistle and bodhran drum.

Award-winning harpist Chelsea Link will entertain during dinner. Later, the Weber Dance Company of Chicago will take the stage, as will the Irish Heritage Singers. Healy, a soloist with that group, will punctuate the event by singing "Danny Boy."

The star of the "Shamrock Silent Auction" is a week's stay in a County Galway castle that holds seven people. Other top prizes are a week's stay at a condo overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Bonita Springs, Fla., and a framed lithograph of Wrigley Field by artist Don Lindstrom.

The popular "Pot of Gold" raffle features Waterford, Belleek and Irish knitwear, dolls and jewelry. Arrive early to visit booths by vendors who sell Blarney's Irish jewelry and Rampart Lion Celtic Traders music.

Based in Park Ridge, Avenues aims to help adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose, providing residential, vocational and daily living support. It is known for its policy that allows clients and their families to make their own decisions on the level of support they need.

Tickets for the full day's fun are $60 for adults, and $20 for children under 12, and should be purchased before Wednesday. Arrangements may be made to order chicken or vegetarian. For information, call O'Herron at (847) 885-8976 or visit avenuestoindependence.org.

"Your toes will be a tappin' and your hands will be a clappin' during this festive afternoon," Healy said.