<strong>2010</strong> Heroes of the Year<strong>2010</strong><strong>PAWS</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>Heroes of the YearIn the darkest hours you shine light. You have answered a voiceless plea for help,saving countless lives and, one by one, working toward the day when all will live.You are an inspiration. You are hope. You are a hero.Ted & Tasha LillyTeam Up for Homeless PetsBy Alexis Fasseas38
Whether it’s staring down the best batsin the National League or carefullynavigating the underside of 1,000pounds of horse, Ted and Tasha Lillydon’t lack excitement professionally. This <strong>Chicago</strong> CubsAll-Star pitcher and UC-Davis trained veterinarian areat the top of their respective careers. But when off thefield, or out of the stable, they take their passion to manycauses, particularly children and animals. During theirtime in <strong>Chicago</strong>, they have become ambassadors for thecause of homeless pets and for <strong>PAWS</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>.Attending the All Paws on Deck beach party lastsummer was Ted and Tasha’s first introduction to <strong>PAWS</strong><strong>Chicago</strong>. Tasha began to volunteer her time performingspay/neuter surgeries at <strong>PAWS</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>’s Lurie Clinic.“I was looking for a shelter to get more involved with,either large or small animals or both,” Tasha said. “WhenI toured the extensive operations and read about someof the results of <strong>PAWS</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>’s vision, I knew I wasvolunteering at a great place.” Her volunteer workpropelled the couple’s involvement in helping <strong>Chicago</strong>’shomeless pets.<strong>2010</strong> Heroes of the YearFollowing the Great Roberto ClementeAt the end of last season, Ted received the honor ofthe Roberto Clemente award, bestowed upon the MajorLeague Baseball player from each team who combinesoutstanding skills on the baseball field with devotedwork in the community. Ted and Tasha selected <strong>PAWS</strong><strong>Chicago</strong> as the charity beneficiary.Roberto Clemente was a 12-time All-Star and Hallof Famer who died in 1972 while delivering supplies toearthquake victims. “I believe in what Roberto Clementestood for and I think he affected more people with thework he did off the baseball field as opposed to the workon the field,” said Ted. “I hope to be able to affect so manyoff the field—there is so much more than baseball.”Ted has certainly already made quite an impactoff the field. In addition to his advocacy for homelesspets and support of <strong>PAWS</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>, Ted has shownan extraordinary dedication to helping the <strong>Chicago</strong>community. He has worked closely with Cubs Careand <strong>Chicago</strong> Cubs designated charities that supportyouth sports, children with special needs, and victimsof domestic violence. He has spent time visitingpatients at Children’s Memorial and <strong>Chicago</strong> Comer’sChildren’s Hospital and children from the Make-a-WishFoundation of Illinois and he has led initiatives to helpdisadvantaged kids.“Because this award addresses a person’s characterABOVE: Tasha volunteering at the <strong>PAWS</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong>Lurie Clinic. BELOW: Ted in action.and choices, I was extremely proud of my husband. Hestrives to lead by example and takes 100% of his mind,body and soul out to the mound every opportunity heis given,” says Tasha. “He is a huge animal lover. Welook forward to making many more contributions to theanimals during our lives.”Life Outside BaseballTed and Tasha affectionately tease that they have beentogether since they were babies. Fourteen years ago, ablind date landed them at Denny’s, seven years later theywere married and just this March, they welcomed theirson, Theodore IV. Both native Californians, they fondlyremember growing up with dogs. “Since I was a kid, Ihave always wanted to be around animals,” recalls Ted.“I remember our first dog, an Australian Shepard namedDoggy.” Tasha began her advocacy early: “Trapperwas my Dad’s hunting dog and I strongly disliked myfather’s hunting hobby. I smile thinking back that it wasContinued on page 4139
Change language