Gridiron Greats Announces Two Interactive Fundraisers for Local and National Audiences

    NORTHBROOK, IL, October 26, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF) today announced two new fundraising initiatives that will assist in pushing forward the organization's mission to provide medical and social services to retired National Football League (NFL) players in need. In Chicago, fans can attend the '85 Super Bowl Champion Chicago Bears 25-year reunion while NFL enthusiasts nationwide can support the cause through an ongoing online raffle.

Allstate GLORY DAYS 'Legends of the '85 Chicago Bears' will be held on Friday, November 5 at the Arie Crown Theatre at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Super Bowl champions, led by coach Mike Ditka, will retell the stories of that historic year in honor of its 25th anniversary to the delight of ticketed guests. Tickets are available at www.glorydayschicago.com beginning at $49 each and Gridiron Greats will receive a percentage of the proceeds.

In its first-ever national fundraising effort, GGAF has launched the Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats Charity Splits Raffle. The online raffle opens today and will host monthly drawings from November through February for a series of prizes that culminate with one winner splitting the pot with the charity, 50/50-style. Coach Ditka will draw the winning ticket on February 7, 2011, the day after Super Bowl 45. Tickets are available at www.gridirongreatsraffle.org and prices are 1-for-$10, 2-for$15 and 3-for-$20.

"By hosting these two fundraisers, we're accomplishing two missions. One is continuing to provide much-needed services to the men who gave their hearts and bodies to create the NFL we enjoy today. The other is to offer fans of the game a unique chance to meet their favorite players or own a piece of history," said GGAF board Chairman, Mike Ditka.

To host the online raffle, GGAF has partnered with Charity Splits, a Joliet, Ill.-based firm specializing in non-profit online fundraising. Committed to the prosperity and growth of non-profit fundraising across all categories of need, Charity Splits offers organizations unmatched efficiency and flexibility by delivering world-class fundraising products.

"It is our distinct pleasure to partner with GGAF and lend our fundraising program to assist in this event. Our program paired with the powerful voices of GGAF will surely create an exciting Grand Prize for the millions of fans of these Grid Iron Greats. Thank you for supporting this amazing organization and good luck," said Ryan West, Director of Sales for the Charity Splits.

GGAF delivers on its commitment to providing retired players with the basic human services they need by offering a broad range of aid including medical, pharmaceutical, housing, food and clothing. To support its programs, the organization relies solely on corporate and private donations generated through sponsorship, special events, sports memorabilia auctions, autograph sessions and public drives. The two initiatives announced today are the newest vehicles to the organization's fundraising portfolio.

About The GGAF
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund provides hands-on assistance and financial aid to help retired NFL players deal with some of the hardships they may encounter after football. Many of these players lack funds, disability coverage or pension benefits. Thus the GGAF focuses on the humanitarian side of these players, treating them with dignity, and addressing the post-football related issues in their lives.

Website: http://www.gridirongreats.org

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