Gridiron Greats, NFLPA-Former Players Chicago, and Rotary Team Up For First Time Ever To Raise Funds

    NEW LENOX, IL, March 24, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In an unprecedented move, the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF) and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) -- Former Players (Chicago Chapter) are suiting up with the New Lenox Rotary Club to help generate revenue for those in need. Former NFL players, including members of the 1985 Chicago Bears, will join Mike Ditka on Saturday, May 8, to raise money at the "Night of Champions" dinner at Dinolfo's Banquet Hall in Homer Glen, Illinois.

The charity event, a business casual dinner which is expected to draw over 1,000 guests, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On behalf of his charity organization, Gridiron Greats keynote speaker Mike Ditka is scheduled to address the crowd at 9:00 p.m. Representatives from the NFLPA-Former Players (Chicago Chapter) and Rotary Club also will speak.

A silent auction also will be held featuring some of the most highly sought after sports memorabilia, and raffle prizes will include $5,000 in cash. Tickets are $100 per person and each ticket includes a raffle ticket, drinks and dinner.

In addition to Ditka, former players scheduled to appear include: 1985 Super Bowl Chicago Bears Shaun Gayle, and NFL veterans Shafer Suggs, Tim Tyrrell, Bruce Herron, Dave Casper, Marques Sullivan, Johnny Roland, Mark Dennis, Reggie L. Smith, Jason Burnes, Tom Hicks, Ronnie Bull, Brian Glasgow, and Steven Hirsch.

"I'm proud to be a part of this visionary effort," said Ditka, GGAF Chairman and former Chicago Bears coach and player, who now is a highly regarded sports analyst. "We, the former NFL players, have been given so much, so it is an honor to give back in return. Being able to help raise money for the kids and families in our own backyard here in the Chicago area, just makes it that much sweeter."

Partnering with Gridiron Greats and Rotary Club for the first time, Shafer Suggs, president of the NFLPA-Former Players (Chicago Chapter), said brings a synergy that is unprecedented. "This partnership shows just how important the community and giving back is to all of us former players, no matter which professional organization we belong to as ex pros and business people," said Suggs. "By all working together, we can make an even bigger difference in people's lives."

The New Lenox Rotary Club is thrilled to have the two groups as business partners. "We are so proud to have them involved," said Katie Christian, president of the New Lenox chapter. "Their commitment to the community and their respective members is made clear by their actions, and their missions and goals run parallel to that of the Rotary Club's."

The night's agenda includes a 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. cocktail hour with Chicago-area favorite John Vincent, who will be singing Frank Sinatra tunes. Vincent has built a following as a frequent entertainer at Ditka's Restaurant in Chicago.

Sponsorship opportunities include: Platinum $5,000, which includes admission to a private reception with Ditka and the Former NFL Players of Chicago from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Gold $2,500; Silver $1,500, and Bronze $1,500. All sponsorship levels include tables for 10 people; dinner tickets; and raffle tickets. Silent auction prizes include $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, and $500 in cash.

For tickets or sponsorship inquiries for the May 8th event, visit www.newlenoxrotaryclub.org/. Tickets must be obtained in advance (no purchases at the door) and are available now via the website, or by contacting Carolyn White at 815-485-2577.

To donate or pledge support, simply text "NOC $ amount" to #27138 with the amount that you would like to contribute. (Sponsored by Katie Christian at Edward Jones.)

The New Lenox Rotary Club is part of Rotary Club International, which has more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary Club works locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and improve education. Local projects include student scholarships and food pantries; Third World efforts include, Alliance for Smiles (free surgeries for children with cleft palates), polio vaccinations, and "shelterbox" (sending care packages to Haiti).

Gridiron Greats (GGAF) is a non-stock, nonprofit corporation that has been very active in retired NFL player assistance. The organization has provided over $1.5 million in financial aid and medical assistance to retired NFL players. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues, which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

Founded in 1985 to assist players with their lives after football, the NFLPA-Former Players (Chicago Chapter) is one of the most active former players chapters in the NFL, operating a 501c charitable organization - Retired Professional Football Players of Chicago (RPFPC) - that provides several yearly scholarships to student-athletes in need, and donating $5,000 to youth football teams for uniforms and equipment each year.

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