A New Hope church is giving a whole new meaning to the notion of twisting arms at fundraisers.
And if that doesn't work, they'll try headlocks, bear hugs and even slamming people to the floor.
Holy Nativity Lutheran Church, 3900 Winnetka Av. N., is hosting a professional wrestling match at 7 p.m. Saturday to raise money for its youth programs. It's the brainchild of Chris Jordan, a pro wrestler who was on the church council when he suggested it. And if the idea of pro wrestling and church doesn't immediately mesh in your mind, he understands.
"The first time I brought it up, people weren't so high on it," he conceded. But what helped sell it, he said, is that it fits part of the church's new strategic plan to draw people from the community who probably wouldn't come into the church otherwise.
Jordan is also quick to point out that this is "family-friendly" wrestling: "There won't be blood, chairs being thrown or half-naked women like you see on cable TV." Jordan, who wrestles under the name "The Genuine Article," has had no trouble recruiting his fellow grapplers -- a list that includes warriors billed as Playboy Pete Huge, Horace the Psychopath and the Black Stallion. "For the wrestlers, this is one of the most fun events of the year," he said. "They like performing in front of the kids because they cheer and boo so enthusiastically."
Tickets are $12 (free for ages 5 and under), with a $2 discount for bringing a canned food item, and the total cost is limited to $35 for families of four or more. The church's website is www.holynativity.net.
"You can bring Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa," Jordan said. "This is for everybody."
