More than 400 people turned out to taste pizza and vote for their favorite pizza maker in Huntley Community Radio's first-ever "Pizza Wars" fundraiser.

Residents, from seniors to teens, turned out for the fundraiser on May 18 to sample pizza from eight area vendors. The crowd ultimately selected Papa Saverio's Pizzeria and Catering as the overall best-tasting pizza.

Nearly 50 volunteers helped organize the fundraiser, which benefited the Huntley Community Radio. The all-volunteer station launched an online radio station late last year devoted to Huntley area news. The group is also making plans to launch a low-power FM station.

Allen Pollack, the station's executive director, said the "Pizza Wars" fundraiser exceeded all expectations and will likely become an annual event in the future.

HUNTLEY – Pizza vendors throughout the Huntley area will battle for the public's taste buds on May 16 during Huntley Community Radio's first-ever "Pizza Wars" fundraiser.

McHenry County residents will be able to taste-test pizza from eight vendors from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 16, at the Huntley Park District REC Center, 12015 Mill Street.

Residents will then vote and select their favorite vendor. The leading vote-getter will earn the title of pizza champion and win a trophy. The eight participating vendors include Nick's Pizza and Pub, Nancy's Pizza, Georgio's Pizza, Papa Saverio's. Luigi's, Domino's, Pizza Hut and GloBowl.

Discounted tickets are on sale now for $5 at Heartland Bank, 12101 Regency Parkway, Huntley.

Tickets can also be purchased at the event for $8. Tickets for children 12 and younger are $5. Proceeds benefit the Huntley Community Radio, a non-profit, online radio station that started serving Huntley in late 2012.

For more information, contact Guy Marsh at (224) 569-3215 or Lesley Cowles at (845) 207-2165.

At Huntley Area Tea Party, May is “Action” month. The group will begin with a lunch gathering at 12:30 p.m.  May 8 at Golden Corral, 1591 S. Randall Road, Algonquin.

The “action” comes from PTAG – Property Tax Action Group – and Alan Scott who will speak about PTAG, its activities and major goals to keep property taxes down and seek equity and fairness in assessments.

Scott also will talk about the importance of local taxing district meetings and participation there. Attendees will learn what can be done to help achieve those goals here. 

The afternoon start brings attendees a free lunch drink, compliments of Golden Corral. Arrivals before 12:30 p.m. will miss this freebie.  Mention “tea party meeting” to the cashier, then bring the chosen meal (and free drink) to the meeting room.

For information, call Jim Nelson at 847 515-1212 or email him at nelson3948@gmail.com 

The Animal Rescue Shelter in Huntley recently won $1,000 in an online contest from Petfinder.com that is meant to help animal rescue groups across the country.

The Huntley no-kill shelter won the weekly prize as part of Petfinder.com's "Animal Rescue Site's $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge." The public is allowed to vote once a day until April 28 for their favorite rescue shelter in the online competition.

The grand-prize winner takes home $100,000. The Huntley shelter is eligible for the grand prize.

To learn more about the competition, visit www.petfinder.com/shelterchallenge

Huntley High School students and the Grafton Food Pantry are joining forces for a pair of April drives that benefit the local pantry.

Students from the Huntley High School National Honor Society will be at the entrance of Jewel Foods, 13200 Village Green Drive, Huntley, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 20 and 21, to collect personal care items and donations.

The Huntley High School football team also will be collecting similar donations in front of Jewel Foods, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 27. The pantry is not allowed to purchase personal care items, like shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant, through the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

"The semi-annual personal care drives helps to provide essential items for our clients and their families," said Grafton Food Pantry President Kathy Schneiter. "The commitment of these high school students, and the generosity of our local businesses make this effort possible."

For more information, call the pantry at (847) 495-0922 or visit, www.graftonfoodpantry.org.