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Parrot Heads having a good time for a good cause

By Tara Fasol, The Southern

Saturday, December 8, 2007 11:20 PM CST

HARRISBURG - Many clubs have guidelines, but having "a little bit of fruitcake left" and wanting to "give a little back" might be the most lenient set of rules for any Southern Illinois civic group.

"We are people that enjoy a laid-back and tropical sort of lifestyle," said Todd Moore of Harrisburg, chapter president. "And, of course, we enjoy the music of Jimmy Buffett. It's not really a fan club, per se, but I guess the term 'parrot head' was born at a Jimmy Buffett concert and it represents his whole persona and lifestyle. It started in Atlanta with the first club."

The Southern Illinois Parrot Head Club goes by the motto, Partying for a Purpose, and has adopted a very civic-minded middle ground between charity work and having a good time.

"We're a younger group," said member Stacy Gardner of West Frankfort. "We're not your traditional group."

The Southern Illinois chapter of the club was chartered in January 2007; its formation raised the total of local Parrot Head chapters to 230.

"Basically, we are a social club and we get together and raise money for different local and national charities," Moore said. "I guess it's a different take on fundraising. It is people getting together to have fun and, in the process, we are able to raise money and donate it to various charities. It's a chance for people to interact and get together and socialize."

Although the members wear their "parrot head" title proudly, Moore said the group has been called a number of creative names including "angels in tropical shirts" and "Kiwanis with Coronas."

The local chapter now includes around 130 people, and Moore said they have gotten a lot accomplished in their first year.

Fundraisers for animals, children and those in need top off the priority list.

Moore said clubs now string across the U.S., and support for the organization continues to grow. He noted that the club is open to anyone wanting to have a good time for a good cause.

"It's about everybody getting together and dressing in grass skirts and coconut bras to do something good," he said.

More information on the Southern Illinois group, including membership applications, is available at www.siparrotheads.com or by sending requests to P.O. Box 612, Harrisburg, IL 62946.

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com

351-5824