A Report to the Community
Bulls Community Relations
Standing Tall Together.
Our team. Our neighbors. Our city.
When we stand together, it’s a strong, unified front. For more than a decade, we have worked with government, education, religious and community leaders to reach our shared goals for better neighborhoods and a better Chicago.
In partnership with our neighbors, we are meeting challenges, overcoming obstacles and solving problems. The power of many working as one results in success. And we see that success every day; in classrooms, on playgrounds, on the streets and in homes.
We’re building a brighter future. Together.
A SEASON OF PLAY, A LIFETIME OF CARING.
Our commitment to the city we call home.
Chicago is a great place for us to play. And we hope to help make it an even greater place for children to play: safer, brighter and friendlier. By partnering with community members, we work to touch the lives of our neighbors and their families in many ways. Since we are the grateful recipients of exceptional support, strength, and motivation from our devoted fans and the city of Chicago, it is both our responsibility and our pleasure to give back to our hometown.
Our commitment to Chicago is to create and contribute to programs that help make this a better place to learn, work and live. We are proud of the productive relationships we’ve formed with our neighbors and the success we have shared. Through financial support, in-kind services, numerous community programs, and the personal involvement of our players, coaches and the entire organization, we’re reaching out to Chicagoans. Every day.
CharitaBulls
HELPING OTHERS WIN. AT LIFE.
The game of life, after all, is the most important one of all. To that end, we’ve worked with the community to reach out to thousands of deserving Chicagoans. Since its inception in 1987, our nonprofit organization, CharitaBulls, has contributed tens of millions of dollars to the community. Created as a vehicle for us to say “thanks” and give something back to our fans and the community, this organization raises funds for a variety of ongoing, worthy causes. Our primary objective: to create positive educational and recreational opportunities for children and young people. And help them secure a winning advantage.
Chicago Park District Programs
In 1990, CharitaBulls donated $1 million over five years to repair and refurbish 140 damaged city basketball courts through the Chicago Park District/CharitaBulls Basketball Court Renovation Program. Since 1995, we have donated more than $700,000 to fund the Men’s and Women’s Chicago Bulls/ Chicago Park District Late-Nite Basketball Leagues. The leagues operate at Chicago Park District sites throughout the city and attract more than 1,000 players, ages 18-26. In conjunction with the Chicago Police Department, we also sponsor the Chicago Bulls/Chicago Park District Inner City Hoops Program, a similar basketball league for at-risk children, ages 9–12.
James Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Family Life Center
CharitaBulls donated $4.5 million in 1994 to build this 40,000-sq. ft., two-story, youth and family development center named in memory of James Jordan, Michael Jordan’s father. Opened in 1996, the Club features a computer center, art studio, science lab, healthcare clinic, gym, daycare center, dance and game room, classrooms and more. The Club, located just two blocks from the United Center on Chicago’s Near West Side, is a unit of the highly successful Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. It serves 1,500 neighborhood children and their families annually.
Bulls Scholars
In November 1998, CharitaBulls announced a $3.5 million donation to the Chicago Public Schools to establish the Bulls Scholars Program in all 25 public middle schools. This is a competitive, after-school educational program designed to provide Chicago’s seventh and eighth graders with the skills they need to succeed academically and personally. Each year, about 1,000 students receive added instruction in algebra and English from two middle school teachers and a certified high school teacher. This donation funds teaching personnel, instructional texts, materials and five computers per middle school. In addition to funding, and as an integral partner in this undertaking, we provide speakers, tickets and special events for the participating students. Through this initiative, we are addressing the critical issue of preparing middle school students for high school.
Chicago Public Library
In 1994, we pledged our support to the Chicago Public Library System by “adopting” the Mabel Manning Branch Library, located just two blocks from the United Center. CharitaBulls contributed $50,000 to furnish its “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 hardware and software and hire a part-time computer tutor. In addition to financial support, we participate in educational programs at the library.
City Year
In 1997, we formed a partnership with City Year Chicago, a national youth service organization. This group gathers young people, ages 17-21, from diverse backgrounds for a challenging year of full-time community service, leadership development and civic engagement. Since the beginning of this partnership, we have donated more than $200,000 to City Year’s Young Heroes program, which invites 150 students from middle schools throughout Chicago to participate in 16 fun, lesson-filled Saturdays. The emphasis is on direct community service and formal leadership development training; students learn the value of teamwork, tolerance and commitment. In 1998, CharitaBulls pledged an additional $120,000, and in 2001 donated $25,000 to continue the Young Heroes program.
