Luncheon tickets
CHICAGO, IL - The FireWorks for Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire, has announced that the Foundation's 2006 Season Kickoff Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Mar. 28 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown, located at 540 N. Michigan Ave. The Fire is proud to announce that FOX Chicago News anchor Robin Robinson will emcee the 2006 edition of the popular event, which will begin with a reception at 11:00 a.m. CT and be followed by the luncheon and formal program at 12:00 p.m.
Tickets for this year's Season Kickoff Luncheon are $65 per individual or $500 for a table of ten, with all proceeds benefiting the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, which since 1998 has helped the Chicago Fire contribute its service and commitment to the community through grants and charitable contributions. The FWFK mission is to forward recreational and educational opportunities for economically or otherwise disadvantaged children throughout the Chicagoland area.
"We are extremely excited to have Robin Robinson join us as emcee for this year's Season Kickoff Luncheon. Her enthusiasm and professionalism will help make this the premier event to kickoff our 2006 season," said Jessica Yavitz, Executive Director of the FireWorks for Kids Foundation. "We also want to thank the fans and supporters of the Chicago Fire and the FWFK Foundation, who continue to attend this event in such strong numbers. It is their support that allows us to continue to give back to the community and provide so many great programs for children."
The 2006 Season Kickoff Luncheon will mark the eighth edition of the popular event, which traditionally marks the beginning of the season for both the club and the Foundation. As in the past, the first twenty full paid tables of ten will sit with a Chicago Fire player. In addition, the luncheon will include the always-popular silent auction, featuring Fire and sports memorabilia, gift certificates and more.
The Fire and the FireWorks for Kids Foundation are honored to welcome Robinson in her debut as the FWFK Season Kickoff Luncheon's emcee. Robinson joined FOX Chicago News as co-anchor in 1987 and was a vital part of the FOX Chicago News launch in August of that year. She is an award-winning journalist who has obtained a high level of respect within the Chicagoland community and among her peers due to a firm commitment to news that goes beyond the breaking stories of the day. Robinson has been the recipient, along with the FOX Chicago News team, of numerous Emmys for their outstanding performances and is currently the co-anchor of FOX Chicago News at Nine along with Mark Suppelsa. In addition to being a fan of the Fire, Robinson has bona fide "soccer mom" credentials, supporting her oldest daughter Jade (a defender on the Lincoln Park High School varsity squad), son Cameron (a member of the South Side Fire travel team) and youngest daughter Lauren (who has retired from the sport at the age of eight) through their soccer endeavors over the years.
"We get pretty wound up about our sports teams in Chicago, and Fire fans have so much to look forward to this year that the Season Kickoff Luncheon should be more like a launching! With a fabulous line-up and a brand new stadium we can hardly wait to start christening with victories, there is tremendous anticipation surrounding the Fire this year," said Robinson. "The event is sure to be fun, but it will also be directly benefiting the FireWorks for Kids Foundation. The Fire and the Foundation have been making major investments in our communities and making a real difference for thousands of young people. I am proud to have a small part in continuing this legacy and invite all my friends and neighbors, fellow soccer moms and sports fans to join in the fun."
With the Fire embarking on a nine-game road trip to begin its 2006 MLS campaign, this year's Season Kickoff Luncheon will serve as the only chance for fans to see the entire Fire roster up-close and in-person prior to June, making this a must-see event for all soccer fans. The Fire will not host an MLS match until June 11, when the club will take on the New England Revolution in a public safety match at Bridgeview Stadium, a contest open only to Fire season ticket holders and Bridgeview residents. The "Men in Red" will open the gates to their 20,000-seat, soccer-specific stadium to the public on June 25, when the Fire will play host to the MetroStars in the venue's Grand Opening match.
For more information regarding the 2006 FWFK Season Kickoff Luncheon, please contact the Fire Community Relations Department by phone at 312-705-7218 or by fax at 312-705-7393.
