On behalf of the entire Good Sports team, we’d like to thank everyone who joined us for the 12th Annual Chicago Legends Gala. After a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it was such a special event to be able and bring everyone back together, all in support of the Good Sports mission.
Our 250 guests enjoyed a silent auction, dinner with special guests and of course dessert to conclude the night. Auction items ranged from autographed memorabilia from Candace Parker, tickets to The Studio Taping of The Bachelor, After The Final Rose and courtside Chicago Bulls tickets.
Our Emcee of the evening was Kyle Flynn, a member of our Chicago Young Professionals Board. It was so special to have a member of our YPB be the captain of the evening.
Next up, Mike Balkin, Chairman of our Chicago Advisory Board, made his remarks and spoke about his passion for being involved in our organization. He also touched upon the impact Good Sports has made in Chicago since we all had last met in 2019.
It was then handed back to Kyle, who recognized two of our partners, the Chicago Cubs and Gatorade, who have both been tremendous funding partners. Our work with the Chicago Cubs has given thousands of youth the opportunity to participate in softball and baseball programming throughout the city. Through these donations we have been able to coordinate meaningful volunteer opportunities for Cubs associates, players, and coaches. As part of a multi-year partnership with Gatorade, our work together is to create equity and opportunity in sports to youth across the country. Gatorade is making significant investments in their Fuel Tomorrow initiative and Good Sports is proud to be among a small group of their partners.
After dinner, we welcomed our keynote speaker, Lex Gillette, to the stage. Lex made his first appearance at our Boston Legends Gala back in May, and we were lucky enough to bring him back to Chicago. Once again, Lex blew the audience away with his inspiring story and received a standing ovation.
To conclude the night, we highlighted, The Bloc, a location organization we serve. The Bloc spreads the love of boxing to provide resources and opportunities to Chicago’s communities. Based on Chicago’s West Side, The Bloc attracts youth who have often been rejected and uninspired by traditional programs. Watch our video highlighting The Bloc here.
Thanks to everyone’s support, we are proud to share that over $250,000 was raised to provide new sports and fitness equipment to kids who need it most. We could not have done this without you.
Again, what a night, that truly wouldn’t have been possible with you all. From attendees, sponsors, speakers and donors, you’ve all helped pave the way for children to play a sport that they’ve always dreamed of. It doesn’t get better than that.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 CHICAGO LEGENDS SPONSORS
Shout out to our sponsors: Greenberg Traurig, LLP | William Blair | Cressey | Cubs Charities | Gatorade | Ropes & Gray | Wintrust | ZoomInfo | Ariel Investments | Chicago Blackhawks | Intrinsic Edge Capital Management | Aetna | Chicago White Sox | Cowen Advisors | Windy City Motorcycle Company | Chicago Fire | Chicago Bulls | Heartland Bank and Trust Company | UnitedHealthcare
Missed the event, but want to donate to get more kids in the game? Visit our page here.
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