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MASK Founder to be Honored at Local Nonprofit Gala

Olympians, Chicago Leaders and Local Activists Embody the “Heart of a Champion” at 22nd Anniversary Girls in the Game Gala

On February 23, 2017, Bridget Gainer (Cook County Commissioner-10th District), Tamar Manasseh (founder of Mothers Against Senseless Killings), Dr. Jen Welter (first female NFL coach), Tamika Catchings (four-time Olympic gold medalist and former WNBA star) and Jas Boothe (Army Veteran and founder of Final Salute, Inc.) will be honored at Girls in the Game’s 22nd Anniversary Gala, Field of Dreams, (presented by PepsiCo and Hill Fire Protection).

The Champion Honorees will join current Girls in the Game participants in speaking about what makes the Heart of a Champion and the effect that sports and teamwork have had in their lives, while also being honored for the impact they have made in the four key areas of the organization’s mission: sports, health, leadership, life.

The event is expected to attract 550 supporters to the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile (505 N. Michigan Ave.) and raise $300,000 to support Girls in the Game’s year-round sports, health and leadership programming. Girls in the Game, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization, has changed the lives of more than 40,000 girls over its 22 years in operation. Girls in the Game is one of the only organizations in the area and the nation dedicated to year-round, multi-sport and wellness programs for girls and young women. The organization welcomes girls of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

"Girls in the Game has made me a champion. I’ve learned to be a good listener, to have patience, and to always see the light at the end of the tunnel, even when it seems dark," Teen Squad member and high school senior Febe said. "They remind me of how capable I am, and that being female is no obstacle to reaching my dreams. Girls in the Game has influenced my past and will continue to do so in my future."

Members of the Teen Squad earn college scholarship dollars by running Girls in the Game workshops for younger girls around Chicago, creating a new generation of leaders in their own communities. At Girls in the Game every girl finds her voice, discovers her strength and leads with confidence through fun and active sports, health and leadership programs.

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CONTACT:

SommerAnn McCullough
Marketing & Communications Coordinator-Girls in the Game                                          
312.633.GAME (4263)      

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