Other recipients:
CharitaBulls Fundraising
Our foundation is primarily supported through contributions by the Chicago Bulls and funds raised at the following annual events and programs:
Tip-Off Luncheon
Nearly 1,000 fans attend the preseason banquet each October to see our players and coaches and to get an insider’s look at the upcoming year. For information on this year's luncheon, set for Friday, October 25, e-mail the Bulls' Community Relations Department at cr@bulls.com.
FestaBulls
Every spring, fans are invited to join our players, coaches, announcers and staff for a very special dinner and sports memorabilia auction, held oncourt at the Berto Center. Throughout this exciting and intimate evening, fans have the opportunity to meet, mingle and dine with their favorite players and coaches. Nearly $200,000 is raised annually.
50/50 Raffle
Introduced during the 1996-97 season, the raffle has raised more than $750,000. Raffle tickets are sold at each home game. In the fourth quarter, a lucky winner takes home 50 percent of the net earnings from that evening’s ticket sales. The other 50 percent benefits CharitaBulls.
Memorabilia Auctions
Throughout the year, we host weekly online memorabilia auctions. Fans are allowed the chance to own a piece of our history by placing bids on a variety of items. The auctions are accessible at www.bulls.com. Additionally, in-game memorabilia auctions are held during the 41 regular-season home games. Nearly $35,000 is raised annually.
Additional Fund Sources
We also raise funds through the CharitaBulls Corporate Sponsor program, whereby sponsors contribute money based on our number of victories, dunks, free throws, blocked shots, points, steals, rebounds and assists. Additional funds are generated through personal scoreboard messages ($100 donation--click here to print out a sign-up form) and in-game gift packages ($500--click here for a sign-up form), private donations, United Center tours and the sale of Michael Jordan statue maquettes.
School Programs
SENDING A SMART MESSAGE: SCHOOL IS COOL.
It is our priority to create and fund programs to motivate and reward students —especially at-risk youth. We all benefit, as a city and as a nation, if our children are motivated to stay —and succeed —in school.
Read To Achieve
At the beginning of the 2001-02 season, we launched the NBA’s “Read To Achieve” program, which unites all of the NBA’s leading assets to impact one of the most pressing issues our society faces—literacy. This program promotes the value of reading and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children. Every year, we distribute nearly 4,000 new books to Chicagoland children and host several “Reading Time-Outs” with our personalities. We also conduct book drives, create reading and learning centers and organize local spelling contests. We’ve also formed the Chicago Bulls All-Star Reading Team, featuring members from our family, (including current and former players, mothers and wives, along with Chicagoland officials) to assist with these reading initiatives throughout the year. In addition, book exchanges are conducted with fans and players before each home game.
Scholarships
Each season, we offer four $2,000 scholarships to area high school seniors who plan to attend college. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, extra-curricular activities and the contents of an essay. We also provide $20,000 in scholarships annually, through the United Center Joint Venture, to Malcolm X College students.
Adopt-A-School
Positive reinforcement, recognition and role models are important tools to motivate students. With that in mind, we annually “adopt” a Chicago Public School. Through our Adopt-A-School program, we encourage students to set and achieve educational goals. Incentives such as tickets, guest speakers, autographed memorabilia, arena tours and souvenirs help encourage students to meet goals such as good attendance, grade improvement and positive attitude.
In addition to our in-kind support, we provide financial assistance. In 1999, we donated $17,000 to Brown Elementary School (located a block from the United Center) to partially fund a “Computer Court” at the school. In 2000, we donated an additional $2,000 to establish a Math and Science Lab. Also in 2000, we expanded this program to include other schools on the Near West Side such as Best Practice High School, Suder Elementary School, Spaulding School and Herbert Elementary School.
Art Contest
To encourage creativity and interest in the arts, we annually host an art contest. Students in grades one through six in Lake, Cook, Will McHenry, Kane and DuPage counties are invited to draw or paint any scene depicting Bulls basketball, using either the our team logo or the words “Chicago Bulls.” Winning entries appear in our team magazine, game program and yearbook.
Newspaper in Education Program
This program provides more than 5,000 students with the opportunity to enhance learning while reading the Wall Street Journal—Classroom Edition. This valuable supplemental teaching tool allows high school students to gain a deeper understanding of economics, business and social studies. Other components of the program include player appearances, incentive prizes, tickets and more for participating schools.
Holiday Events
OUR BEST SEASON EVER: THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
Giving back during the holiday season is especially rewarding. When we focus our heartfelt efforts on those who are in need, we can better understand the true spirit of the season. We’re proud of our community work—but at no time are we prouder than during the holidays.
