The Oak Lawn Raiders Social and Athletic Club is holding its annual winter picnic from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the Homestead Barr. The picnic features food, raffles, games, a DJ and our personal favorite, a “wheelbarrow of booze.” Suggested donations are $20 per individual; $30 for two; and $40 for families.

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The Raiders are a not-for-profit organization based in Oak Lawn whose main purpose is to raise funds for those in need within the community.

Throughout the decades these philanthropic-minded men have raised thousands of dollars for local charities, schools, youth organizations, scout troops, first responders and scholarships, and have lent their volunteer power to civic projects and fundraisers for neighbors coping with illness or tragedy. Members  also try to have fun while doing this.

The annual winter picnic is one of the club’s most popular fundraising events. Here are some of the organizations that have benefited from the Raiders’ generosity and volunteerism:

• Midwest Veterans

• Redkite Foundation

• Breast Cancer Foundation

• Oak Lawn Baseball for Boys

• Oak Lawn Baseball travel team

• Lions Club

• Oak Lawn High School Scholarship Foundation

• Make A Wish

• Operation Support Our Troops

• St. Gerald's Cub Scouts

• St. Gerald's Parish

• St. Linus Parish

• St. Catherine School

• Oak Lawn Police Department

• Oak Lawn Fire Department

• Oak Lawn Library

• Oak Lawn Parks Foundation

• Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce

• Oak Lawn High School Cheerleading

• Meals on Wheels

• Advocate Heart Walk

• Pilgram Faith Food Pantry

• Advocate Children's Hospital

• Guardian Angels

• Big Bikes Helping Little Tykes

To learn more about membership and the club's good works, visit the Oak Lawn Raiders' website. 

Oak Lawn Raiders SAC annual Winter Picnic, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 @Homstead Barr, 9300 S. Central Ave. (Southwest Highway and Central Avenue where there is no left turn lane). Suggested donations $20 single/$30 two/$40 family. For more info visit the Raiders’ website.