Since 1998, the FireWorks For Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire, has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland. Each year, the FWFK Foundation renews its commitment to enhance the lives of others by remaining focused on the mission of supporting organizations whose programs provide educational and recreational opportunities for economically or otherwise challenged children in and around Chicago.
So Far this Season
The FireWorks for Kids kicked off the 2007 season with the ninth annual Season Kickoff Luncheon, which provided Chicago soccer fans the first opportunity of the year to meet their favorite Fire players and coaches. The event included a reception followed by lunch and a short program, as well as the always popular silent auction, which included Chicago Fire and other sports memorabilia, gift certificates, and much more. U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach and former Fire Head Coach Bob Bradley served as the Keynote Speaker for the event that raised over $50,000 for the FWFK Foundation.
On Monday, Sept. 10, the FireWorks for Kids Foundation (FWFK) held its sixth annual Frank Klopas Golf Outing at Silver Lakes Country Club, in Orland Park, Ill. Former Fire forward and "Ring of Fire" member Frank Klopas, who also serves on the Board of Directors for the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, was on hand as well as the entire Chicago Fire team and coaching staff. The day included breakfast, lunch, greens fees, as well as a buffet dinner. Over $30,000 was raised from the event, which was earmarked for the Fire Academy as well as other area youth programs.
Chicago Fire Soccer and local contributors and businesses teamed up for the fourth straight year to celebrate "Kids Night Out," on July 12, as the Fire took on the Houston Dynamo. The event brought together nearly 10,000 children for a night of soccer at TOYOTA PARK. Over 130 major contributors responded to show their financial support, as those who donated any amount towards the cause had their contributions doubled, with the FireWorks For Kids Foundation matching each ticket. These tickets were then donated to nearly 120 local youth-based organizations throughout the Chicagoland area. Some of these included Chicago Scores, Make a Wish, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the YMCA.
Still to Come
Although late in the regular season, the Chicago Fire and the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, are still hard at work giving back to the community. Be sure to check out these exciting events still to come this season.
The 2007 Chicago Fire Awards Reception will be held on Oct. 22, at Emilio's Tapas, located at 215 East Ohio St., beginning at 7:00 p.m. CT. The event will offer attendees the opportunity to mingle with Fire players and coaches, take part in a raffle to benefit the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, and help the Fire honor the 2007 award winners. The evening will include speeches from Fire President/CEO John Guppy and Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio, as well as an awards ceremony presenting the Fire Honda Most Valuable Player, Budweiser Golden Boot, Defender of the Year, the USSF Humanitarian of the Year, and the Sierra Mist Top 10 Fire Goals of the Year. The entire Chicago Fire team and coaching staff are scheduled to be in attendance for the event. For more information, or to purchase tickets for the 2007 Chicago Fire Soccer Awards Reception, please call FireWorks for Kids at 708.496.6740, or email jyavitz@chicago-fire.com.
Another upcoming FireWorks for Kids Foundation event is the Chicago Fire Fall Wondergirl 5K, on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 9:00 a.m. CT at TOYOTA PARK. To register or volunteer, visit www.gotrchicago.org. Proceeds benefit the FireWorks for Kids Foundation and Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that educates and prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Everyone (MEN AND WOMEN) can participate, and for the families out there, this is the rare event where kids and adults can run together in one race. Come out and join the 500 young girls aged 8-12 will celebrate their "girl power" by running 3.1 miles together with their parents, teachers, and community members. Race begins at TOYOTA PARK, will run through the residential area south of the stadium, and finish at TOYOTA PARK. Mayor Landek will be the race's Grand Marshall.
For more information about the FireWorks For Kids Foundation please visit www.chicago-fire.com.
