Like virtually every person, family and business, nonprofit community organizations are suffering financial woes due to the general economy’s struggles.

The reason is simple: People have less, and therefore can donate less.

Elburn is not immune, and the Elburn Lions Club is offering a way for residents to give while getting more engaged in how their community is run.

On Sunday, March 1, from noon to 2 p.m., the Lions are offering a spaghetti dinner and Meet the Candidates event that will give attendees an opportunity to hear from the candidates running for Elburn village president and trustee in the April 7 election. The cost is $6 per person.

Rather than follow a debate or panel discussion format, each candidate will be given five minutes to speak to those in attendance. The Lions also said they will allow for a question-and-answer session after each candidate speaks.

There are a total of nine candidates seeking four positions—Elburn village president and three open trustee positions. This will be one of the best, and likely only, ways to get all—or at least a significant majority—of the candidates in the same place and at the same time to discuss their plans for the community.

For $6, not only can attendees learn about those who will directly impact the future of their community, they get an opportunity to have a dinner and help an organization dedicated to helping others.

Sounds like a win-win-win to us. The candidates win by having a forum to share their views, the public wins by having a chance to interact with those who will impact their communities, and the Lions win by helping facilitate the politician/ public interaction while raising some funds at the same time.

To make a reservation, call (630) 365-6315.