GOAL POWER: ALTERNATIVE CAREERS IN SPORTS For the third consecutive year, Adewale Ogunleye teamed up with the Chicago Urban League to present the community outreach program “Goal Power: Alternative Careers in Sports.” The purpose of this program, which was created by Adewale, is to introduce young people to different opportunities that exist in professional sports outside of being an athlete. In 2007, students involved with the Chicago Urban League took field trips to different sports-related venues throughout Chicago to observe the day-to-day activities and responsibilities that are associated with careers in sports. Visits included trips to FOX-TV studios; Halas Hall, the training facility of the Chicago Bears; and the United Center, where the Chicago Bulls executive offices are located. Adewale attended each event, where students had the opportunity to meet and speak with executives at each company they visited.  To further support this initiative, Adewale purchased a block of season tickets to all Bears home games during the 2007 season and donated them to the Chicago Urban League so students involved in the Goal Power program had an opportunity to attend a game.
	HOME TEAM HAND-OFF Several Bears players and coaches had their very own cheering sections at each Bears home game during the 2007 season.  That is because they participated in the Bears “Home Team Hand-Off” program.  This ticket donation program gives players and coaches the opportunity to purchase a block of season tickets to all home games and donate them to a charitable organization of their choice.  The charity then distributes the tickets to deserving children so they have the opportunity to experience a Bears game at Soldier Field.  These generous Bears purchased a total of 2,060 tickets which were donated to 14 different Chicagoland charitable organizations, providing deserving children with the opportunity to see a Bears game at Soldier Field.  A child from each organization also had the thrill of serving as an “Honorary Captain” at a Bears home game, where they walked out to mid-field with the Bears captions during the coin toss prior to kickoff.  The following Bears participated in the “Home Team Hand-Off” ticket donation program in 2007: Mike Brown presented “Brown’s Bombers” in support of the Off The Street Club  Roberto Garza presented “Roberto’s Amigos” in support of Los Amigos de Roberto Rex Grossman presented “Grossman’s Gang” in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake County Muhsin Muhammad presented “Moose’s Herd” in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago Adewale Ogunleye presented “Wale’s Warriors” in support of the Chicago Urban League and Allendale Association Lovie Smith presented “The Smith Crew” in support of the Chicago Public Schools John Tait presented “Tait’s Tots” in support of the SEDOL Foundation and the Center for Rehabilitation and Education Charles Tillman presented “Peanut’s Gallery” in support of LYDIA Home and Lawrence Hall Youth Services Tommie Harris presented "Harris' Heroes" in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Brian Urlacher presented “Urlacher’s Backers” in support of Special Olympics Illinois, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls and Maryville Academy
	CHARLES TILLMAN’S CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION The mission of Charles Tillman’s Cornerstone Foundation is to provide Greater Chicago-area children and youth with educational opportunities and resources needed to excel in the classroom and life. The Foundation’s interactive programs and events are designed to help build a strong foundation through education.  For more information, log on to www.charlestillman.org.
	THE TOMMIE HARRIS FOUNDATION The Tommie Harris Foundation is a registered 501C3 non profit organization dedicated to raising funds for the purpose of inspiring hope, enriching kids’ lives and building a better future for our children.  The Foundation supports many programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Prevent Child Abuse America, Feed the Children and many youth enrichment programs.  For more information, please visit www.tommieharris.com.
	THE JASON MCKIE FOUNDATION In 2008, Jason launched the Jason McKie Foundation of the Institute for Science and Health which strives to make an impact in the lives of families of soldiers.  The Foundation provides educational scholarships to children and spouses affected by a loss or severely injured parent or spouse.  Through the Foundation, Jason also looks to host various activities with military families to give back to those who give so much to our country. On Wednesday, May 14, Jason McKie will host CELEBOWL at Brunswick Zone in Vernon Hills.  The celebrity bowling event will raise money for the Jason McKie Foundation which focuses on programs in the areas of education and wellness with an emphasis on making an impact in the lives of families of soldiers.  Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for this private event range from $50 - $15,000.  For more information, visit www.jasonmckie.org or call Nickie Goestenkors at 314-291-1880.
	THE ISRAEL IDONIJE FOUNDATION The Israel Idonije Foundation was created in 2007 by defensive end and special teams stand-out Israel “Izzy” Idonije.  The present focus of the Foundation is a program called “IZZYz KIDz,” which is designed to encourage and sustain students’ regular school attendance, high achievement and good citizenship.

