Kerry Wood's Strike Zone Event Raises More Than $400K
Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife, Sarah, held the sixth Kerry Wood's Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament Sunday night, and they are proud to announce that more than $400,000 was raised for the Wood Family Foundation. The sold-out event at 10pin Bowling Lounge featured live and silent auctions that helped fund the newly-formed foundation
Wood was joined by his Cubs teammates, supporters and athletes along with team owners Tom and Todd Ricketts, President Crane Kenney, interim general manager Randy Bush, Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita and former general manager Jim Hendry. Illinois Secretary of State Jessie White was also on hand to cheer on the bowlers. The event was hosted by Eric and Kathy of 101.9fm THE MIX.
"Sarah and I are grateful for everyone who came out to support our event," Kerry Wood said. "This is our first year for the Wood Family Foundation, and we are proud of the help and support we will be giving to children in and around the Chicagoland area."
Some of the highlights of the live auction included Marlon Byrd being selected first in the celebrity draft by the Bowling Stones team sponsored by Sloan Valve. Ryan Dempster was selected next by Options House, with Alfonso Soriano being chosen by Apollo Jets. All other celebrities were randomly drawn to captain the remaining teams.
The Chicago Trading Company bowling team -- with celebrity captains Dickey Simpkins and Geovany Soto -- took first place. Second place went to the Handi-Foil team lead by Tony Campana, and Tom and Cece Ricketts took third place with team captain Tyler Colvin.
A private dinner at Wood's home was auctioned for more than $10,000. Tickets to a taping of Saturday Night Live sold for more than $5,000 and Cubs pitcher Randy Wells took home a vintage Wrigley seat from the Steve Myland Collection for more than $3,500.
"We would really like to thank everyone who gave their time, effort and donations to help us," said Sarah Wood, executive director of the Wood Family Foundation. "It was fun to see everyone participate, but we would also like to especially thank those who could not make it in person but still contributed. Every donation helps the children in our area."
The Wood Family Foundation is in the planning stages for more events in the Chicagoland area.
About the Wood Family Foundation: The Wood Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by Kerry and Sarah Wood which is dedicated to improving the lives of children in and around Chicago by raising funds and awareness for the children's charities and causes they support. Since 2001, Kerry and Sarah have netted more than $2 million for Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital, Derrek Lee's Project 3000 and the Organic School Project.
