THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE DANVILLE AREA VISITORS BUREAU AND PETER BLACKMAN
DANVILLE, Ill., December, 2025 / — Vermilion River Beer Company will be playing host, again, to the 28th Annual “Rat Pack Christmas Party”, benefitting two charities, the Women’s Shelter at Crosspoint Human Services, and Rose’s Food for the Children BackPack Program, on Wednesday, December 17,
beginning at 4PM.
The event is intended to be a “party for a good cause” with the hopes that attendees bring either monetary donations or gifts of goods from lists provided by both organizations.
First, the Women’s Shelter at the Crosspoint Human Services. The shelter itself can use items such as toiletries, bedding, etc., however the party always wants the women and children of the shelter to enjoy some gifts from the heart.
Secondly, Food for the Children, run by a community icon, Rose Gates. As child hunger is a reality here in our backyard, Rose and her friends have answered the call. Beginning as one individual sending a handful of students home with a backpack of food home for the weekend, the cause has grown exponentially to provide services as a team throughout Vermilion County.
Local Ne’er-Do-Well, Peter Blackmon created the event all the way back in the 20th Century with the idea that people enjoy being charitable as much as enjoying the celebration of fellowship during the Holidays. “It’s easy to throw a party” states Blackmon. “But what is surprising is how equally easy it is to convince people to be charitable.” Blackmon rambled on “When you play to the inherent good in people during this season, they understand, without hesitation, that there are plenty less fortunate that could use our help.”
“Rat Pack” is a term of endearment to the half-dozen transplants to Danville that first started the event in the late 90’s. The tradition has carried on to those who continue to help.
For more information contact:
Peter Blackmon
Co-Conspirator
Vermilion River Beer Company
(217) 260-4548
peter@vermilionriverbeer.com
