Volunteering at Chicago Bears games
by Maurice
During the course of the NFL regular season, Some staff
and parents of clients at Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago have been volunteering to work at Chicago Bears games. We work the concession stands, and ten per cent of the proceeds goes towards our Adult Vocational program. Through our Autism Therapeutic School programs in Chicago and Tinley Park, Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago provides opportunities for vocational training and meaningful work for adolescents and adults with autism and other special needs.
I’m proud to say that I’ve put my two cents in already and I’m ready for more! The first game I worked in was the October 24 game against the Washington Redskins. Another game I worked was the November 14 game against the Minnesota Vikings. The typical work day began with inventory: with lots of stuff to be counted. We had to count all of the food items, packages, cups and many other accessories before and after the game. Then it was preparing the food (cooking hot dogs, polish sausages, nachos, etc.) before the gates of Soldier Field open to the public. Once the gates open, it’s game time!
Thousands of fans swarmed into the concourse area looking for something to squelch their appetites. It was a madhouse at our concession stand, especially during halftime. We were extremely busy giving the customers what they wanted. I was extremely busy at my position as cashier. I kept calm and collected, processing different orders for the happy Bears fans. It was chaotic at times, but we were able to make it through the entire 60-minute game. And really, with all the time outs and other breaks, an NFL game lasts three hours!
The experience working at a Bears game can be nerve-racking at times, but we were able to raise lots of money going to a great cause. We’re fortunate to raise thousands of dollars for the Easter Seals Adult Vocational program. As an individual with autism, I believe in giving back. That is my mission being a part of Easter Seals!
March 18th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
I got a new job at ucp where i got trasnfur to becasue the old day program is closed they got mentors and new audlt schedules please support the chicago blackhawks nhl the old day program need new audlts clients with auult schedules from old day programs new audlts clients will
December 1st, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Thank you, Carolyn for your encouraging words. It’s good to hear that your son has made progress conquering many challenges through life, like me. It’s good that’s he’s giving back to Easter Seals and the community. I wish him and your family all of the luck in the world!
Sandra, to answer your question, yes you can volunteer, even though the Bears have two home games left this season. The thing is I volunteered with some of the staff members of the Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research to raise money for the Adult Vocational Program. In other words, you can volunteer, but you would have to be part of a non-profit organization to work. As always, we’re looking for new faces!
November 30th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
are there any opportunities to volunteer?