Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Mother Nature has been a friend to Special Spectators. Out of the 185 game day events we've hosted, it's estimated that less than 10 have been impacted by rainy weather. When the weather turns soggy, however, it doesn't dampen the kids' excitement.
September 13, 2008, Special Spectators was scheduled to host nearly 50 kids and parents from Chicago area hospitals at a Northwestern football game. Remnants from hurricane Ike dumped nearly seven inches of rain - a record rainfall for one day in Chicago. Highways were closed, viaducts were flooded and no route to the stadium was immune from at least one detour. What should have been a one hour drive for one family, turned into a three and a half hour excursion.
Some of our families stayed home, but about half of our gang made it to the pre-game tailgate party. All those who arrived, stayed until the game was over and met the Wildcats during a post-game visit. The players didn't disappoint! They made sure everyone had an autograph and spent time meeting and talking with the youngsters.
When you consider what some of the kids go through with their illness, being outside in a deluge that measures almost seven inches is nothing!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 9 - Getting a Lift
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Girls enjoy Special Spectators game day events just as much as boys. They love meeting coaches, players, watching the game and occasionally, they find themselves in the middle of the action that eludes the boys. Today's picture from the Special Spectators event at Indiana shows what I mean. A Hoosier cheerleader provides a lift for one excited young lady.
Girls enjoy Special Spectators game day events just as much as boys. They love meeting coaches, players, watching the game and occasionally, they find themselves in the middle of the action that eludes the boys. Today's picture from the Special Spectators event at Indiana shows what I mean. A Hoosier cheerleader provides a lift for one excited young lady.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 8 - The Moms
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
On Mother's Day 2011, we honor the amazing women we've met over the last nine years and all the moms with seriously ill children. They are truly remarkable and gracefully manage a dizzying list or responsibilities. They drive for hours and travel many miles, sometimes more than once a week, for their child's treatment. They spend sleepless nights endlessly researching illnesses, doctors, hospitals and medications. Moms quickly become part-time doctors and pharmacists. They tackle mountains of bills and insurance forms. Doing all this while working, cooking, getting kids to school, shopping, helping with homework and ensuring their other kids don't feel neglected. To them we say a big, "Happy Mother's Day!"
We also want to share with you some very nice comments moms said about Special Spectators. Here are a few:
"Thank you so much for making this day so amazing for my daughter, Olivia! I know she will never forget this day and how amazing it was!" J.H. Mother
"This was really great. Other than holidays and birthdays, Saturday's game was the first time we've been out as a family in the last three years" L.R. - Mother
"My son has suffered so and I have cried a million tears, but the joy that you gave these children with Special Spectators will take away some to those sad times. We lay at night talking about the roar the crowd made for those four little heroes who stood on that OU field. Brian’s eyes light up when he tells others about the limo ride and all the special things that happened that night. To those who made it happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy you brought to these kids who so deserve it." E.B. - Mother
On Mother's Day 2011, we honor the amazing women we've met over the last nine years and all the moms with seriously ill children. They are truly remarkable and gracefully manage a dizzying list or responsibilities. They drive for hours and travel many miles, sometimes more than once a week, for their child's treatment. They spend sleepless nights endlessly researching illnesses, doctors, hospitals and medications. Moms quickly become part-time doctors and pharmacists. They tackle mountains of bills and insurance forms. Doing all this while working, cooking, getting kids to school, shopping, helping with homework and ensuring their other kids don't feel neglected. To them we say a big, "Happy Mother's Day!"
We also want to share with you some very nice comments moms said about Special Spectators. Here are a few:
"Thank you so much for making this day so amazing for my daughter, Olivia! I know she will never forget this day and how amazing it was!" J.H. Mother
"This was really great. Other than holidays and birthdays, Saturday's game was the first time we've been out as a family in the last three years" L.R. - Mother
"My son has suffered so and I have cried a million tears, but the joy that you gave these children with Special Spectators will take away some to those sad times. We lay at night talking about the roar the crowd made for those four little heroes who stood on that OU field. Brian’s eyes light up when he tells others about the limo ride and all the special things that happened that night. To those who made it happen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the joy you brought to these kids who so deserve it." E.B. - Mother
"I wanted you to know what an incredible time he (and his dad) had! He called me every 30 minutes and started our conversation with, “Mom, you aren’t going to believe this!” He had such a great time. Thank you for giving him the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only did Tanner love meeting the coach and the players, he loved the cheerleaders, the sounds, the colors, the whole thing.
