Challenge History

The Castle Challenge was created in 2000 by Gary Evans and Ron Bemis, employees of Castle Bank who were looking for an opportunity to help raise money for the DeKalb and Sycamore Sports Booster Clubs.

The concept was for Castle Bank to offer the lead sponsorship of the event and they would then challenge other local businesses from DeKalb and Sycamore to donate a minimum of $500. This donation would then be used for sponsorship of the local high school football game between the two rival towns. Sponsoring companies, in turn, would receive a multitude of publicity. Their names would scroll across the scoreboard throughout the night and be posted on all advertising materials leading up to the game. Sponsors would also be introduced in person on the football field.

Evans shared his concept with fellow co-worker, Ron Bemis. They approached the CEO of Castle Bank, Tim Struthers, with the community fundraising idea. He agreed to donate the lead sponsorship in the bank's name. Evans and Bemis then contacted each school's booster club, athletic director, football coach and school administration regarding this fundraising event. Both Booster Clubs accepted the challenge and agreed to provide a joint tailgate dinner prior to the football games.

In the inaugural year, 12 sponsors accepted the challenge and $20,000 was raised. All proceeds were split evenly between the two school’s booster clubs. Because of the success of this inaugural Challenge event, other communities joined the Challenge bandwagon. There is currently Challenges in Yorkville, Sandwich, Plano, Kaneland, Oswego, Belvidere, Harvard and Marengo, with the potential of growing into many more communities.

The basis of the Castle Challenge continues to be, what is great for the kids is great for the community!