American Cancer Society

Annual Charity Walk & Roll

On Sunday May 21, 2006, over 40 of our girls rolled up to the Lake front to participate in this year's American Cancer Society Walk and Roll. Geared up as always, the Windy City Rollers skated the 10 mile trail along Lake Michigan honoring loved ones whose lives have been affected by cancer. We're all proud of and moved by the generous donations we received this year from friends, co-workers and family. We surpassed our $6455.66 donation last year by nearly $2000!!! We've currently raised $8430 and donations are still coming in!! Your help and kindness has put the Windy City Rollers on the Walk and Roll Fundraising Honor Roll, which goes to prove that beyond all the blocks and bruises, you know we're all heart. It is so rewarding to us to know that, together with our fans and friends, we can help support the American Cancer Society's mission in eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. Thank you so much to all our friends who donated, cheered us on, came out to help and BBQ-ed with us!

On Sunday May 15, 2005, The Windy City Rollers stepped off the rink and stormed the Chicago Lakefront to skate the American Cancer Society's Annual charity Walk & Roll. This 10 mile skate route, kicked off downtown at Balbo and Columbus and continued south toward 47th street. ALL donations collected by the girls were given to the American Cancer Society to help them in their fight to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Many of the girls in our league have been touched by the disease within their own families and have directly affected our league. The Windy City Rollers applaud the important work that the American Cancer Society does in supporting survivors and their families, educating the public about the disease and funding research to find a cure. We raised over $6000 and would like thank all our families, friends and fans for their love and support!!

Chicago Region Office
225 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1210
30 East Adams, Suite 1020
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-279-7261

American Lung Association

The mission of the American Lung Association® is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.

The American Lung Association® is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a National Office and constituent and affiliate associations around the country. Founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis, the American Lung Association® today fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental health. The American Lung Association® is funded by contributions from the public, along with gifts and grants from corporations, foundations and government agencies. The American Lung Association® achieves its many successes through the work of thousands of committed volunteers and staff.

The American Lung Association® has many programs and strategies for fighting lung disease. Among these are: Open Airways for Schools, Teens Against Tobacco Use and Freedom from Smoking, as well as multicultural and advocacy programs. Additionally, the American Lung Association funds grants and awards to promote research into lung disease of all kinds.

Also, anyone who is involved with the American Lung Association's CowaLUNGa Bike Tour benefitting the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago may have noticed the Windy City Rollers' own Sister Sledgehammer and Juanna Rumbel on the cover or this year's brochures. Sister and Juanna have raised money biking the CowaLUNGa ride for a few years now and rave about the 190 mile charity ride to all of us. For more info on this year's ride which takes place August 5-7, 2006, visit www.cowalunga.com.

For more info on the American Lung Association and its programs or how to get involved visit them online at: www.lungchicago.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872).

Metropolitan Chicago ALA Location:
1440 West Washington Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607-1878
(312) 243-2000

CAUSES Child Abuse Treatment Center

Since 1974, CAUSES has provided mental health services to Chicago-area children suffering from severe sexual assault and life-threatening physical abuse.

CAUSES' unique and comprehensive approach to treatment incorporates intensive mental health therapy, courtroom advocacy, and transportation services. These elements all work together to offer hope and healing, and to ensure healthy and safe futures for victims of child abuse.

Children's Home & Aid Society

Founded in 1883, Children’s Home & Aid continues a mission of giving help, hope, and opportunity to children with a variety of emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Each year we help more than 40,000 children and families in Illinois through a wide range of services like adoption, foster care, education, counseling, and child abuse prevention.

• Saves Children’s Lives
• Moves Families Forward
• Goes where the Need is Greatest
• Mission: To give children help, hope, and opportunity
• Vision: To build a better life for children, youth, and families

125 South Wacker Drive, 14th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312-424-0200

Emergency Fund

The Emergency Fund is a non-profit organization which, alone and in partnership with other agencies, provides immediate financial assistance and related services to help Chicago's low-income individuals and families through a crisis. They currently have a campaign to assist Hurricane Katrina victims who have relocated to Chicago, many of whom grew up here or have family in the City.

At least 12,000 evacuees are expected to have resettled in Illinois. Fund Managers at over 40 social service agencies throughout the Chicago area are requesting additional funds to provide our Crisis Solution and Self-Sufficiency Grants to Katrina victims. They need help so that we can meet these requests today. Donations have been used for basic needs, buying uniforms for children to enroll in local schools, paying rent and/or utilities on apartments for those who have lost their homes in the Gulf Coast and basic needs.

