Street Festival

USO Clark After Dark Presented By Jewel-Osco Celebrates 11 Years of Rocking the Block

USO of Illinois raises money for service members at annual street festival

CHICAGO - On Thursday, August 15th, USO of Illinois, through the support of Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward and Chicago’s own Boss Bar, will give summer its last “HOO-AH!” by rocking the block at USO Clark After Dark Presented By Jewel-Osco. Celebrating its 11th year, Clark After Dark is a favorite street festival for Chicagoans, offering a night of fun in the heart of Chicago’s River North district with an opportunity to support the troops.  Clark After Dark features two live bands—Chicago’s favorite Sixteen Candles and Liquidated Damages. VIP Guests are treated to a special area with free beverages and samplings from Chicago Cut Steakhouse and Bub City. Patrons can get a look inside military vehicles; and enjoy food from Roll’d Up, Mozzarepas, and Genoa Italian Concession. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association will join the USO of Illinois this year to complete the BBQ for the Troops July initiative with a formal check presentation during the event. A special thanks to Jewel-Osco and Constellation Brands without whom this event would not be possible. Proceeds from the event benefit USO of Illinois’ programs and services that support more than 326,000 military and military families annually throughout Illinois.

WHEN: Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 4:00PM-10:00PM

WHERE: 420 N. Clark St., on Hubbard between Clark and LaSalle

Raffle and/or ticket packages begin at $10 and are available exclusively at http://usoofillinois.org. VIP tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the gates.

“Jewel-Osco has a long history of supporting the brave men and women who protect our great country, and their families, through store level fundraising efforts and grants from the Jewel-Osco Foundation.  USO of Illinois is an organization we have been honored to partner with for years as their commitment to helping military families is exceptional,” said Jewel-Osco President, Paul Gossett.

“For the past 10 years, Chicagoans have showed their support for our Illinois service members by rocking the block at Clark After Dark.” said Alison Ruble, President & CEO, USO of Illinois. “We invite all of Chicagoland to come out and enjoy the evening with us and our amazing vendors, friends and partners.”

Media wanting to cover this event are required to RSVP with USO of Illinois at (312) 822-2943 or via email to rfeinberg@usoofillinois.org by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14th.

ABOUT USO OF ILLINOIS

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting more than 326,000 troops and their families every year, USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org

ABOUT JEWEL-OSCO

Jewel-Osco operates 188 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana, and offers consumers the convenience of retail grocery and pharmacy services.  Originally established in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities they serve.  For more information about Jewel-Osco, visit www.jewelosco.com or www.jeweloscopharmacies.com

Black Tie Gala

USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala Honors Our Military

Presented by Jewel-Osco

WHAT: USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019

WHERE: Navy Pier, Aon Grand Ballroom
600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

WHO: Special Guests

• David Eigenberg, best known for his role as Steve in the HBO blockbuster Sex and the City, now known as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann on NBC’s Chicago Fire

• General George W. Casey, Jr., United States Army (Retired), enjoyed a 41-year career in the U.S. Army and now serves as a Distinguished Lecturer of Leadership at Cornell University

• Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris, Medal of Honor Recipient

Featured Entertainment

• Patriotic opening ceremony featuring:

• National Anthem Singer Alleece Baker

• U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command (RTC) Flag and Drum Corps

• 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Color Guard

• Dancing and Live Entertainment by the Party Faithful

WHY: On October 19, 2019 the USO of Illinois will host its annual Salute Gala at Navy Pier in the Aon Grand Ballroom. More than 650 guests will be in attendance to honor and support those who bravely serve our nation. The event raises money to fund USO programs and services dedicated to supporting the lives of our nation's military and military families in Illinois.

At the 2018 Salute Gala, USO of Illinois announced their “Answer the Call” Campaign. The Campaign’s goal is to raise $3 million dollars to help reinvigorate USO Centers and invest in new program delivery. This year, the USO hopes to raise the remaining funds and finish the Campaign at the Gala, a momentous occasion for the organization. 

Auction donations from the Chicago Blackhawks, Seabourn Cruises, Velas Resorts, Bo Jackson, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Direct Travel Luxe and many more will ensure a record-breaking auction.

NOTE: All media looking to cover this event should contact Rachel Feinberg, USO of Illinois Marketing and Communications Manager, rfeinberg@uso.org by Thursday October 17th.

###

ABOUT USO OF ILLINOIS

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting more than 326,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org.

