The 10th Anniversary Soccer Ball took place Friday, January 29, 2016 at Morgan Manufacturing where 1,100 guests came out to enjoy dancing, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres all in support of Urban Initiatives . The night raised $600,000 through event sponsorships, ticket sales, silent auction, and a Paddle Raise, which will help with the expansion of UI programming into two additional Chicago Public Schools this spring. At the event, UI recognized civic leaders who actively make a positive impact in Chicago. Storck USA was presented with the Soccer Ball Award for their commitment to Urban Initiatives for over 7 years. The Hirshman Family from Northbrook, IL received the Paula Armstrong Memorial Heart of a Champion Award for their volunteerism through UI’s Board of Directors, Student Board, UI partner schools, and special events throughout Chicago. The Troy Cameron Team Captain of the Year Award was presented to Morton School of Excellence 7th grader Lavell Butler.
“This was by far our largest and most successful Soccer Ball to date,” said Julie Chelovich, the Soccer Ball’s Executive Producer. “We can’t thank all of our sponsors, friends, Host Committee, Board of Directors, and Junior Board members enough for their efforts around the event. Thousands of children across Chicago will benefit as a result of their support.”
UI’s programs combat against the known dangers that create a sense of fear on the streets and in the parks where children play. Through our programs, UI not only impacts youth in a positive manner but strengthens the relationship between parents and their schools so that parents become more involved in their children’s lives
“What we love about the Soccer Ball,” said Jim Dower, Urban Initiatives’ Executive Director and Co-Founder, “is that it galvanizes so many incredible people and organizations around a cause we all believe in: empowering kids and building stronger community in some of this city’s most underserved neighborhoods. Thanks to our supporters at the Soccer Ball, Urban Initiatives is expanding into two new schools—Barry Elementary and Stevenson Elementary—this spring. Our team is so excited to engage with the students, parents, staff, and administrators at both schools and to start supporting the communities there.”
Urban Initiatives would love to thank all of our amazing Sponsors, the Host Committee, our Board of Directors and Junior Board, and the Party Planing Committee for helping the 10th Anniversary Soccer Ball be a huge success. Special thanks goes out to Optimus and Elemento L2 for helping create the amazing Urban Initiatives organizational video.
You can see photos from the 10th Anniversary Soccer Ball here!
See everyone next year!
