Hot Dog Day Ends

For nearly 40 years the District 66 Music Boosters have served a hot dog lunch to Center Cass students every Wednesday. The funds raised from this endeavor were applied to support the excellent music and arts programs that have existed in our schools for the past 40 years. Throughout these years students have looked forward to their Wednesday treat! Hundreds of parent volunteers have made this program an enduring success over the years. Many lasting friendships have been built around the hot dog day teams.

Unfortunately, due to new guidelines and rules established by the Illinois State Board of Education, we are forced to end this great tradition. This program has been felled by the legislative “Junk Food Ban” passed last October. New guidelines and requirements make it impossible for this program to continue as the State of Illinois will become more involved in the business of our schools. Even more restrictive guidelines for student nutrition are expected in January 2007 when the State Wellness Task Force issues its report to the General Assembly. We will hold our last Hot Dog Day on Wednesday, December 20th while remembering fondly the many hours contributed by volunteers over the years and the many dollars raised for our students and schools. This will be a sad day as this wonderful tradition comes to an end. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to make Hot Dog Day a success.

Beginning on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 lunches will be provided by our food service vendor Aramark, as they do on other days. While we are very sorry to see this program end we understand the interest of the State of Illinois in better nutrition for our students.