Aging Care Connections 2023 Sports Ball

Aging Care Connections invites old friends, new friends, and sports lovers to share the excitement of its 22nd annual Sports Ball fundraiser on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse at the Westin Hotel, Lombard, Illinois. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner and program at 7:00 p.m. A silent auction including sports memorabilia, outings, and event tickets runs throughout the event.

“We can’t wait for this year’s Sports Ball,” said Desiree Scully, Aging Care Connections’ Executive Director. “This year’s group of special guests is truly remarkable. They have incredible stories to tell, they are respected leaders and they do so much to give back to the community. We’re very fortunate to have them with us.”

Sports Ball welcomes two special sports celebrity guests this year. George Halas McCaskey became the fourth Chairman in Chicago Bears team history on May 5, 2011, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, George Halas, father, Edward W. McCaskey and brother, Michael. George is one of the 13 grandchildren, and namesake, of George Halas, the founder and patriarch of the Chicago Bears. George attended Arizona State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting in 1978, his law degree in 1981, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in 2021. In his spare time, George enjoys umpiring youth baseball and refereeing youth soccer. McCaskey and his wife Barb have one child, a son, Conor.

Additionally, Sports Ball welcomes Juan Curiel, CEO of the American Boxing Organization (ABO), a grassroots boxing organization established in September of 2014. Mr. Curiel is also president of Curiel Insurance Group. Having spent many years as a police officer, he left the force and shifted his focus to the social service arena where he strives to make a positive impact on people in need. The American Boxing Organization currently has thirty-eight champions on this continent and has provided advocacy and opportunities for ABO champions worldwide. Finally, event attendees will hear from an Aging Care Connections client whose story of perseverance and caring will touch and inspire.

Dionne Miller, ABC-7 weekend sports anchor, returns for the seventh consecutive year as event emcee. Dionne Miller has built a stellar reputation as a reporter who tells great stories and connects with viewers. She has a passion for sports, and it shows. When Miller first started reporting sports in Chicago, she hit the ground running. She was assigned to cover opening day at Wrigley Field and simultaneously fell in love with the city and its fans. She’s since covered it all, from the Bears to the Bulls, the Hawks to high school sports. Prior to coming to Chicago, Miller covered the Cleveland Cavaliers and served as a college football sideline reporter for the Big Ten Network.

Popular Chicago comedian Jim Flannigan joins the event team for the second time. A nationally touring stand-up comedian known for his fast paced, clever punchlines, Jim is a regular headliner at top comedy clubs across the country including Zanies, The Improv’s, Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand Las Vegas and more. Jim has opened for Sebastian Maniscalco, Demetri Martin and Brad Garrett and has made TV appearances on ABC, WGN, NBC Sports, and IFC Network. In addition, Jim recently filmed a set for Nate Bargatze’s popular Nateland Entertainment channel, set for release in late 2023.

Tickets are $175 each or guests can purchase a table of 10 for $1,600. Raffle prizes include a week’s stay at a luxurious resort in Puerto Vallarta and a Chicago experience that includes Bears tickets and a stay at the iconic Palmer House Hotel. Visit AgingCareConnections.org for information and tickets. Or contact Jan Walch, Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs, [email protected]. All funds raised support the programs and services of Aging Care Connections.

Aging Care Connections is a valuable nonprofit community resource devoted to helping older adults in 38 Chicagoland communities live vital, independent lives as they age. Located in La Grange, Illinois, Aging Care Connections provides community-based services that promote dignity, self-respect and independence including information and assistance, benefits assistance, case management, care coordination, caregiver support, meals programs, educational/fitness/social programs, adult protective services, and programs for grandparents raising grandchildren.