Contact: Elizabeth Gogola Director of Communications & Marketing O: 847.579.3136 M: 847.830.0881

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chris Chelios Will Be Guest Speaker at Park District of Highland Park Champions Banquet

Highland Park, IL, February 20, 2020- The Park District of Highland Park will celebrate the community’s talented young athletes and their dedicated coaches at the fifth annual “Champions Banquet.” The guest speaker will be Chris Chelios, former Blackhawks player and Hockey Hall of Famer. The Champions Banquet will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 6 p.m. at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West. Co-presenters of the event are Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom and Robert J. Semrad Foundation.

The evening will include dinner, program, and silent auction. Ticket prices are $50 (20 years old and under), $85 (adult, included open bar), and $650 (table of eight, includes open bar). The public is invited, and proceeds will benefit the Parks Foundation of Highland Park SMILE Grant-in-Aid program, which provides recreation grants for local families in need of financial assistance.

Every year, hundreds of Highland Park kids participate in Park District athletics programs to become champions at building their skills and love of the sport as well as learning the value of good sportsmanship. The Champions Banquet is a way to celebrate these great young athletes, their

families, and the Park District’s dedicated coaches with a memorable evening and to raise funds so less fortunate kids can have the same great sports experiences.

Chris Chelios is a former professional defenseman and one of the longest-tenured players in the (NHL). He is a three-time champion, was inducted in the in 2013, and in 2017 was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.

During his professional career, Chelios played for the , , Red Wings, and the . He holds several NHL records including:

• Was the oldest active player in the NHL and the second oldest of all time when he was called up to play for the Thrashers during the 2009–10 NHL season. • Held the record for most games played by an active player in the NHL, was the last player from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft still active (or any draft from 1986 and earlier). On May 1, 2009, he appeared in the playoffs for an NHL record 24th time. • Had the most career minutes of any active player.

“Chris Chelios not only epitomizes everything a champion is but, he also is one of the most recognizable figures in hockey history,” said Chris Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Recreation with the Park District of Highland Park. “We are very fortunate to have Chris as this year’s guest of honor at the 2020 Champions Banquet, and I look forward to our guests having the opportunity to interact with him and hear his message for our community.”

The Scholarships Mean Involvement in Leisure for Everyone (SMILE) Grant-In-Aid Program has enabled hundreds of families in need of financial assistance access to all recreation programs, including summer camps, swimming lessons, sports, and fitness programs. With support from residents and local businesses through donations and a variety of community events, approximately $100,000 in grants are awarded each year to Park District of Highland Park families through this worthwhile program.

The Park District of Highland Park offers a wide array of sports opportunities for all ages, including baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, track & field, tennis, golf, figure skating, hockey, gymnastics, and swimming. The District’s athletic departments are staffed by professionals in their field and share a common of providing high-quality experiences for every athlete.

Tickets for the “Champions Banquet” may be purchased online at pdhp.org. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road and the Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West. Tickets are limited. For more information or to become a “Champions Banquet” sponsor, please contact Chris Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Recreation at the Park District of Highland Park at 847.579.3108 or [email protected]

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The Park District of Highland Park operates and manages over 700 acres of land in 44 park areas; and offers approximately 3,000 recreational and seasonal programs. Facilities include an indoor ice arena, indoor tennis and racquetball complex, a recreation center, a nature center, an 18-hole golf course, aquapark, beaches, boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan. For more information, contact the Park District 847.831.3810 or pdhp.org.