The Emergency Fund has provided immediate financial assistance to Chicago area people in crisis and transition for over 30 years. Generous support from their special events, board members and others cover all of their administrative expenses. They are a 501(c)3 agency that can ensure that 100% of donations will go directly to programming costs. Payments are always made to a landlord, utility company or other service provider on behalf of clients in need. Their partner agencies include Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Lutheran Child and Family Services, Chicago Urban League, and others.

208 S. LaSalle, Suite 776
Chicago, IL 60604
312.379.0301

Glass Slipper Project

Many of the WCR skaters were happy to help out the Glass Slipper Project on April 16th & 24th to collect new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories for Chicago high school students who were unable to afford prom attire. Only a few hours of volunteering will make one girl’s prom night one to remember.

Housing Opportunities for Women

HOW believes that housing is a right.

We see the potential in all people to become more self-sufficient when given the opportunity for stability in their lives. This includes access to safe, affordable housing and the support needed to meet their goals.

In its nearly 25 years, HOW has helped thousands of women and children to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by achieving self-sufficiency. HOW provides a continuum of care: a broad range of supportive services designed to help women secure permanent housing by providing individualized case management, substance abuse prevention services, daily living skills development and a variety of support groups.

1607 West Howard Street
Second Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60626
Phone: 773-465-5770

Inspiration Corporation

Founded in 1989, Inspiration Corporation helps people improve their lives through the provision of social services, employment training and housing in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Each year, Inspiration Corporation assists more than 1,500 individuals who are chronically homelessness, unemployed or underemployed, and struggling with mental illness, substance use disorders and social isolation.

Our programs include:

• Inspiration Cafe, located in Uptown, and The Living Room Cafe in Woodlawn, which serve meals in a restaurant-style setting and provide supportive services in a therapeutic community designed to help individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency;
• The Employment Project, offering case management, pre-employment training, employer outreach, and job placement and retention services throughout Chicago;
• Cafe Too, a culinary job-training program including a new restaurant open to the public at 4715 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood;
• Housing Program, offering rent subsidies and social services to help our program participants find and maintain permanent housing;
• Community Voice Mail, a free, 24-hour voice mail number for phoneless, homeless and low-income individuals enabling them to connect with family, employers, housing and service providers;
• The Engagement Center, which provides daytime social services, laundry and meals;
• Dream Big, an after-school program for children ages 5 to 14 in Woodlawn, including tutoring, recreational activity and meals.

4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207
Chicago, IL 60640
773/878-0981, ext. 204

PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving)

We’re also proud to say that a group of our big-hearted derby dames made it out to volunteer at PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving) pet adoption event, April 24th, at PETCO (2000 N. Clybourn Ave.). Through adoption, community outreach, the Lurie Family Spay/Neuter Clinic and a variety of other programs PAWS is the city's largest no-kill humane organization. We will continue to work with PAWS in future events with the hope to save as many homeless pets that we can! Check the website for further events.

Pediatric AIDS Chicago

The WCR were happy to send a $386 donation from our Spring Fever proceeds to PAC (Pediatric Aids Chicago) for their efforts in aids research and supporting the families of children who are born with aids. Here's more info about PAC...

Pediatric AIDS Chicago Mission Statement

Founded in 1991, Pediatric AIDS Chicago (PAC) is a not-for-profit, primarily volunteer organization committed to enhancing the lives of HIV-infected children and their families. PAC supports direct care services and hands-on activities while maintaining the lowest possible administrative overhead.

Our Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative (PACPI) is dedicated to eliminating the transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus from pregnant infected mothers to their newborns. PAC’s efforts to fight AIDS worldwide are funded annually through the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Pediatric AIDS Chicago Background

Pediatric AIDS Chicago (PAC) was established in 1991 as a not-for-profit organization to support national pediatric AIDS research. In 1993 PAC’s mission expanded to support local care-giving agencies providing direct care to children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS. Since that time we have granted significant funds to support pediatric AIDS research and local HIV care programs for children impacted by HIV/AIDS.

The Pediatric AIDS Chicago board of directors is actively involved in raising funds for prevention and local grants that enhance the lives of children and families living with HIV/AIDS. PAC’s mission includes promoting prevention of HIV transmission with a goal of eradicating pediatric HIV/AIDS in Chicago and then transferring resources to a developing country. We are committed to encouraging education and compassion for those infected with HIV, enhancing the quality of life for those already living with the disease and supporting local programs providing direct care for children impacted with HIV/AIDS.

