Reporter lends big appetite to fundraiser

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Brad Batkfrom Chicago Fire Department makes chicken fajitduring SertomCentre's Big Event fundraiser 115 BourbStreet Merrionette Park IL Saturday April 28

Brad Batka from the Chicago Fire Department makes a chicken fajita during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL on Saturday April 28, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Nino Marianne Silic share some food during SertomCentre's Big Event fundraiser 115 BourbStreet Merrionette Park IL Saturday April 28 2012.

Nino and Marianne Silic share some food during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL on Saturday April 28, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Mary Ellen Tom Maloney get some jambalayduring SertomCentre's Big Event fundraiser 115 BourbStreet Merrionette Park IL Saturday April 28 2012.

Mary Ellen and Tom Maloney get some jambalaya during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL on Saturday April 28, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Roger Harpold left Ed Kelly chduring SertomCentre's Big Event fundraiser 115 BourbStreet Merrionette Park IL Saturday April 28 2012. |

Roger Harpold, left, and Ed Kelly chat during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL on Saturday April 28, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Charles Faulkner from Markham Fire Department serves up some chili during SertomCentre's Big Event fundraiser 115 BourbStreet Merrionette Park IL

Charles Faulkner from the Markham Fire Department serves up some chili during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL on Saturday April 28, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Oak Forest resident Bob Hopper from Lombard Fire Department stirs turkey chili during SertomCentre's Big Event fundraiser 115 BourbStreet

Oak Forest resident Bob Hopper from the Lombard Fire Department stirs turkey chili during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL on Saturday April 28, 2012. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Joe Dinovo (from left) Kathy Dompeling Ken Dompeling from Blue IslFire Department work their pulled pork during SertomCentre's Big Event

Joe Dinovo (from left), Kathy Dompeling and Ken Dompeling from the Blue Island Fire Department work on their pulled pork during Sertoma Centre's Big Event fundraiser at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park on April 28. | Matt Marton~Sun-Times Media

Casey Toner

My appetite is not only respected, but feared around the SouthtownStar office. Once I came back after lunch to find a bag of half-eaten Cheetos someone had left near my computer, knowing I’d finish it off. It was hardly a surprise that I agreed to …