Urban Initiatives’ 7th annual Soccer Ball was by far our most successful fundraiser to date! We are incredibly grateful to the over 800 dedicated fans who came out to celebrate our work, raise funds, and support our mission. Our team was blown away by the energy in the room and the clear commitment to giving back to Chicago’s youth. Thank you to everyone who made The Soccer Ball possible!
For ten years now, Urban Initiatives has consistently offered high quality programming to communities all over Chicago and has expanded each year into more valuable neighborhood schools. After this year’s Soccer Ball, we are thrilled to announce that the generous support of all those who attended has enabled us to expand into two more schools next year! This success is because of YOU! Thank you for making this expansion possible, and more importantly, thank you for impacting and investing in the lives of Chicago’s youth.
This year’s party on January 25th at the gorgeous River East Art Center was the most successful in Urban Initiatives’ history. Tickets sold out more than twenty-four hours in advance, we knew we were in for an unforgettable event. The loyal supporters who came enjoyed a beautiful night of drinking and dining, dancing and bidding, and most of all, making a significant and lasting difference in the lives of Chicago’s future generations. We so appreciate all of you who showed up to make this event so memorable!
The event ran smoothly and in style as Emcees Marc (Silvy) Silverman and Carmen DeFalco from ESPN 1000 greeted the guests, kept them up to speed on all the happenings of the evening, and facilitated a phenomenal live auction. Soccer Ball 2013’s silent auction item list was the envy of every guest thanks to numerous businesses and individuals from Chicagoland and beyond who donated amazing items and events in order to help out the over 5,000 kids that are a part of the Urban Initiatives community.
The evening also recognized several individuals and coporations for their commitment to Urban Initiatives this past year. The "Corporate Coach Award" was given out to nine representatives from Bank of America, Blue Star Properties, Chicago Inferno, Groupon, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nielsen Global, PwC, Starbucks and Stork USA for taking the time out of their day to come out and play with UI kids on a Friday Game Day. Laura Ricketts and Chicago Cubs Charities were presented with the annual Soccer Ball award for the amazing support they have shown to Urban Initiatives over the years.
The "Troy Cameron Mentor Coach Award" was presented to Claremont 5th grader Taquan Harris. Taquan has been committed to Urban Initiatives and the Work to Play program since the 3rd grade
We would like to extend special thanks to our Party Planning Committee: Paula Armstrong, Maggie Belliel, ME Girgenti, Katy Reichert, and Stacy Stutz.
To relive this wonderful evening check out our photo albums HERE and HERE.