Annual Taffy-Apple Sale In Full Swing

Western Springs has our share of annual traditions, and in the past three decades, the District 101 Band and Orchestra Parents Association’s taffy-apple sale has become a treasured autumnal staple.

Now, as temperatures start to drop and daylight begins to thin, the Association once again wants residents to get in the fall spirit—and support music education—by participating in that sale, their largest fundraiser of the year.

While a single candied apple might go for a couple bucks in a specialty store or at a fair, the Association’s fundraiser gets you two dozen of the tasty treats for just $23—including money that will go to D101 schools and students.

The large Jonathan apples come from Andrews Carmel Apples, a family-owned business in Chicago, and are dipped fresh the day of delivery. Nuts and sprinkles are optional, and organizers pledge that the apples will stay fresh for three weeks in refrigeration.

“They’re reasonably priced, fresh made-that-day, and the money goes towards helping out a great organization and your community,” said fundraiser organizer—and “Taffy Apple Chair”—Ellen Oltgen.

“This is always our biggest fundraiser, and I’d say the majority of the funds we raise for this are used for the scholarships that we offer to our band and orchestra students.”

Last year’s fundraiser brought in nearly $2000 for the Association. About $1,500 of that went towards providing 11 scholarships to local young talented musicians for private lessons or music camp; the rest helped to bring the year’s annual musical performance at D101’s three elementary schools.

That year, D101 band director Dawn Friebrant "the backbone of the District music programs,” adding that it allowed D101 music programs to “"stay strong and be stronger than what other communities are able to have."

An order form for apples is attached! The due date for ordering apples is Friday, Sep. 9, and pickup can be arranged at any D101 school on Monday, Sep. 19. If you miss out, the Association will also be at the French Market on Thursday, Sep. 22.

Oeltgen can be reached for questions at 708-784-9854.