2012 - MLB.com

2012
protection report
COmmuNIty affaIRS
In 2012, the Cubs Community Affairs team participated in more than 75 meetings of community
organizations and served on the boards of directors of neighborhood associations, chambers
of commerce and non-profit groups. Chicago Cubs Charities and the McCormick Foundation,
through its fund Cubs Care, together granted a combined $2.3 million to Chicago and other nonprofit
organizations in 2012.
Chicago Cubs Charities fundraising events and donations raised a net $2.3 million in 2012.
Following are some of the highlights of our charitable donations:
• The sixth annual Race to Wrigley 5K hosted more than 7,000 runners and raised more
than $200,000 for Chicago Cubs Charities and Lurie Children’s Hospital.
• Last January, the Cubs Caravan made its annual trek with Chicago Cubs players,
coaches and front office personnel visiting seven schools, two hospitals, a police
station, a library, the USO of Illinois at the Great Lakes Naval Academy and a luncheon
benefiting Chicago Cubs Charities.
• The annual Cubs Bricks and Ivy Ball, which brings together Cubs owners, players,
coaches, wives and front office executives and staff for an impressive show of
organizational support benefiting Chicago Cubs Charities, raised more than $1 million.
• In May 2012, the Cubs were the presenting sponsor of HUG Chicago, a volunteer
beautification program created by Choose Chicago and Chicago’s hospitality and civic
organizations. The program was developed to beautify and protect Chicago’s structural
assets visible and accessed by tourists. As part of the program, nearly 50 members of
the Cubs front office cleaned and painted a pedestrian underpass in Lakeview.
• In August, nearly 400 bicycle enthusiasts participated in the Wrigley Field Road Tour
benefitting Chicago Cubs Charities and World Bicycle Relief. The annual 100-mile trek,
which begins and ends at Wrigley Field, raised nearly a half million dollars while helping
boost awareness for health and fitness, a core mission of Chicago Cubs Charities.
• The Cubs’ wives 10th annual Food Drive to benefit the Lakeview Pantry brought in 15,000
pounds of food. The food drive helps the Lakeview Pantry supply food to those in need
and is the Pantry’s largest food drive each year.
• In support of education, the Cubs were the presenting sponsor of the 15th Annual
Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field in September. The annual gridiron game,
which features two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, raises money for
college scholarships.
• At the conclusion of the season, the Cubs’ 12th Annual Wrigleyville Neighbors Day
welcomed more than 1,600 residents to the Friendly Confines for free food and
refreshments and a chance to play catch on the field. The team also hosted the families
of the 19th Police District and firefighters from Engine Co. 78.
• The Cubs participated in the 2012 Pride Parade and appeared at Chicago’s Bud Billiken
Parade and several Lakeview neighborhood festivals and events.
Throughout the year, Chicago Cubs players and coaches were active in the community, visiting
hospitals, schools and taking part in on-field clinics for charitable organizations.
The Cubs’ charitable efforts also extended to inner-city youth with a generous contribution to a
new ball field in Harrison Park located in the Pilsen community; to seniors and homeless youth
by providing meals during the holidays; and to support player charities, including the Dempster
Family Foundation, Wood Family Foundation, Rizzo Family Foundation and Theo Epstein’s
Foundation to be Named Later.
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