Around the MWG

Members of the MWG from all three states gathered for the annual Wizard World Comic Convention. Held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, members gathered this year not only to check out the various booths and games but to welcome some very special members.

On Saturday Aug. 5th, Doug Wangler was inducted as an Honorary Member of the 501st. His membership was sponsored by the MWG although members from neighboring Garrisons joined in the presentation. Wangler is best known to Star Wars fans as the model for the Dark Horse comic's character Quinlan Vos.


The following day, Jon "Blasty" Leopold presented to Kristen Bell the honor of Honorary Friend of the Legion. Bell is the star of the upcoming Star Wars inspired movie Fanboys. The 501st welcomes both inductees to our group!

As always, Wizard World allowed convention goers the chance to meet some of their favorite artists such as Dave Dorman. And no convention is complete without the lure of finding a toy to complete one's collection.

posted by Rome

Various groups and individuals came together for a common cause -- to raise money for the JAC-PAT Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund was set up by two very dedicated teachers (pictured) who wanted to see two of their brightest students succeed at the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora, IL.

The Abby Pub in downtown Chicago offered their restaurant/concert room for the benefit. Chicago-based bands The Tossers and the Psychobilly Kadillaks played for over 4 hours and donated the cover charge to the benefit. Members of the MWG were asked to come and take photos with the concert goers to raise additional money. A raffle including a Master Replicas light saber donated by the MWG helped the teachers exceed their goal, raising an impressive total of $4,300.

Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the girls will have computers to aid them in their studies along with money left over to cover additional expenses. It is quite an honor for these young ladies to be accepted and it was an honor for the MWG to participate. It is one of those stories the media may not cover but is one that should be told. The tremendous amount of time and effort that the teachers put in to the benefit is a wonderful example of dedication that will change the girls' lives forever.

IMSA is a college preparatory high school which enrolls 650 of Illinois' brightest students in grades 10 through 12.

posted by Rome