By Andrea Smith, CFC Correspondent
The temperatures in the City of Chicago are hotter than hot right now, and on Saturday, September 10, 2016, there will be a scorching matchup between two powerhouse Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); as the Clark-Atlanta University Panthers and the Central State University Marauders battle at the 19th Annual Chicago Football Classic at 3:30 p.m. at Soldier Field presented by Sherman Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Skokie and BMO Harris Bank.
“Tell your family and friends, this is a not-to-be-missed college football sports experience. Tickets for the 19th Annual Chicago Football Classic (CFC) are available for purchase in-person at Midway Wholesalers, 41 W. 84th Street; Rite-Way Huggins, 1030 E. 87th Street and online at Ticketmaster.com and priced from $17 to $45,” Larry Huggins, Co-Founder of the Chicago Football Classic.
“Many of our children won’t be able to come to the game this year because of the violence on their streets and in their communities has ended their lives,” says a visibly bothered Larry Huggins. “That is why, this year, the Chicago Football Classic is reaching out in a different way with an old friend. Proving that “at the corner of Healthy and Happy” is not just a slogan, Walgreens is evolving its relationship with the Chicago Football Classic by making tickets available at select locations.”
“The Classic gives everybody from Chicago hope and it gives them faith and lets them know that you can really change your life through academics and sports, there are a variety of ways, whatever your calling is, just pursue it and do not let anyone tell you ‘no’, because you can make it. The Chicago Football Classic and the related events give many kids the key to opening the door to a brighter future, and that is why Walgreens is partnering again this year. “Darren Benton, Regional Manager, Walgreen’s.
“We’re doing this game to help our youth understand what life is all about,” said Everett Rand, a co-founder of the CFC. “We’re trying to get everyone involved in the entire day, not just the football game. The Chicago Football Classic is more then the game. Starting with the HBCU College Fair, the high school Battle of the Bands, the Economic Empowerment Summit, the Vendor Marketplace, the college Battle of the Bands and the scholarship presentations are all built around the great football game between Clark Atlanta and Central State. We have to have the community, and the corporate support to make this successful.”
“That is why this year, we are honoring Ms. Anne Pramaggiore, President, Commonwealth Edison because of the commitment that she and ComEd have demonstrated in support of post-secondary education for youth and her personal involvement in the Chicago Football Classic,” says Co-Founder Everett Rand.
Tim Rand, co-founder, Chicago Football Classic summed it up best, “I’m a Chicagoan. All of us are Chicagoans. Too many of our kids are hopeless. Children who should be graduating from high-school and going to college, should be pledging sororities and fraternities, should be graduating from college and becoming productive and responsible citizens. This game is more than a game, as our slogan says, Aspire to Inspire; we want the children to aspire to greatness.
Everett, Larry and myself are humbled and honored to have an opportunity to do our part to make the city we love a better place for the children of Chicago.”
Tickets are $17-$45, for more information go to www.chicagofootballclassic.biz or by calling 773-734-1600 or 773- 874-8000, x4024 or Ticketmaster.com. You definitely want to be there!
