CHICAGO - Cubs Charities will host a week of giving with players, Cubs associates and local nonprofits engaging in the community through various events culminating with a free outdoor festival Saturday, May 26. The Cubs Charities Week of Giving will highlight Cubs Charities' mission to increase access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for Chicago's youth.
Cubs Charities offers three ongoing Signature Programs to further this mission. The Cubs Jr. All-Stars program promotes health and fitness while introducing kids to baseball and softball fundamentals. 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, supporting and expanding leagues and providing equipment. 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.
The week kicks off Monday, May 21, with a Cubs Jr. All-Stars assembly at Jahn School of Fine Arts. The free summer program was launched in 2013 to help kids stay active by playing baseball and softball while learning to successfully communicate both on and off the field. During Monday's assembly, Cubs Charities, Clark the Cub and Urban Initiatives will share the importance of staying active to more than 300 students.
On Tuesday, May 22, Cubs Charities and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation will announce more than $1 million in grants to nonprofit organizations serving those in need in the Chicago area at the American Airlines Conference Center. The luncheon marks the 14th consecutive year more than $1 million has been donated to Chicago communities to help organizations provide youth with health, wellness and education programs. For a full list of grantees, visit www.cubscharities.org.
Cubs Charities Diamond Project and national nonprofit Good Sports will continue their partnership by sorting, packing and delivering new baseball and softball equipment to area programs Wednesday, May 23, at Gallagher Way. Cubs associates and Good Sports staff will pack more than $100,000 worth of athletic equipment and apparel for the Better Boys Foundation Family Services, Chicago Altgeld Steel City Baseball, Jackie Robinson West Little League, Lou Collier Baseball Association, Midway Baseball Association, Oriole Park Baseball, Pilsen Athletic League and Shabbona Park Little League Inc. Through its Diamond Project, Cubs Charities has committed nearly $1.6 million in grants to support youth leagues and capital improvement projects in 2018.
On Thursday, May 24, Cubs Charities will team up with five Chicago high schools to celebrate this year's class of Cubs Scholars. Five students were selected based on the Cubs Scholars criteria: (1) academic achievement and potential; (2) community participation; (3) need; (4) leadership potential; and (5) demonstrated ability to be a team player. Each student receives a $20,000 college scholarship and the unique experience of being part of Cubs College Prep which includes being paired with a Cubs associate mentor. Students will participate in activities in and around Wrigley Field and in seminars and workshops as part of a college prep and persistence program through Chicago Scholars. This is the sixth class of Cubs Scholars.
Cubs Charities will conclude the week of giving Saturday, May 26, with the Cubs Charities Youth Baseball & Softball Festival from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Gallagher Way to celebrate sports and encourage kids to play every day. The free outdoor festival will include several baseball-themed activities including running the bases and playing catch with current Cubs players, face painting, balloon art, giveaways including plastic bat and ball sets, pitch grip baseballs, Cubs tattoos and more. Participants can enjoy a free hot dog provided by Vienna Beef. The festival is open to fans of all ages and is part of Major League Baseball's "Play Ball Weekend."
About Cubs Charities:
Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities' goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.