June 25, 2008

For the third straight year, the University of Illinois football team hosted a charitable supply drive to benefit the Cunningham Children's Home. "Kickoff for Cunningham" took place Wednesday, June 25 at the Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building (1700 South Fourth St.), beginning at 6 a.m. and lasting until 6 p.m. (The event changed to the Bielfeldt location due to construction on Kirby Avenue.) While the event took place over a 12-hour period, the team encouraged fans to come out from 4-6 p.m. to participate in games and fun for kids. Admission into the event was a donated item for Cunningham.

Illini Radio Group, featuring Mix 94.5, 92.5 The Chief, WIXY 100.3, Xtra 99.1, assisted the football team with this project, along with Meijer. Meijer was on hand with items from Cunningham's wish list to make it easier for community members to give to the home.

The football team's goal was be to surpass the valued amount of $13,000 in goods and money, which was raised in the first year of the drive. In two years, the team has helped Cunningham acquire more than $20,000 worth of needed items.

"This has kind of become a regular event for our team," Illinois senior linebacker Brit Miller said. "It is important for us as a group to give back to our community, and we are so glad to have such a worthy cause in the Cunningham Children's Home. There are a few people on our team who can relate to these children and the struggles they go through."

The mission of Cunningham Children's Home is to offer emotional, social, educational and spiritual support to children, youth and families by providing a safe, nurturing, therapeutic environment in which individuals may experience personal growth and healing.

Following the event, fans may still make donations to the Cunningham Children's Home by calling its main office at 217-367-0345.

The following items are from the Cunningham Children's Home Wish List: