‘Empty Bowls’ Event Success Highlights Robust Fall Programs for New Lenox Park District

New Lenox Community Park District Meeting | October 15, 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Community Park District’s fall season was highlighted by a successful “Empty Bowls” charity event that benefited the New Lenox Food Pantry, selling over 200 bowls of soup donated by 12 local establishments. The district also reported strong participation across its fall athletic and childcare programs, with hundreds of children enrolled in basketball and the ACES before and after school program.

Fall Programs & Events Key Points:

• The “Empty Bowls” event, held in conjunction with the Village’s “Last Call Before Fall,” sold over 200 bowls to benefit the New Lenox Food Pantry.

• Twelve local businesses and organizations donated chili and soup for the fundraiser.

• The district’s youth basketball league has 432 children registered, and the ACES childcare program serves 425 children.

• Adult athletic leagues, a bus trip to the Paramount Theater, and other programs also saw healthy engagement.

NEW LENOX, IL – A popular charity event and high enrollment in fall programs demonstrated strong community engagement, according to reports at the New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Commissioner Fischer reported that the “Our Friends of the Park ‘Empty Bowls'” event, held on September 27 in the New Lenox Commons, was “again very popular.” The event, which benefits the New Lenox Food Pantry, sold over 200 bowls to attendees.

Fischer extended thanks to the 12 local establishments that provided chili and soup for the event: United Methodist Church, 3 Corners, Sanctuary Golf Course, North & Maple, Gina’s Teardrop Café, Berkots, Aurelios of Frankfort, Portillos, White Horse, Arrowhead Ales, Hog Wild, and Gatto’s.

In addition to the successful fundraiser, the park district saw robust participation in its fall recreational programs. Fischer noted that 432 children are registered for the basketball league, and the ACES before and after childcare program has 425 children enrolled. Other youth activities included a kickstart soccer league for three- to six-year-olds with 28 volunteer coaches, and the return of ultimate volleyball for eight- to thirteen-year-olds.

Adult programs were also active, with softball leagues playing at the Crossroads Sports Complex and a fall pickleball league underway at Water Chase Park through November 2. The district also organized a bus trip for 14 participants to see the musical “Come From Away” at the Paramount Theater in Aurora.