Cubs Charities launches "Let's Give" community campaign |
Cubs Charities will continue the "Let's Give" community initiative this season in conjunction with the organization's 2016 marketing campaign, "Let's Go." This yearlong charitable campaign will include Cubs Charities events, player fundraisers and programs benefiting the Chicago community. These charitable efforts will be highlighted throughout the season using the social hashtag #LetsGive.
The campaign also will include Cubs players and associates engaging in community service projects throughout the season, which include programs aiming to increase access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Cubs Charities offers three ongoing Signature Programs to further this mission. The Cubs on the Move Fitness Program promotes physical activity while encouraging kids to "Play Every Day." The Cubs Charities Diamond Project expands opportunities for children to play baseball by creating or preserving green space and baseball facilities. Finally, the Cubs Scholars program offers quality mentorship and scholarships for Chicago-area high school students, coupled with a program that promotes academic achievement and encourages post-secondary educational advancement. Cubs manager Joe Maddon will once again support Chicago nonprofit organizations through his "Respect Community" charity T-shirt initiative. After every Friday home game this season, Maddon will represent a different Chicago nonprofit by wearing the organization's T-shirt during his post-game press conference. The list of "Let's Give" Cubs Charities and player foundation events follows, with future events and appearances possible throughout the season. 2016 Cubs Charities "Let's Give" Events: 11th Annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run, April 23: The Chicago Cubs will host the 11th Annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run presented by ATI Physical Therapy Saturday, April 23. This year's Race to Wrigley 5K route will feature an updated course, allowing runners to race through historic Wrigley Field. Race participants will again see and experience the Lakeview neighborhood along the course route before entering the concourse through the Budweiser Bleacher Gate on Sheffield Avenue and crossing the finish line steps away from the Wrigley Field Marquee. For more information, visit www.racetowrigley.com. Bricks and Ivy Ball, April 28: The annual Bricks and Ivy Ball is Cubs Charities' primary fundraising event. This year's Bricks and Ivy Ball will feature a fun island theme at Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom. Chicago Cubs players, coaches, alumni, owners and management will be in attendance for an evening of musical entertainment, cocktails and dinner. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on unique live and silent auction items. Net proceeds benefit Cubs Charities. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/bricksandivy. Annual Cubs Care Grant Luncheon, May 9: The Chicago Cubs will team up with the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for the annual Cubs Care Grant Luncheon in the Audi Club at Wrigley Field. Cubs Charities and Cubs Care will grant money to nonprofit organizations serving those in need in the Chicago area. Last year, the Cubs and Robert R. McCormick Foundation distributed more than $1 million in grants. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org. Kerry Wood and Friends Battle of the Bats Charity Home Run Derby, May 25: The Wood Family Foundation will join Cubs Charities to host the second annual Kerry Wood and Friends Battle of the Bats Charity Home Run Derby at Wrigley Field. Kerry Wood and other Cubs alumni will coach participants to swing for the fences while competing for the ultimate title of Home Run Derby Champion. Individuals will have to fundraise a minimum of $3,500, which will benefit underserved youth in Chicago through Cubs Charities and the Wood Family Foundation. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/derby. Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's Cook-Off for Cancer, June 2: The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation will celebrate its fourth annual Cook-Off for Cancer, which will feature tasting portions prepared by notable Chicago chefs and served by Cubs players at Morgan Manufacturing. Guests will vote for their favorite chefs and dishes by tipping their Cubs server. Tips and event net proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer research as well as provide support to children and their families battling the disease. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/cook. Foundation To Be Named Later's Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago Concert, June 17: The fifth annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert will rock Chicago again at Metro Chicago. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons, Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper and the Chicago Hot Stove All-Stars will take the stage for an evening of music and giving back to the Chicago community. Net proceeds benefit the Foundation To Be Named Later, started by Epstein and his twin brother Paul. The foundation raises funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies working on the front lines, serving disadvantaged youth in the Greater Boston and Chicago areas. For more information, visit www.foundationtobenamedlater.org. Jon Lester's NVRQT Goes Country, July 6: Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester and his wife Farrah will host a country-themed fundraiser at Joe's Bar on Weed Street in Chicago this July. Net proceeds from the event will benefit Lester's NVRQT campaign, run by the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), which helps raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research. For future information, visit www.cubs.com/nvrqt. Cubs Wives Present Players' Favorite Things Baskets, July 16: Cubs wives and girlfriends will once again create and auction off Chicago Cubs "Players' Favorite Things Baskets." Each basket will contain one-of-a-kind autographed memorabilia and hand-picked items, such as players' favorite movies, restaurant gift cards, snacks, team gear and much more. The auction will launch online July 16 through July 23 and also will be available inside the concourse at Wrigley Field Saturday, July 16. Net proceeds benefit Cubs Charities. For more information or to place a bid online, visit www.cubs.com/auction. Joe Maddon's Respect 90 Main Event, July 20: Cubs manager Joe Maddon will host the second annual Respect 90 Main Event at the Wintrust Bank Building, featuring dinner and drinks along with several rounds of amateur boxing. The night will help provide Chicago's inner-city children and young adults with opportunities to develop championship attitudes through sports while encouraging fitness, academics and community engagement. For future information, visit www.cubscharities.org. Let's Go Gold, Sept. 2: Cubs Charities will team up with Major League Baseball to take part in the fight against pediatric cancer by helping Wrigley Field "go gold" Friday, Sept. 2. Cubs Charities will host a special pregame ceremony along with other gold-themed activations throughout the ballpark, including fundraising opportunities to help fund pediatric cancer research and awareness. For future information, visit www.cubs.com/letsgogold. About Cubs Charities: Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities' goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.