Food Drives
“Help the Bulls feed the hungry,” echoes throughout the United Center each December as we partner with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation to host our annual Holiday Food Drive. Nearly two tons of food are collected each holiday season and distributed to Chicago-area food kitchens and shelters. Since hunger is a year-round issue, we also host a “Non-Holiday” Food Drive each March with the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Holiday Kids’ Party
Only through the magic of the holidays could you see a seven-foot elf! Every December, we become Santa’s helpers by inviting 200 underprivileged children to visit our team at our practice facility, the Berto Center, for a very special holiday celebration. Lunch and gifts are provided as well as the opportunity to meet and spend time with players and coaches. During the holiday season, our players also visit local hospitals and children’s homes.
Other Holiday Programs
In conjunction with the NBA, we host various holiday events at schools in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month. Along with school celebrations, we produce television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) commemorating these holidays. We also host an in-arena Child Abuse Awareness Night each April as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Basketball Programs
HOT HOOPS. COOL PLAYERS. WARM HEARTS.
We’ve found we can engage kids, provide strong role models, teach the value of hard work, positive attitude and good health—all by doing what we do best. Playing basketball.
Charity Corporate Ticket Section
Compliments of our corporate sponsors, we donate more than 200 tickets for each home game to local nonprofit groups so that underprivileged children and adults can experience the excitement of attending a game. In addition, the Return Ticket Program allows season ticket holders to return tickets that might otherwise go unused; these tickets are donated to schools and local charity organizations.
Bulls Basketball Schools
Our official instructional youth summer camps, the Chicago Bulls Basketball Schools, were introduced in the summer of 1999. Campers, ages 6-14, are taught skills and fundamentals for more than three hours every day for an entire week. Designed to be the finest youth basketball program in the country, the schools are coordinated through local park districts, offering convenient camp locations in more than 150 community locations throughout Chicago and its suburbs.
Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy
In 2001, we, along with the Chicago White Sox, established a state-of-the-art player development facility. The only one of its kind in the country, the Academy offers a full line of programs including private instruction, traveling teams, leagues and tournaments for boys and girls. Technologically advanced and featuring an outstanding staff, the Academy provides young players with the same equipment, coaching and training techniques previously available only to professional athletes.
Chicago Bulls 2ball
“2ball” is an exciting youth basketball skills program which focuses on teamwork and the development of core basketball skills for boys and girls, ages nine and older. This skills competition, conducted with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, is organized at a grassroots level, involving more than 90 local park districts throughout the state of Illinois. “2ball” is played on a half-court marked with specific shooting locations that award different points based upon difficulty. The one-minute competition requires two players, working together, to accumulate points by alternating shots from different locations. Each year approximately 9,000 youngsters participate.
Community Outreach
WINNING. . . THE HEARTS OF OUR NEIGHBORS.
It’s one of our most important wins. To help support the dedicated Chicagoland community that cheers us on and boosts our morale, we get involved. And we make things happen, for all kinds of organizations and thousands of worthy Chicagoans. We’re especially focused on the neighborhood that surrounds the United Center. Because that’s our home, too. Through our ongoing partnerships with Near West Side political, religious, educational and community leaders, we have been able to play an integral role in the redevelopment of the neighborhood. As neighbors, we’re proud to have accomplished a lot in a short time. And we are committed to continuing the momentum.
Near West Side Community Relations
Since the 1994 opening of the United Center, we have made a special effort to help renovate the Near West Side community. This neighborhood, once the site of Chicago’s most devastating riots, is being revitalized. Just blocks from the United Center, CharitaBulls has built the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club and Family Life Center, donated a “Computer Court” to the Mabel Manning Library and “adopted” Brown Elementary School, Herbert Elementary School, Suder Elementary School, Spaulding School and Best Practice High School. Just northwest of the United Center, our wives’ organization, Team Mates, helped fund a health clinic at Suder Elementary School that serves the community as well as the students. Directly south of the United Center is Malcolm X College where we, along with the United Center, have invested $1.6 million in educational and athletic programs. In December 1999, the United Center contributed $100,000 to help rebuild nearby St. Stephen Church, which was destroyed by fire in October 1999.
Home Visitors’ Program
In 2000, we pledged $1 million to support this initiative which helps residents of Henry Horner Homes who are in transition. The program provides families with in-home support to maintain their homes, assistance in complying with lease requirements, links with other community resources, and help in achieving self-sufficiency through individual and family counseling, case management services, workshops and referrals.
