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MEDIA CONTACTS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KERRY WOOD STRIKE ZONE CELEBRITY BOWLING TOURNAMENT RAISES $360,000 FOR ORGANIC SCHOOL PROJECTCHICAGO, IL (AUGUST 2008) - Over 350 fans and supporters packed 10pin bowling lounge Wednesday night, August 6th, to help Cubs player Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah raise more than $360,000 for Organic School Project during the 5th annual Kerry Wood Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament. Organic School Project (OSP) is a local non-profit program, which provides school age children with a mindful foundation for a healthy lifestyle through wellness programming initiatives, expressed through a three-part mission: Grow, Teach, Feed. OSP was developed by Chicagoan Greg Christian, owner of Greg Christian Catering and Get Me Greg’s, to instill good dietary practices and understanding in children at an early age. Most of the Cubs players participated in the event as bowling lane team captains and celebrity guest bartenders, along with local celebrities and special guest, Mark Cuban. Play-by-play broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs, Len Kasper, emceed the evening's activities. “We are so grateful to the Cubs, our sponsors and everyone that contributed to making this year’s event the most successful yet,” say Kerry and Sarah Wood. “It is an honor to support Organic School Project, an amazing organization that is helping our Chicago Public School children get a head start in learning about nutrition and health.” The evening kicked off with a ‘first choice of celebrity bowler’ auction that drew $3,800 for Mark DeRosa. The Sloan Valve Company team, one of the corporate sponsors, took home first place for highest bowling score of the night. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attended the event and pledged matching funds to further enhance the generous donations raised during the evening. “With two children of my own, my wife and I are always watchful about what our children eat,” Blagojevich says. “By having an initiative like the Organic School Project, it ensures that kids will learn a healthy lesson about the value of good nutrition at an early age. This is a worthwhile program, not only for my children, but for all the children in Illinois." “I am overjoyed by the outpouring of support from Kerry and Sarah Wood and all who participated including Governor Blagojevich,” say Greg Christian, founder and chairman of the board of OSP. “Without this kind of support OSP may not be able to touch as many children’s lives.” An official on deck circle from Wrigley Field autographed by the 2008 Chicago Cubs team was the top draw at the auction, bringing in $14,200. Tickets to a Cubs game with Chicago celebrity and Cubs fan, "John Cusack” brought in $8,050. Other auction items included: bat boy/bat girl for a day (2009 season); a ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field (2009 season); a "W" flag that flies at Wrigley.
For more information on OSP, please visit www.organicschoolproject.org. Check back for more information in 2009. |
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KERRY WOOD'S STRIKE ZONE PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE ORGANIC SCHOOL PROJECT.