Maddon’s visit assists Special Olympians dreams
HUNTLEY — A neighborhood in Lake in the Hills became, in a way, an extension of Wrigley Field for a few hours on a Thursday evening.
Club 400 is located at Stewart McVicar’s home and hosted a fundraiser to support Special Olympics of Illinois. An appearance by the Cubs World Series Champion 2016 Manager Joe Maddon was the highlight. Former Cubs players Jody Davis, Bob Dernier of the 1984 National League Eaat division winners and Ron Coomer and National Anthem singer Jon Vincent were also on the program.
“You can get involved in Club 400 in any level you wish,” McVicar said. “We’re 10 years old, and started as an idea of Cubs Fans helping Cubs Fans. An individual was in need of an arm and a leg, and at the first event, we raised $30,000 for him. We’ve raised $735,000 for causes since then. Our latest program is to bring people to a baseball game who may not have otherwise been able to attend and give them the best day possible.”
McVicar related how Chicago Clubs owner Tom Ricketts got involved early in his team ownership and how 2016 World Series hero Anthony Rizzo also backed an event.
The attraction at the home is a 2,300 square foot Chicago Cubs Man Cave, complete with a 1907 World Series Champion scorecard, the original Wrigley Field organ and many autographed jerseys.
“I talked about it for four years before finishing it,” McVicar said.
Maddon guided the Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016, as the Cubs beat Cleveland in an 8-7, 10-inning win Nov. 1, 2016. The celebration drew millions at Chiacgo’s Grant Park.
Former Cubs skipper Maddon, who is originally from Hazelton, Pa., a small town, told about 300 guests his background makes him feel comfortable with the average fan.
“The most common reaction I get when I walk around Chicago is just people coming up to me and not asking for an autograph or anything and just saying thank you,” Maddon said. “I still haven’t watched Game 6 or 7 fully. As I come into O’Hare Airport, I believe I’m part of the fabric of the community. It is very comfortable for me here. I remember how awesome it was when Ricketts introduced me as the new Cubs manager (in 2015), at the Cubby Bear restaurant and saw my name in the Wrigley Field iconic marquee.”
“We won,” someone shouted from the audience of the 2016 run.
McVicar thanked sponsors and many volunteers who assisted with the event, stressing all funds are raised for Club 400 causes. The charity selected is which one the guest of honor supports, in this case Special Olympics of Illinois.
One of several Special Olympics athletes present was Garrett Anderson, a Special Olympics ambassador, who addressed the gathering. “I represent the 23,000 Special Olympics athletes across 18 sports,” he said. “I’m a power lifter and I have cleared 180 pounds in the bench press, 300 pounds in the dead lift, and 310 pounds in squats,” he said.
Also on hand was Will Pocklington, of Arlington Heights, a Special Olympian who has participated in gymnastics since aged 8 and track and field.
“Special Olympics is truly remarkable,” Maddon said.
For more information on Club 400, a 501(c) (3) organization, whose motto is “Cubs Fans Helping Clubs Fans”, visit the website at club400cubs.com. For more information on Illinois Special Olympics, visit www.specialolympics.org.
