In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings on the WVLI Podcast Network, host Jake LaMore interviews Eric Cavender, co-chair and board member of Good Shepherd Manor, to discuss the upcoming 35th Annual Good Shepherd Manor Fall Festival. Located in Momence, Illinois, Good Shepherd Manor has provided residential, developmental, and vocational support for men with intellectual disabilities for over 50 years. The episode provides a detailed overview of the festival scheduled for Saturday, September 12, starting at 10:00 AM with free admission and free parking. Listeners will learn about the variety of family-friendly attractions available, including a petting zoo, carnival-style games with prizes, face painting, a bounce house, a harvest market, an apparel store, a money tree, and a family craft booth created by a resident's family. Food options span American classics like burgers and brats, Mexican food, Italian dishes, pizza, popcorn, and ice cream. The episode outlines the full event schedule, beginning with the Good Shepherd Manor Resident Review performance at 11:00 AM, Cash Bingo starting at 12:00 PM (featuring a 3:30 PM Coverall game with a minimum $250 jackpot that frequently exceeds $1,000), continuous afternoon music from rock band The Backpages, and a concluding Catholic Mass in the campus chapel celebrated by Father Peter Jankowski of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Additionally, Cavender explains how proceeds from activity tickets, food sales, and the 1,000-ticket cash raffle ($25 per ticket) directly benefit the Good Shepherd Manor Foundation. These funds support resident participation in Special Olympics programs, community outings such as White Sox games and local festivals, job placement assistance, and daily care resources. Copies of Kevin McNalty's book detailing the history of Good Shepherd Manor will also be available for purchase. For event details or to purchase raffle tickets, visit www.goodshepherdmanor.org or call 815-472-3700 ext. 1014. Get more from the WVLI Podcast Network! Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West every weekday morning. Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less. Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.
