October 23, 2015 - The Chicago Bulls will tip off the 2015-16 regular season with a full week dedicated to community service called “Paint the Town” presented by COUNTRY Financial. For the third consecutive year, Bulls ambassadors, front office staff and local community partners will hold community events throughout the week of October 26-November 1 to build enthusiasm for the upcoming season while supporting the team’s charitable focus on youth education, youth health and wellness, violence prevention, and military support. Paint the Town events will include participants from Youth Guidance’s Becoming A Man (B.A.M.) and Working on Womanhood (W.O.W.) programs, students from Chicago Bulls College Prep, and the True Value Boys & Girls Club.
“This week of service is part of the year-round community engagement efforts of the Bulls and Chicago Bulls Charities. We always look forward to Paint the Town because it provides the organization with a great opportunity to start the season on the right foot while getting the city and our fans energized and excited for the year,” said Michael Reinsdorf, President and COO of the Chicago Bulls. “COUNTRY Financial is a natural fit for this initiative and we are thrilled to team up with them for a second year.”
“At COUNTRY Financial we know solid financial futures aren’t always a slam dunk. It’s never too early to think about what’s ahead. That’s why we are so proud to team up with the Chicago Bulls to help our youth build bright futures starting right now,” said Mike Fisher, Agency Field Executive for Market Development at COUNTRY Financial.
Activities will include:
*Media is invited to attend the event(s) that list a time
Wednesday, October 28: Basketball Clinic and Road Watch Party
Location: Advocate Center, 15 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612
Time: 5:00 p.m. – Basketball Clinic/Media Arrive; 6:30 p.m. – Tip off/Media Depart
Students enrolled at the True Value Boys & Girls Club located in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, will have the opportunity to participate in a basketball clinic alongside COUNTRY Financial and Bulls volunteers at the Advocate Center. The clinic will be led by Bulls/Sox Academy coaches and will focus on fundamental basketball skills: shooting, ball handling, defense, free throws, and foot work. Following the clinic, students and volunteers will tour the facility, participate in a financial literacy activity led by COUNTRY Financial representatives, and enjoy dinner while watching the Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets game. Aligning with the NBA’s Jr. NBA program, the Bulls will continue to encourage youth basketball participation throughout the 2015-16 season.
Thursday, October 29: Chicago Bulls College Prep Lunch and Learn
Location: Chicago Bulls College Prep, 2040 W. Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60612
Through the team’s partnership with Chicago Bulls College Prep, the Bulls will conduct a lunch and learn with 50 students in their senior year of high school. During the session, students will be paired with one COUNTRY Financial volunteer and one Bulls volunteer who currently work in a field that the student plans to study in college.
Friday, October 30: Youth Guidance B.A.M. and W.O.W Career Workshops
Location: Advocate Center, 15 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612
More than 80 students from Youth Guidance’s B.A.M. and W.O.W programs will be invited to the Advocate Center for a joint circle discussion and career session hosted by employees of the Chicago Bulls and COUNTRY Financial. Students will also enjoy lunch, sign an anti-violence pledge, and tour the Advocate Center.
Sunday, November 1: “Paint the Town” Night at the United Center
Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60612
Paint the Town will conclude with the Bulls and COUNTRY Financial inviting 100 members from our community partners that participated in events throughout the week, as well as local veterans from Wounded Warriors to the home game vs. the Orlando Magic. Guests will be invited into the arena for early access to watch the players shoot around and take an on-court group photo.
Fans can track Paint the Town activities throughout the week by following the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bulls.com.
All of these events and others will be part of team’s “50 Community Contributions,” a series of 50 events and initiatives this year that celebrate the 50th season of Chicago Bulls basketball and philanthropic legacy.
The Bulls will open the regular season at home on Tuesday, October 27 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.