Again thank you. What you are doing for these kids will not only give them lasting memories, but boost their self esteem. Tanner loved showing his classmates his memorabilia and pictures. And what an opportunity to be seen on TV." P.J. - Mother
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 7 - A Local Legend
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Of all the different activities during a Special Spectators game day event, meeting the athletes may be the most popular. Whether it's the student-athletes who visit our tailgate parties or the players in the locker room, the children love meeting their local heroes. The athletes don't disappoint - they're accessible and naturally connect with the kids.
This was especially true during an event at Fresno State. Despite the 105 degree temperatures, the children enjoyed playing games with members of the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball team. It wasn't until the arrival of perhaps the most famous Bulldog, however, that their excitement peaked. NFL quarterback David Carr made a special appearance at our tailgate party. The 100 patients and parents from Children's Hospital Central California in nearby Madera, anxiously waited for an autograph and a picture with the former Fresno State star. Here's a great shot from that moment.
Of all the different activities during a Special Spectators game day event, meeting the athletes may be the most popular. Whether it's the student-athletes who visit our tailgate parties or the players in the locker room, the children love meeting their local heroes. The athletes don't disappoint - they're accessible and naturally connect with the kids.
This was especially true during an event at Fresno State. Despite the 105 degree temperatures, the children enjoyed playing games with members of the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball team. It wasn't until the arrival of perhaps the most famous Bulldog, however, that their excitement peaked. NFL quarterback David Carr made a special appearance at our tailgate party. The 100 patients and parents from Children's Hospital Central California in nearby Madera, anxiously waited for an autograph and a picture with the former Fresno State star. Here's a great shot from that moment.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 6 - The Roar of the Crowd
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
We often say that Special Spectators doesn't just TAKE seriously ill children to games, but makes them a PART of the games by providing access to people and areas of the stadium that are not accessible to most fans. This includes participating in pre game preparation, visiting the locker room, meeting coaches and players and taking part in post game traditions. Our goal is to give the kids a sense that they're a member of the team.
Nothing exemplifies this better than the stadium announcement. Not only does it create incredible memories for the parents and their children, but provides an opportunity for the youngsters to know exactly how it feels to have tens of thousands of fans cheering for them - just like the players.
While the kids stand on the field during a time out, a stadium announcement explains why the youngsters are attending the game, provides a brief description of Special Spectators and asks the crowd to give the children a warm welcome to the stadium. Typically this results in a standing ovation.
Imagine as many as 100,000 fans giving a small group of seriously ill children one of the loudest standing ovations you've ever heard. While walking kids back to their seats, it's not unusual to notice fans wiping tears from their eyes and hearing them yell words of encouragement.
This video includes a perfect example of this moment courtesy of the 2007 Special Spectators game day event at Washington State and KXLY.
We often say that Special Spectators doesn't just TAKE seriously ill children to games, but makes them a PART of the games by providing access to people and areas of the stadium that are not accessible to most fans. This includes participating in pre game preparation, visiting the locker room, meeting coaches and players and taking part in post game traditions. Our goal is to give the kids a sense that they're a member of the team.
Nothing exemplifies this better than the stadium announcement. Not only does it create incredible memories for the parents and their children, but provides an opportunity for the youngsters to know exactly how it feels to have tens of thousands of fans cheering for them - just like the players.
While the kids stand on the field during a time out, a stadium announcement explains why the youngsters are attending the game, provides a brief description of Special Spectators and asks the crowd to give the children a warm welcome to the stadium. Typically this results in a standing ovation.
Imagine as many as 100,000 fans giving a small group of seriously ill children one of the loudest standing ovations you've ever heard. While walking kids back to their seats, it's not unusual to notice fans wiping tears from their eyes and hearing them yell words of encouragement.
This video includes a perfect example of this moment courtesy of the 2007 Special Spectators game day event at Washington State and KXLY.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 5 - Special Delivery
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
The 2005 Special Spectators game day event at the University of Colorado was loaded with fun activities for the 100 seriously ill youngsters and parents from The Children's Hospital in Denver. Everyone enjoyed a delicious tailgate dinner thanks to the Levy Restaurants staff from the Pepsi Center. The kids received a standing ovation from the CU fans while standing on Folsom Field during a time out. FSN's John Rhadigan featured the children during the game telecast. There was even a fireworks show during halftime.