Derby/Garden Party

USO Hosts Inaugural USO Derby Day Party to Raise Funds for Service Members and their Families

Event will feature classic cocktails, games of chance, and the two most exciting minutes in sports  

WHAT: USO Derby Day Party

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2018
2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

WHERE: 19 East Event Gallery
19 East 21st Street
Chicago, IL 60616

WHO: Special Guests

• Jim McMahon, former Chicago Bears Football player who helped lead the team to victory during the 1986 Super Bowl XX

Featured Entertainment

• Telecast of the 2018 Kentucky Derby

WHY: On May 5, 2018, the USO of Illinois will host its inaugural USO Derby Day Party at 19 East Event Gallery. More than 300 guests will be in attendance to honor and support those who bravely serve our nation and to celebrate the 2018 Kentucky Derby. The event will raise funds for USO of Illinois programs dedicated to supporting the lives of our nation's military and military families.

                             The event will feature a live telecast of the Derby races starting with Race 9 at 2:37 pm and will continue to stream live through the Kentucky Derby until Race 13. Patrons will get to test their luck with games of chance such as the “Sports Book” raffles. Guests are asked to dress in their Derby best to compete in a best hat and best dressed competition. Special guest, Jim McMahon, a USO advocate, will be in attendance. McMahon, a former Chicago Bear, joined the USO on a tour to Iraq and Kuwait to visit troops serving overseas in 2006. The three-day tour included visits to 12 camps throughout the region where McMahon signed autographs, served meals and brought cheer to our nation’s military.

NOTE:  For more information about the USO Derby Day Party visit www.usoofillinois.org/kentuckyderby/. All media inquiries should be directed to Rachel Feinberg, Associate Director of Marketing Communications USO of Illinois, rfeinberg@usoofillinois.org by Friday May 4th at Noon. 

###

ABOUT USO OF ILLINOIS

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting nearly 325,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org

Golf Event

Cultivation Events

Westmoreland Country Club Hosts USO Paddle Day

Chicago, IL – Over the past 10 years, Westmoreland Country Club has hosted an annual USO Paddle Day with proceeds benefitting the USO of Illinois.  Founded in 2007 by Tom Maentz and Scott Johnson, the event has raised over $120,000 in support of USO programs.  This year, February 4th has been designated as USO Paddle Day by the Chicago Platform Tennis Association.  For the more than 318,000 service members and their families served annually by the USO of Illinois, receiving support from the membership at Westmoreland and others in the North Shore paddle community including Lake Forest Club and Tennaqua Swim & Raquet Club, is a tremendous gift and truly appreciated.

When asked about the origins of the event, Tom Maentz explained, “One Saturday morning about ten years ago, a group of Westmoreland paddle enthusiasts converged on our paddle hut for a fun morning of open play. The TV was turned on and a news network was covering some of the intense combat engaged by our troops in the Middle East. It seemed so wrong that we were going to have a great morning, while the brave young men and women of our armed forces were risking their lives to defend our freedom. Right there, we decided we had to do something to support our troops. That’s how USO Paddle Day was founded.”

Now in its 11th year, Scott Johnson notes that “seeing our young soldiers deploy into a world in turmoil has brought home the real sacrifice they make for the citizens of this country. And it is not only the soldiers themselves, but also the spouses, children and family that they leave behind. I had the wonderful opportunity a while back to participate in the serving of a ‘No Dough’ dinner, a hot meal the night before pay day, to soldiers at Naval Station Great Lakes, and you realize the genuine appreciation these young people have for all of the efforts of the USO of Illinois. It makes the contribution of our time for the Paddle Day seem awfully small in comparison.”

According to Jessica Dolan, VP of Development for USO of Illinois, "The efforts of Tom Maentz, Scott Johnson, the Westmoreland Members & Guests, and the North Shore Paddle community are impressive.  We are so honored to partner with them in support of our local military and their families, especially with Great Lakes Naval Base close to home.  I'm always moved by people who donate their time so generously.  The continued support is certainly inspirational, ensuring the USO of Illinois serves more military each year. We are very pleased and grateful that Lake Forest Club, Tennaqua, and Winter Club have followed Westmoreland's lead. We hope other area Clubs will participate in the future."  

If you would like to support USO Paddle Day, go to www.usoofillinois.org and click donate.  Designate 'Paddle' in the 'How did you hear about us?' section.  The USO of Illinois salute the North Shore paddle community and generous donors.

WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 2017

WHERE: Westmoreland Country Club

-More-

(MEDIA)
Media wanting to cover this event are required to RSVP with USO of Illinois at (312) 822-2943 or via email to rfeinberg@usoofillinois.org by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1st.

ABOUT USO OF ILLINOIS

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting over 330,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org