SSF Holds Another Succesful Corn Boil

Solid, but not record-setting would be a good way to describe the 2010 Sterling Schools Foundation Corn Boil, presented by Sterling Chevrolet, Arthur’s Garden Deli, and CGH Medical Center, held July 22 at Sterling High School.

“We served about 925 meals, so we fell a little short of our goal,” said Ralph Gonzalez, ’59, who has served as Corn Boil Committee Chairman for the last six years. “But 925 is still a lot and that is a credit to all the volunteers who helped make it happen. The food was great, everyone enjoyed it, and we raised a lot of money to support Foundation programs. It was a perfect day in my book.”

SSF Executive Director Jim Spencer '86 was pleased with the solid turnout and with how the event ran from an organizational standpoint. “Everything ran very smoothly and that starts with Ralph and all that he does to ensure we have everything we need to pull this off,” said Spencer. “We didn’t encounter any huge lines or long waits for our customers, which is important to me. This was possible because of the outstanding volunteer support we received. They were all great, and I thank each and every one of them.”

During the event itself, nearly 50 volunteers, including members of the SHS boys’ basketball team, slaved away on a day when the heat index was near 100 degrees. The previous day, the SHS volleyball team shucked over 2700 ears of corn in just 94 minutes.

The 2010 Corn Boil ranks seventh in terms of meals served over the 12-year history of the event. A record 1250 meals were served in 2008. The overall average is 910.

Sponsorship support is another huge part of the success of the Corn Boil. Sterling Chevrolet, Arthur’s Garden Deli, and CGH Medical Center were the presenting sponsors of the event. The remaining sponsors were: Sterling Napa Auto Parts; Sauk Valley Bank; SBM; Lindgren, Callihan, Van Osdol; and Freedom Bank.

Contributing sponsors included: Selmi’s; Wyanet Meats; Folsum’s Bakery; Krogers; Sterling Wal-Mart; Candlelight Inn; KFC; Culver’s; Amerigas; Sterling Federal Bank; and Jim Prescott’s Barbecue Shop.

The 13th Annual Corn Boil in 2011 is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 28.