No one, however, expected the type of surprise that occurred during the tailgate party. Crocs, the sponsor of the event, gave each child a pair of black and gold clogs delivered by about 20 members of the CU football team. The players, while dressed in full gear minus their helmets, sized each youngster and made sure each pair fit properly.
Check out FSN's coverage here. (The second segment at the 1:50 mark).
The 2005 Special Spectators game day event at the University of Colorado was loaded with fun activities for the 100 seriously ill youngsters and parents from The Children's Hospital in Denver. Everyone enjoyed a delicious tailgate dinner thanks to the Levy Restaurants staff from the Pepsi Center. The kids received a standing ovation from the CU fans while standing on Folsom Field during a time out. FSN's John Rhadigan featured the children during the game telecast. There was even a fireworks show during halftime.
No one, however, expected the type of surprise that occurred during the tailgate party. Crocs, the sponsor of the event, gave each child a pair of black and gold clogs delivered by about 20 members of the CU football team. The players, while dressed in full gear minus their helmets, sized each youngster and made sure each pair fit properly.
Check out FSN's coverage here. (The second segment at the 1:50 mark).
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 4 - A Great Partner
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
Since 2002, Special Spectators has hosted approximately 6,000 seriously ill children, parents and siblings at about 185 games. This wouldn't be possible if not for the support and assistance from a number of people - athletic departments, hospitals, coaches, volunteers, donors, strategic partners and sponsors. We'll feature some of these during "Project 1-2-3". Today we introduce you to one of our first partners - CME Group.
Annually since 2004, CME Group has sponsored the Special Spectators events at Northwestern and Illinois. Community Relations Manager, Greg Carroll, and his group of employees and members have passionately created many memorable moments. Each year, a combined 150 Wildcat and Fighting Illini attendees have enjoyed delicious tailgate parties, face painting, VIP visits and games.
The last two years, Greg and his crew have really been unstoppable. The 2009 and 2010 Northwestern and Illinois events were scheduled on the same day. Fortunately, the kick-off in Evanston was at 11:00 AM each year while in Champaign, the Fighting Illini played night games. That means the volunteers from CME Group arrived at Ryan Field around 7:30 in the morning, helped set-up the tailgate party, served a delicious breakfast for 50 attendees, packed up their vans as the Wildcats took the field and embarked on a three and a half hour drive south. Once in Champaign, they set-up the tailgate party outside Memorial Stadium, hosted 100 attendees from Carle Hospital, served a fantastic pre-game dinner, packed up the vans again, watched most of the game, and headed north arriving home close to midnight.
A famous Chicago sports legend is often quoted saying, "Let's play two." Even Ernie Banks would be impressed by the doubleheader pulled off by Greg Carroll and the volunteers from CME Group. Thank You!!!
Since 2002, Special Spectators has hosted approximately 6,000 seriously ill children, parents and siblings at about 185 games. This wouldn't be possible if not for the support and assistance from a number of people - athletic departments, hospitals, coaches, volunteers, donors, strategic partners and sponsors. We'll feature some of these during "Project 1-2-3". Today we introduce you to one of our first partners - CME Group.
Annually since 2004, CME Group has sponsored the Special Spectators events at Northwestern and Illinois. Community Relations Manager, Greg Carroll, and his group of employees and members have passionately created many memorable moments. Each year, a combined 150 Wildcat and Fighting Illini attendees have enjoyed delicious tailgate parties, face painting, VIP visits and games.
The last two years, Greg and his crew have really been unstoppable. The 2009 and 2010 Northwestern and Illinois events were scheduled on the same day. Fortunately, the kick-off in Evanston was at 11:00 AM each year while in Champaign, the Fighting Illini played night games. That means the volunteers from CME Group arrived at Ryan Field around 7:30 in the morning, helped set-up the tailgate party, served a delicious breakfast for 50 attendees, packed up their vans as the Wildcats took the field and embarked on a three and a half hour drive south. Once in Champaign, they set-up the tailgate party outside Memorial Stadium, hosted 100 attendees from Carle Hospital, served a fantastic pre-game dinner, packed up the vans again, watched most of the game, and headed north arriving home close to midnight.
A famous Chicago sports legend is often quoted saying, "Let's play two." Even Ernie Banks would be impressed by the doubleheader pulled off by Greg Carroll and the volunteers from CME Group. Thank You!!!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 3 - The Little Ladies Man
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
The 2004 Special Spectators event at the University of Oklahoma provided great memories, smiles and laughs. We hosted five young boys with Fletcher being the oldest by two to three years.
