When an old friend hosted a Toys for Tots drive in Berwyn, a few of us made the 30-minute drive to support the cause. We also made a full evening of it.

Our night started at FitzGerald’s, a legendary establishment since the 1920s. Starting as a hunting lodge, it has also been a sports team headquarters, a few different night clubs and a deer lodge featuring a fortune teller.

The FitzGerald family bought the building in 1980, turning it into a top-notch music venue. Since then, the FitzGerald family purchased more adjacent buildings. Now there is cocktail lounge, Sidebar; Babygold Barbecue; and a private event space.

For starters, we shared a Captain’s Platter featuring shrimp, oysters and other appetizers. I enjoyed a smoked turkey club, but the star was a barbecue-roasted sweet potato with brûléed marshmallows. It was simply amazing.

Still a bit early for the toy drive, we took a brief tour of Berwyn. We saw the famous Good Time Clock. Now housed in Cermak Plaza, George Rhoads created this sculpture in 1980, and it has mesmerized folks ever since.

Berwyn Eagles Club is an iconic venue known for housing boxing and wrestling events. It is one of those places where you can sense the history.

On this night, though, my old friend Robert Anthony greeted visitors while standing next to a big box for toy donations. Within 30 minutes that box was full, but more toys kept coming.

Photo courtesy of Robert Anthony – Ego Pro Chicago

Photo courtesy of Robert Anthony – Ego Pro Chicago

I have known Anthony for about 15 years, when we worked together. Currently a teacher, Anthony makes an impact in and out of the classroom. I have personally witnessed Anthony counsel teens on his own time. With all the toys collected, once again Anthony has made a difference.

— John Wroblewski, online writer