(CHICAGO) – A group of Chicago athletes are in first place, in the hearts of March of Dimes friends and contributors who will be attending the first major sports charity function of the new millennium, the FOX Sports Net Sports Awards dinner and telecast, Wednesday evening, January 26, 2000, at the Chicago Hilton & Towers.
Athletes at the dinner will include former Bears Super Bowl quarterback Jim McMahon who has been selected as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Joining McMahon as honorees are: Bobby Engram, Bear of the Year; Doug Gilmour, Blackhawk of the Year; Randy Brown, Bull of the Year; Kevin Tapani, Cub of the Year: Frank Klopas, Fire of the Year; and Chris Singleton, White Sox of the Year.
A moving part of the evening will be the presentation of the Inspirational Athlete of the Year award to Elk Grove High School Senior Drew Shulman, the captain of his school’s basketball team, and also a standout in football and baseball. He was born without a left hand caused by a hereditary birth defect. Proceeds from the awards dinner support programs aimed at preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
A poignant part of the evening will be a video tribute, picturing the accomplishments of the late Walter Payton, the event’s first Lifetime Achievement winner in 1988.
Also making colorful appearances at the dinner will be two of Chicago’s famous Cows on Parade, which will be auctioned to the highest bidders. They are Jersey Cow, donated by FOX Sports Net, and Psychedelic Cow, donated by the Renaissance Chicago Hotel.
Honorary Chairperson of the event is Jack Klues, CEO of Starcom Worldwide; General Chairperson is William T. Barry, Senior Vice President of Draper & Kramer, Inc.
In the role of Master of Ceremonies will be Chip Caray, Cubs play-by-play announcer on FOX Sports Net and WGN Television.
The event will begin with a reception at 5:00 PM, followed by the dinner at 6:30 PM and awards telecast, which will be carried live on FOX Sports Net starting at 7:30 PM.
To place a bid for the cows, for tickets to the dinner or for other information, call the March of Dimes at (312) 435-4007.
Contact:
Jeff Nuich
FOX Sports Chicago
312-396-9800