United Center Community Economic Development Fund
One of our most ambitious undertakings, in partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks and the United Center, is the United Center Community Economic Development Fund, formulated in early 1995 to stimulate new business and create jobs. The three groups have coordinated efforts to create a $1 million fund for businesses that lack access to traditional capital resources, and will create jobs in the areas where they are needed most.
Chicago Gateway Green
In 2001, we formed an “Expressway Partnership” with Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the beautification of the Chicagoland area. We pledged $43,000 over three years. The goal of this partnership is to help transform expressways into parkways by removing litter and graffiti, to manage the landscape, and to install public art on area expressways. Our site is located on the outbound Kennedy Expressway at the Milwaukee Avenue exit ramp.
Auction/Raffle Donations
Throughout the year, we contribute memorabilia to charity organizations, community fundraisers and school functions for use in auctions, as raffles/door prizes and as school incentive prizes. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for local charities as a result. Since the 2000-01 season, more than $100,000 has been raised through in-kind donations of autographed memorabilia. However, this figure does not include the funds raised for schools and local charities through thousands of daily in-kind donations of tickets and merchandise.
Chicago Wheelchair Bulls
We sponsor one of the nation’s best wheelchair teams, the Chicago Wheelchair Bulls. The Wheelchair Bulls devote their time to helping others realize that wheelchair-restricted people can and do lead active, productive lives. They participate in numerous charity games, perform at our games and compete against other wheelchair teams on a national and international level. In 1997, the Wheelchair Bulls created a Junior Wheelchair Bulls team. In 2001, we provided $10,000 to fortify this program.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Our players have an extraordinary opportunity to reach out and make an impact on the community because of their great visibility as professional athletes. Throughout the year, our players, coaches and announcers help nonprofit organizations promote their causes and services by “starring” in public service announcements for both radio and television.
Team Mates: Chicago Bulls Wives’ Organization
Team Mates is a philanthropic organization of the wives and significant others of our front office employees, announcers, coaches and players. Every year, Team Mates hosts several fundraising events, including a Holiday ornament sale. Over the years, they have donated funds to Children’s Memorial Hospital’s Injury-Free Chicago Program, West Side Future, Chicagoland Radio Information Services, Inc. (CRIS), the Better Care for Youth Clinic at Suder Elementary School, Alzheimer’s Association and several others. In addition to local efforts, the organization also supports the NBA’s national initiative, NBA Wives Save Lives, to encourage breast cancer awareness. As part of this program, Team Mates work with the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to sponsor an awareness night during one home game each season.
Bob Love
Former player Bob Love, currently our Director of Community Affairs, is a popular motivational speaker. He is available free-of-charge to deliver his inspirational message about overcoming a speech handicap, and about his life as a professional athlete to schools and social service agencies. Bob makes more than 300 appearances every year at schools, charity events, clinics, nonprofit groups and youth programs.
Wish-Granting Foundations
There are few things as exciting or rewarding as seeing the sparkle in a child’s eyes as he or she meets a personal hero. We work closely with the Make-A-Wish and Starlight Foundations, both national charity organizations that grant the wishes of chronically ill children. Each year, many of these children are brought to home games to have their wishes granted and to meet our players.
Fan Services
OFF-THE-COURT PERFORMANCES THAT REALLY COUNT.
Our fans are outstanding. We welcome and appreciate their tremendous support, dedication and enthusiasm. In return, we invite them to get better acquainted with the team, staff, cheerleaders and mascots—live and in person.
Appearances: Players, Coaches, Benny the Bull, Da Bull, Luvabulls and IncrediBulls
When schedules permit, our players, coaches and management staff make public appearances for charity benefits, hospitals, autograph sessions, speaking engagements and other events. Players visit various youth nonprofit organizations to conduct clinics, speak with kids and simply spend time with our young fans. Front office representatives also speak at career sessions and school programs.
Benny the Bull, Da Bull, the Luvabulls (and Junior LuvaBulls) and the IncrediBulls make hundreds of personal appearances each year. They are often seen around town, attending community parades, walk-a-thons, school assemblies, hospital visits, private parties, company events, golf outings, fundraising benefits and more.
General Information
Chicago Bulls fans may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope (legal size) to the Chicago Bulls Community Relations Department to receive a fan pack which includes a merchandise order form to purchase photos and publications, a Bulls sticker, a pocket schedule and a Fan Club application.
Please note that any and all services provided by the Bulls Community Relations Department are subject to availability, and we ask that you please provide at least six weeks advance written notice.
We welcome and appreciate your support.
Community Relations Department
1901 West Madison Street
Chicago, Illinois 60612
312.455.4000
Return to top of page
NBA.COM is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network.