Meredith Mann
Director of Development
(773) 880-8318

Pride Parade

On the steamy Sunday morning of June 26, the Windy City Rollers strapped on their skates, piled into Ana Mission’s truck and joined 400,000 Chicagoans in celebrating the 36th annual PRIDE Parade, up Halted Street and down Broadway Street. Chicago’s second largest yearly parade and the third largest gay pride parade in the country, the procession recognizes diversity within the Chicagoland community. That afternoon, the WCR made a bunch of new friends and earned some killer tan lines - along with the help of some hot hula honeys and a heaven sent water mister!

Roller Derby Hall of Fame

The National Roller Derby Hall of Fame and Roller Derby Foundation are dedicated to preserving the history of Leo Seltzer's banked track creation... the Roller Derby... by remembering the great athletes, men and women alike, who dedicated their lives to the sport and its fans, by bringing together those whose passion for the sport keeps the game alive in our hearts and minds, and to giving back to skaters whose excellence contributed much to the cultural and sports history of the nation. We strive to make sure the accomplishments of the Seltzer Family and its skaters are never forgotten.

Derby Foundation was created in November, 2000 by New Yorker Gary Powers with the support of devoted fans and former skaters everywhere and is the fundraising wing of the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame. The Foundation provides assistance to former skaters in a multitude of ways and is constantly working to bring fans and skaters together through events all across the country. We are committed to a perpetual effort to preserve the history of Roller Derby and the accomplishments of its skating stars.

The National Roller Derby Hall of Fame was reopened on September 25, 2004 in New York City with the support and guidance of Roller Derby Hall of Fame members, plus suggestions from other great stars of the banked track, whose love for the game guide our efforts. In 2004, ten new members joined the original twenty-one members of the Roller Derby Hall of Fame and this year in Chicago, on August 13, the seventieth anniversary of Roller Derby debut in the 'Windy City,' another ten skaters, plus two executives, Leo Seltzer & son Jerry, were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation

The Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families through innovative programs that empower, educate, entertain, and inspire. The Midwest Chapter serves over 15,000 children in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin each month.

Starlight Starbright's signature programs:

• Great Escapes: Outings and events for Starlight Starbright children and families during which they can relax and regroup, connect with other families, enjoy recreational activities, and spend time together as a family.
• Starbright World: A private online community for teenagers to connect, whether from their hospital rooms or their homes.
• Fun Centers and PC Pals: In-hospital, mobile units that provide interactive bedside entertainment and education.
• Starlight Sites: Inviting 'kids only' environments within a hospital where young patients can relax, unwind, and play.

Midwest Chapter
30 East Adams, Suite 1020
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-251-7827

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

More then 460 Chicago Police Officers have lost their lives protecting the businesses and communities of Chicago. These brave men and women were more than just Police Officers. They were parents, spouses, and children. They were your neighbors, your friends, and your protectors, and each served with loyalty to this city and to you, its citizens.

Established in 2004, the Foundation strengthens the relationship between the Chicago Police, its business and civic leaders, and its citizenry. It allows people to express gratitude to the fallen Officers' families for the ultimate sacrifice of a loved one.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is giving Chicago the opportunity to show its thanks for their sacrifices. The Foundation is building the finest law enforcement memorial in the nation to honor Chicago’s fallen heroes with plans for a Memorial Park along the City's Lake front. To show their support, the Windy City Rollers joined the Chicago Police Memorial Fund on June 25th 2005, for a celebration of the 170 Anniversary of the Chicago Police Department at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. During the festivities, the league volunteered up girls for a charityable dunk tank and presented the Memorial Foundation an $850.00 donation from proceeds from our exhibition bout in June.

1359 West Washington
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312.499.8899

The Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a not-for-profit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 600 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to almost a half-million adults and children every year. Last year, the Food Depository distributed more than 40 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of more than 84,000 meals every day. Innovative training programs and initiatives developed by the Food Depository also work to provide men, women and children with the tools necessary to break their individual cycles of poverty. For more information, log onto www.chicagosfoodbank.org or call 773-247-FOOD.

4100 W. Ann Lurie Place
Chicago, IL 60632
Phone: 773-247-3663

Young Women's Leadership Charter School

Enthusiasm, energy and a vision of learning math, science and technology for the future unifies YWLCS students, parents, staff, board members and the larger education community of Chicago. In order to meet our goals of educating the whole woman, we also offer classes and projects in the arts, foreign language, humanities and physical fitness/health.

The Young Women's Leadership Charter School of Chicago is the only all-girls public school in the city. Its charter is based on the belief that a single-sex school for young women in the public schools can prevent the disengagement from math, science and technology that often takes place as girls enter adolescence.

2641 South Calumet Street
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Phone: 312-949-9400