Charity Softball Game for NWSRA at Wintrust Field

Bear Family Restaurants and Elgin Police Department to hold 4th Annual Slow Pitch Softball Charity Game for NWSRA at Wintrust Field

Bear Family Restaurants (dba McDonald’s) and Elgin Police Department are partnering to host their 4th Annual Slow Pitch Softball Charity Game on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Wintrust Field, Home of the Boomers. This event will raise funds to benefit the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA).

“We started this event in 2019 to further our partnership with the Elgin Police Department and support the community. Each year we choose a different non-profit organization to support, and we are proud to have this year’s proceeds benefiting NWSRA. We’re excited to invite the community in to see a great game, have some fun, and support a great cause,” said David Bear, president of Bear Family Restaurants. The McDonald’s franchise organization operates 35 locations in the Chicagoland area in over 20 communities and proudly employs 1,700 team members.

NWSRA serves 17 northwest suburban communities and provides outstanding opportunities through recreation for children and adults. “We are so grateful for the partnership between us and Bear Family Restaurants.  It’s amazing to see the community come together for events like this to support inclusion for people of all abilities.  At NWSRA, it’s our mission to provide outstanding recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities - ensuring everyone has the ability to have fun, go to new places, learn new things, and make friends.  This softball game and our partnership with Bear Family Restaurants is the perfect embodiment of that,” said Liz Thomas, Foundation Manager of NWSRA.

Schaumburg Police Department will also be joining the Elgin Police Department team on the field, to join forces and put on a great game for the crowd to enjoy.

“We look forward to an evening of fun, and what will surely be an entertaining softball game in an effort to show our support for NWSRA,” said Sergeant Demierre with the Elgin Police Department. “This is also a great example of how successful we can be as a community when police and citizens work together for a greater cause. The community partnership built between the Elgin Police Department and the Bear Family Restaurants is one that has developed friendships not only within our organizations, but also within the Elgin community.”

The event will be hosted and emceed from the field by Kenzie & Roman, co-creators / co-hosts of The MVP Game on Marquee Sports Network. The guests can get their hands on some great raffle items including an autographed Boomers jersey, free McDonald’s Combo Meals every week for a year, Police Chief for a Day with Elgin PD, and much more! Mascots will be around to join in on the fun including Coop from the Boomers, McGruff the Crime Dog, Hamburglar, and Gus from the Windy City Bulls. The Schaumburg High School band will even be on-site to welcome guests into the game and treat everyone to musical fun throughout.

“The Schaumburg High School Band is thrilled to partner with Bear Family Restaurants and our local police departments to benefit the NWSRA. NWSRA provides amazing opportunities for students and adults in our community, and we look forward to supporting and celebrating the organization at the game with some live music,” said Vinnie Inendino, Band Director of Schaumburg High School.