Cubs Charities will once again be active in the community this season with a full lineup of events, player fundraisers, charitable initiatives and programs all benefiting the Chicago community. Cubs Charities is on track to top last year's fundraising total, with events like the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's Laugh-Off for Cancer, Joe Maddon's Respect Bald, the Seventh Annual Bricks and Ivy Ball and the 12th Annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run, already having raised a collective $3 million for the 2017 fundraising season.
Cubs players, coaches and front office will engage in community service projects throughout the season, which include programs aiming to increase access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Cubs Charities offers three ongoing Signature Programs to further this mission. The Cubs on the Move Fitness Program promotes physical activity while encouraging kids to "Play Every Day." The Diamond Project, supported by the Cubs Authentics program, expands opportunities for children to play baseball and softball by creating or preserving green space to play ball. Finally, the Cubs Scholars program offers quality mentorship and scholarships for Chicago-area high school students, coupled with a program that promotes academic achievement and encourages post-secondary educational advancement.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon will once again support Chicago nonprofit organizations through his "Respect Community" charity T-shirt initiative. After every Friday home game this season, Maddon will represent a different Chicago nonprofit by wearing the organization's T-shirt during his postgame press conference.
Cubs Charities will continue to fundraise on gamedays through the 50/50 Raffle program, Cubs Authentics program and videoboard messages. For more information on these programs, visit www.cubscharities.org.
The list of Cubs Charities and player foundation events follows, with future events and appearances possible throughout the season.
Remaining 2017 Cubs Charities and Player Foundation Events:
Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's Cook-Off for Cancer, May 18:
The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation will celebrate its Fifth Annual Cook-Off for Cancer, which will feature tasting portions prepared by 17 notable Chicago chefs and served by Cubs players at Morgan Manufacturing. Guests will vote for their favorite chefs and dishes by tipping their Cubs server. Tips and event net proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer research as well as provide support to children and their families battling the disease. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/cook.
Foundation To Be Named Later's Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago Concert, June 2:
The Sixth Annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert will rock Chicago again at Metro Chicago. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons, Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper and the Chicago Hot Stove All-Stars will take the stage for an evening of music and giving back to the Chicago community. Net proceeds benefit the Foundation To Be Named Later, started by Epstein and his twin brother Paul. The foundation raises funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies working on the front lines, serving disadvantaged youth in the Greater Boston and Chicago areas. For more information, visit www.foundationtobenamedlater.org.
Kerry Wood and Friends Battle of the Bats Charity Home Run Derby, June 22:
The Wood Family Foundation will join Cubs Charities to host the Third Annual Kerry Wood and Friends Battle of the Bats Charity Home Run Derby at Wrigley Field. Kerry Wood and other Cubs alumni will coach participants to swing for the fences while competing for the ultimate title of Home Run Derby Champion. Individuals will have to fundraise a minimum of $3,500, which will benefit underserved youth in Chicago through Cubs Charities and the Wood Family Foundation. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/derby.
Jon Lester's NVRQT Goes Country, July 5:
Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester and his wife Farrah will host the Second Annual NVRQT Goes Country event, a country-themed fundraiser at Joe's Bar on Weed Street Wednesday, July 5. Fans will enjoy carnival games, great food and live music. Net proceeds from the event will benefit Lester's NVRQT campaign, run by the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), which helps raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/nvrqt.
Cubs Wives Present Players' Favorite Things Baskets, July 8:
Cubs wives and girlfriends will once again create and auction off "Players' Favorite Things Baskets." Each basket will contain one-of-a-kind autographed memorabilia and hand-picked items, such as players' favorite movies, restaurant gift cards, snacks, team gear and much more. The auction will launch online July 8 and run through July 15. Baskets also will be available inside the concourse at Wrigley Field Saturday, July 8. Net proceeds benefit Cubs Charities. For more information or to place a bid online, visit www.cubs.com/auction.
Joe Maddon's Respect 90 Main Event, August 17:
Cubs manager Joe Maddon will host the Third Annual Respect 90 Main Event at the Wintrust Bank Building, featuring dinner and drinks along with rounds of amateur boxing. The night will help provide Chicago's inner-city children and young adults with opportunities to develop championship attitudes through sports while encouraging fitness, academics and community engagement. For future information, visit www.cubs.com/mainevent.
Kyle Schwarber's Block Party, September 10:
Cubs outfielder/catcher Kyle Schwarber will host his inaugural event celebrating the great service police, fire and active military provide for the community as part of his new charity campaign, "Neighborhood Heroes." The block party will feature live music, a traditional BBQ, cornhole games and a live and silent auction. For future information, visit www.cubs.com/blockparty.