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As an organization; we have established a history of community service by contributing time, materials, resources and financial donations to the causes of those who share our civic goals.

But even those efforts are not enough to fill the needs that surround us each day. Despite what we can offer from within our own walls, we increase our efforts by enlisting the assistance of our sponsors, our fans and individuals who share our philanthropic goals.

In 1987, we founded a non-profit organization to aid in our civic tasks, especially where children are concerned. CharitaBulls was formed with the mission to enhance the lives of Chicago’s youth by actively creating and supporting educational, recreational and social programs. By fundraising through special events, raffles and corporate and personal donations, we have been able to multiply our financial resources and provide a wealth of support to children and young adults throughout the Chicagoland area.

Luol Deng has participated in the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program the last two summers. (NBAE/Getty Images)

James Jordan Boys & Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center
In 1994, the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club and Chicago Bulls Family Life Center was erected in memory of James Jordan, father of Bulls great Michael Jordan. CharitaBulls donated $4.5 million to construct the 40,000 square-foot facility located just two blocks from the United Center. The Club features a computer center, art studio, science lab, gym, dance and game room, classrooms and more.

Since its opening in 1996, the Club has served approximately 1,500 neighborhood children and their families each year as part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago network. CharitaBulls continues to provide financing for the Center’s programs and complimentary tickets to the children who frequent the Club.

In 2008, CharitaBulls donated $600,000 to the Club which will be spread out over three years and provide for facility and operational expenses as well as new educational and social programming for children that attend the Club.

Chicago Public Library
Since 1994, we have pledged our support to the Chicago Public Library System by adopting the Mabel Manning branch located just two blocks west of the United Center. CharitaBulls contributed more than $100,000 to furnish the library’s Computer Court - a tech center with computers, printers and software for use by library patrons. In 1998, we pledged an additional $50,000 to upgrade the Computer Court’s equipment and hire a part-time tutor.

Other Recipients
As part of our goal, CharitaBulls strives to assist other organizations who share our mission of enhancing the lives of children. To that end, we annually contribute to hundreds of Chicagoland non-profit organizations through financial and in-kind donations.

Bulls EVP-Basketball Ops. John Paxson addresses the crowd at FestaBulls.

To fund the numerous programs CharitaBulls supports, we rely on contributions from our corporate partners, individuals and the following annual fundraising events and programs:

Tip-Off Luncheon
Each October, we officially open the season by hosting nearly 1,000 guests at our Tip-Off Luncheon. The event provides our fans and supporters with the opportunity to hear what is on tap for the upcoming season with addresses from management, coaches and the players themselves. In conjunction with the event, we hold a silent auction of autographed Bulls memorabilia.

50/50 Raffle
At every home game during the regular season, we sell tickets for our 50/50 Raffle. During the fourth quarter of each regular and post-season home game, one lucky winner is drawn to take home 50 percent of the evening’s net earnings from ticket sales. The remaining 50 percent benefits CharitaBulls. Since the 1996-97 season when it was first introduced, the 50/50 Raffle has raised over $1.2 million.

In-Game Auctions and Memorabilia Sales
In-game memorabilia auctions offer our fans and visitors a chance to own a piece of Bulls history while contributing to the CharitaBulls mission. Items such as autographed jerseys, basketballs, shoes and warm-ups from players past and present are displayed for silent bidding throughout halftime of each home game. Approximately $200,000 is raised each season through our in-game auctions and memorabilia sales.

Guests attending FestaBulls have the opportunity to dine and mingle with the Bulls’ players.

FestaBulls
The Chicago Bulls and Verizon Wireless hosted the 20th annual FestaBulls dinner auction to raise funds for CharitaBulls, the Bulls’ non-profit organization, on Thursday, April 2. The event, presented by Verizon Wireless, was held at the home of Bulls basketball, the United Center.

Our roster of players, coaches, management and broadcasters are in attendance to dine, mix and mingle with fans in an intimate setting. With a limited number of tickets available, FestaBulls generates a friendly atmosphere where fans have the chance to meet and get to know their favorite players. Silent and live auctions offer a wide assortment of valuable sports items from Bulls and NBA memorabilia to autographed items from NFL, MLB and NHL teams.

As one of the most anticipated auctions in the area among sports collectors, FestaBulls guarantees its guests the chance to purchase unique, valuable items while supporting a worthwhile cause. Our most popular fundraiser is also the most profitable as FestaBulls raises as much as $175,000 annually.

Chicago Bulls Golf Outing
On Sunday, August 24, 2008, the Bulls and Verizon Wireless co-hosted the inaugural Chicago Bulls/Verizon Wireless Charity Golf Outing. The event took place at the White Pines Golf Club (features two 18-hole courses) in the Chicago suburb of Bensenville and featured a variety of Bulls players, legends, coaches, announcers and other personalities. The event raised $75,000 with all proceeds benefiting CharitaBulls and Prevent Child Abuse America.

This year, the Bulls and Verizon Wireless will host the event on Monday, August 17, 2009 at White Pine Golf Club. To purchase tickets to hit the links with your favorite Bulls personalities, please call 312.455.4122 or e-mail CR@bulls.com.

Corporate Partner Donations
The generosity of our corporate partners plays a tremendous role in CharitaBulls programming. By donating funds based on the number of victories, dunks, free throws, blocked shots, points, steals, rebounds and assists our team logs each season, corporations allow our organization to continue providing support to the youth in our area. The CharitaBulls Corporate Partner Program accounts for approximately $50,000 each year.

Scoreboard Messages/Additional Funding Sources
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