	BRIAN PICCOLO AWARD Brian Piccolo signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1965. After spending his first year on the taxi squad, Piccolo played the four subsequent years for the Bears. During his time on the active roster, he rushed 258 times for 927 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 58 passes for 537 yards and one touchdown. Brian Piccolo died of embryonal cell carcinoma on June 16, 1970. He was 26 years old. Since 1970, Chicago Bears veterans have voted and awarded the "Brian Piccolo Award" to the Bears rookie who best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo. In 1992, this award was expanded to include a veteran who possesses the same qualities. The 2007 winners of the Brian Piccolo Award were veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher and rookie tight end Greg Olsen. Past winners include: 1970 Glen Holloway (G) 1988 James Thornton (TE), Mickey Pruitt (LB) 1971 Jerry Moore (S) 1989 Trace Armstrong (DE) 1972 Jim Osborne (DT) 1990 Mark Carrier (S) 1973 Wally Chamber (DT) 1991 Chris Zorich (DT) 1974 Fred Pagac (TE) 1992 Mike Singletary (LB), Troy Auzenne (T) 1975 Roland Harper (RB) 1993 Tom Waddle (WR), Myron Baker (LB), Todd Perry (T) 1976 Brian Baschnagel (WR) 1994 Shaun Gayle (S), Raymont Harris (RB) 1977 Ted Albrecht (T) 1995 Erik Kramer (QB), Rashaan Salaam (RB) 1978 John Skibinski (RB) 1996 Chris Zorich (DT), Bobby Engram (WR) 1979 Dan Hampton (DE) 1997 Ryan Wetnight (TE), John Allred (TE), Van Hiles (S) 1980 Bob Fisher (TE) 1998 Bobby Engram (WR), Tony Parrish (S) 1981 Mike Singletary (LB) 1999 Marcus Robinson (WR), Jerry Azumah (CB)  1982 Jim McMahon (QB) 2000 Clyde Simmons (DE), Brian Urlacher (LB) 1983 Jim Covert (T) 2001 James Williams (T), Anthony Thomas (RB) 1984 Shaun Gayle (S) 2002 Phillip Daniels (DE), Alex Brown (DE) 1985 Kevin Butler (K) 2003 Olin Kreutz (C), Charles Tillman (CB) 1986 Neal Anderson (RB) 2004 Olin Kreutz (C), Tommie Harris (DT)  1987 Ron Morris (WR) 2005 John Tait (T), Chris Harris (S)      2006 Olin Kreutz (C), Devin Hester (CB)     2007 Brian Urlacher (LB, Greg Olsen (TE)
	ED BLOCK COURAGE AWARD Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris was named the Chicago Bears’ 2008 recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.  Harris was selected by his teammates for displaying commitment to the principles of courage and sportsmanship, while serving as an inspiration in the locker room.  The accolade has become one of the most esteemed honors bestowed upon a player in the NFL, especially since the recipient is selected by his peers.  The Ed Block Courage Award Foundation presents this award annually to a player on each of the 32 NFL teams.  The recipients of the award symbolize professionalism, great strength, and dedication, and they are community role models.  The Courage Award is named after Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts who was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian.  For more than 27 years, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation has celebrated the courageous efforts of players in the NFL while raising the nation's awareness of the plight of abused children in NFL communities.  Through the Foundation's Courage House National Support Network for Kids, the organization has helped Courage Houses improve the lives of abused children across America.  Named after the NFL team in a respective city, a Courage House is a facility that provides support/quality care for abused children in that community.  Currently, more than 50-percent of the teams in the NFL support a Courage House.  Maryville Academy has been the Chicago Courage House since 1992.
	NFL TEACHER OF THE YEAR To honor teachers who had a positive influence on players, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue created the NFL Teacher of the Year Program in 1990. Through this program, NFL players nominate a former teacher who has made a difference in their lives. Through the Teacher of the Year program, teachers are recognized for their outstanding work with students in the classroom as well as their ability to relate their lessons to real life experiences. The thirty-two NFL Man of the Year Players selected by the NFL teams in the previous year, are eligible to nominate teachers who have made a profound difference in their schools days, making the learning environment a both fun and valuable endeavor. The Teacher of the Year Award is presented during the Pro Bowl pre-game ceremony. The winning teacher receives a $5,000 grant from the NFL and a $10,000 NFL grant to be presented to the school in which they teach.
	NFL/WALTER PAYTON MAN OF THE YEAR The most prestigious NFL honor recognizing a player for his community service activities as well as his excellence on the field is named after one of our very own: Walter Payton. The NFL Walter Payton "Man of the Year" award is the only League award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence. This prestigious NFL award has been in existence since 1970 and honors players who demonstrate outstanding balance in their lives between civic and professional responsibilities. In 1999, the league renamed the NFL Man of the Year award after Walter Payton as a tribute to his greatness both on and off the field. Charles Tillman was the Bears nominee for the award in 2007. Since the program's inception in 1970, four Bears have earned the title of the NFL's "Man of the Year" - which is the most of any team in the NFL. Past NFL Walter Payton "Man of the Year" winners have included: 1977 - Walter Payton, Running Back 1987 - Dave Duerson, Safety 1990 - Mike Singletary, Linebacker 2000 - Jim Flanigan, Defensive Tackle (co-winner)