During the game's second half, we noticed the Sooner cheerleaders heading toward our seats. After it was announced some guests were about to pay a visit and the boys noticed who, the four youngest boys couldn't run away fast enough.
But not Fletcher.
With a big smile on his face, he directed the ladies to sit around him and quickly requested someone to take pictures. As you can see, Fletcher loved the attention. It goes without saying this moment created the day's biggest smiles.
We'll have more on Fletcher later in "Project 1-2-3."
The 2004 Special Spectators event at the University of Oklahoma provided great memories, smiles and laughs. We hosted five young boys with Fletcher being the oldest by two to three years.
During the game's second half, we noticed the Sooner cheerleaders heading toward our seats. After it was announced some guests were about to pay a visit and the boys noticed who, the four youngest boys couldn't run away fast enough.
But not Fletcher.
With a big smile on his face, he directed the ladies to sit around him and quickly requested someone to take pictures. As you can see, Fletcher loved the attention. It goes without saying this moment created the day's biggest smiles.
We'll have more on Fletcher later in "Project 1-2-3."
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Project 1-2-3: Day 2
Note: Starting May 1st and continuing for the 123 days leading up to the start of the 2011 college football season, "Project 1-2-3" will share pictures, videos and memorable moments from the last nine years of Special Spectators game day events.
On this second day of "Project 1-2-3", we celebrate the second collegiate partner to participate in Special Spectators starting in 2002 - the UCF Knights. Below are pictures from the Special Spectators tailgate with a visit by the UCF cheerleaders and the football team's hospital visit.
On this second day of "Project 1-2-3", we celebrate the second collegiate partner to participate in Special Spectators starting in 2002 - the UCF Knights. Below are pictures from the Special Spectators tailgate with a visit by the UCF cheerleaders and the football team's hospital visit.
Special Spectators Launches "Project 1-2-3"
If you're a college football fan, I don't have to tell you the significance of today, May 1st. Spring ball is over for every FBS program. Your thoughts and excitement are focused on the fall. You're anxiously awaiting the season preview publications to arrive at your local magazine stand. The start of the 2011 college football season is exactly four months from today. The countdown to kickoff is 123 days.
With that in mind, today Special Spectators is launching, "Project 1-2-3".
Over the course of the next 123 days - each and every day - "Project 1-2-3" will be sharing 123 memorable moments, images and videos from the past nine years. There isn't any significance to the order of these moments. It's simple - 123 moments in 123 days. Creating for you, the reader, a range of emotions. A combination of 123 smiles, tears, laughs and moments of inspiration.
The Special Spectators blog will still provide updates as we prepare for the 2011 season and the source for big announcements. Here's a hint - we'll have some big announcements.
"Project 1-2-3" also has another objective. We hope to attract additional collegiate partners, hospitals, sponsors, volunteers and strategic partners to Special Spectators and by sharing these 123 memories, they'll realize that collaborating with Special Spectators is as easy as, you guessed it, 1-2-3.
So, on this first day of "Project 1-2-3" with 123 days until the start of the college football season, it only makes sense to share this video and picture from the very first event Special Spectators coordinated - a hospital visit by the 2002 Arizona Wildcat football team to University Medical Center in Tucson.
With that in mind, today Special Spectators is launching, "Project 1-2-3".
Over the course of the next 123 days - each and every day - "Project 1-2-3" will be sharing 123 memorable moments, images and videos from the past nine years. There isn't any significance to the order of these moments. It's simple - 123 moments in 123 days. Creating for you, the reader, a range of emotions. A combination of 123 smiles, tears, laughs and moments of inspiration.
The Special Spectators blog will still provide updates as we prepare for the 2011 season and the source for big announcements. Here's a hint - we'll have some big announcements.
"Project 1-2-3" also has another objective. We hope to attract additional collegiate partners, hospitals, sponsors, volunteers and strategic partners to Special Spectators and by sharing these 123 memories, they'll realize that collaborating with Special Spectators is as easy as, you guessed it, 1-2-3.
So, on this first day of "Project 1-2-3" with 123 days until the start of the college football season, it only makes sense to share this video and picture from the very first event Special Spectators coordinated - a hospital visit by the 2002 Arizona Wildcat football team to University Medical Center in Tucson.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
