CHICAGO - Chicago Fire Soccer, in conjunction with the club's charitable arm, the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, is proud to announce its first annual "Kicks for Kids" Easter Party, taking place on Tuesday, Apr. 11 at Dave & Buster's, located at 1030 N. Clark St. in downtown Chicago, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. CT.
The Fire and FWFK Foundation, with the help and generosity of its "Kicks for Kids" corporate sponsors, will play host to 150 area youths at Dave & Buster's, allowing them the chance to meet Chicago Fire players and spend a fun-filled evening at the popular restaurant and arcade. Children from several Chicagoland community groups - including Chicago Scores, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Horizons for Youth, Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries and Little City Foundation - have been invited to take part in this year's inaugural Easter Party.
"The Chicago Fire Community Relations Department and the FireWorks For Kids Foundation are very proud of the 'Kicks for Kids' outreach program," said Fire Community Relations Manager and FWFK Foundation Executive Director Jessica Yavitz. "This is a tremendous effort and example of how the Fire and the corporate community can come together to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate."
Corporations interested in partnering with the Fire for next month's "Kicks for Kids" Easter Party must contact the Chicago Fire Sales Department by calling 312-705-7200 or via email at firetickets@chicago-fire.com by Monday, Apr. 3. Companies that have already pledged their support for the 2006 "Kicks for Kids" program include Dave & Buster's, ComEd, Carvero Medical Group, Liberty Mutual and Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill.
"Dave & Buster's is excited to partner with the Chicago Fire and help out with wonderful events like the 'Kicks for Kids' Easter Party," said Dave & Buster's Special Events Sales Manager Kristen Schascheck. "Helping out in the community is important to us at Dave & Buster's, and putting smiles on children's faces through events such as the Easter Party is just one small way we can make that happen."
The Fire's "Kicks for Kids" program enables area businesses to support underprivileged children by giving them the opportunity to experience the excitement of a Chicago Fire game in person, an experience that will be heightened this year with the opening of the team's brand new home of Bridgeview stadium. In addition to donating Fire tickets, beginning in 2006 the Fire and the FireWorks For Kids Foundation will host various events associated with the "Kicks for Kids" program, such as the Easter party, giving the program's Community Partners the chance to meet and interact with the children who benefit from their generosity.
Making a commitment to the "Kicks for Kids" program allows Chicagoland companies that chance to add to their community service efforts in addition to providing networking opportunities and other recognition for the corporation. Since 1998, with the generous support of "Kick For Kids" donors, approximately 15,000 children have benefited from this program and been able to see the Fire in action. All "Kicks for Kids" beneficiaries are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations providing a direct service to economically or otherwise challenged youth in the Chicagoland area.
For more information on the Fire's "Kicks for Kids" initiative, including information on how to become a sponsor or a beneficiary of the program, please visit the In The Community section of www.Chicago-Fire.com and click on the Kicks for Kids link.
