ROCHELLE – From the Heart, Rochelle Rotary Club’s premier fundraising event of the year, is celebrating its 13th year on Feb. 1.
From the Heart is an annual, black tie optional night of fun that includes dinner, both silent and live auctions and many other games and prizes. This year’s event will be held at the Flight Deck Bar and Grill located at 1207 W. Gurler Road, Rochelle.
The night will begin with a greeting time from 6 to 7 p.m. for guests to socialize which will include valet parking, photos being taken and a photo booth for guests to use all for free.
This is a great event for people to come out and have a good time while also supporting many local organizations.

“We have a lot of games, a lot of live and silent auction items and it is just a lot of fun,” explained David Eckhardt, creator and president of From the Heart. “People get together, talk to one another, enjoy themselves and just have a good evening.”
Some of this year’s auction and raffle items include a 75-inch T.V. a Yeti cooler, and multiple sports memorabilia items such as a signed jersey by Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack.
While the night is meant to be fun for everyone in attendance, the main goal is to raise money for eight local organizations. The benefiting recipients include the Rochelle Area Community Foundation, HOPE of Ogle County, Rochelle Child Care Center, Hub City Senior Center, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry, Shining Star, CASA and FOCUS House.
“We are looking to raise $40,000 for eight organizations, so we can give each of them $5,000,” said Eckhardt.
Originally, from the Heart raised $30,000 for three groups and has continued to grow through the years to its current goal and benefactors.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase for $95 individually, $185 for a couple or $700 for a table of eight. They can be purchased online at fromtheheartrochelle.org or by mail at From the Heart, P.O. Box 202 Rochelle, Il 61068.
If people would like to donate but are unable to attend, donations are also being accepted at the same mailing address.