Fire Destroys Youth Group Equipment

We were made aware of a Chicago-based youth organization that had sustained significant losses to its equipment and uniforms as a result of an early March fire at its Rogers Park storage container. The local Chicago news centers carried the story, and friends brought the tragedy to our attention. The organization had suffered a substantial loss that threatened its survival. The High Ridge Chargers Youth Football and Cheer, Inc, has been successfully coaching and mentoring youth on the northeast side of Chicago and bordering suburbs since 1959.

The Chargers serve children ages 5 through 14 with football, cheer and other school sports activities. Their coaches and staff are all volunteers, many of whom are former program participants. The dedication and commitment of the leaders and staff of the High Ridge Chargers to the young boys and girls to educate, train and inspire is truly outstanding.

There is no better way to understand the impact the High Ridge Chargers have on their community than to witness the outpouring of donations from the community, including parents and former participants, following the fire. Within weeks, the High Ridge Chargers raised almost $30,000 from their community, consisting largely of small donations from many kind people who see the program as an important member of their community, contributing positively to the lives of many young people.

The High Ridge Chargers and their community exemplify the values of youth-based sports development that our Foundation subscribes to. We are pleased to announce our investment of $15,000 in the High Ridge Chargers to support their recovery and to assist in sustaining their important mission to “build champions on and off the field.” In fact, the success of the Chargers and their loss subsequently garnered support with an additional $15,000 donation from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Congratulations to the High Ridge Chargers and their community for their resilience and commitment!!! We look forward to watching your continued success!

The Stephen D. Menzies Rising Youth Athletics Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that “invests” in programs and initiatives that promote accessible, developmental and safe, abuse-free athletics opportunities to youth who face adversity and economic challenges.

Please direct any questions or inquiries to:

Christine Cooper
E-mail: Director@sdmrisingyouthatletics.org
Website: sdmrisingyouthathletics.org
Facebook: @SDMRisingYouthAthletics
Phone: 843-949-7562