THANK YOU BANDITS FANS!!

Chicago Bandits fans should have left the ballpark last week with a very good feeling, and not just because of 5 consecutive Bandits wins. The totals are in and the first four Bandits giveback nights have been deemed a success, for the donations and contributions to non-profit organizations from Chicago Bandits fans were numerous.

Wednesday July 15 saw the Bandits host a Walter Payton Toy Drive for the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation as part of the Christmas in July event. Santa made a surprise visit to the ballpark to thank fans for their early Holiday generosity. The 52 new toys that were collected will be distributed to abused, neglected, and underprivileged children throughout Illinois during the 2009 Holiday Season. Bandits fans also raised $26.00 in monetary donations from collection boxes at the ticket booth and concession stand.

Thursday July 16 marked the Chicago Bandits Food Drive event. Many fans brought canned food and non-perishable food items to be donated to the food pantry at Centro de Información in downtown Elgin, while ballpark collection boxes also netted $22.00 in donations for the emergency food pantry.

Friday July 17 the Chicago Bandits hosted honored guest Donald Hooton Jr. of The Taylor Hooton Foundation. The rain tried, but failed to wash out the awareness night which warned against the dangers of steroid drug abuse. The Chicago Bandits will be donating the proceeds from the night’s 50/50 raffle and Chuck-A-Ball contest directly to the Taylor Hooton Foundation.

On Sunday July 18, Judson played host to the first ever Chicago Bandits Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. The response to donate was overwhelming and the Red Cross’s mobile unit was not able to handle the onslaught of donation requests. The Red Cross on-site staff worked long after the game was over and tallied 24 blood donations. A large number of would-be donors were turned away due to the high volume and the Chicago Bandits would like to personally thank all who contributed or attempted to contribute their support. Although the Bandits were able to help, the need for blood donations is still great. Please visit www.givebloodgivelife.org to find out about other drives in the area.

If you missed out on the opportunity to help worthy causes, there will be more philanthropic activities at the next Bandits home stand August 5 thru August 9. The Chicago Bandits are teaming up with the American Cancer Society to raise donations and awareness for skin cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and Locks for Love. Come out to the ballpark and look to contribute through our collection boxes, buying a Chicago Bandits Play for a Cure T-Shirt, or pledge your support by purchasing a donor recognition nametag ribbon which will be posted on the Chicago Bandits dug out. For tickets call 877-7BANDIT or visit www.chicagobandits.com and click the “Ticket” tab.