Chicago Bears announce $104,000 grant for Crushers Club as Community All-Pros Winner
The Chicago Bears proudly announced Crushers Club as the 2023 Community All-Pros winner and the recipient of a $104,000 grant. They were recognized for their dedicated efforts to provide at-risk youth in Englewood, a Chicago neighborhood, with an alternative to gangs through programming, employment and a safe haven to combat gun violence and crime.
During the preseason, the Bears launched the 2023 Community All-Pros application, encouraging fans to nominate nonprofit organizations that they are passionate about. The emphasis was on selecting organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of Chicago area fans and communities across Illinois. As a result, nearly one hundred applications were received and reviewed by an internal committee, narrowed down to 10 finalists, and then selected by a group of Season Ticket Holders, with Crushers Club emerging as the winner.
Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn surprised Crushers Club members, Sally Hazelgrove and Andre Johnson, with the news that their organization had won the Community All-Pros $104,000 grant. The Bears invited Crushers Club representatives to Halas Hall, leading them to believe they were finalists required to present their case for the grant. Unexpectedly, Sanborn casually entered the room, introducing himself and sharing the exciting news - they had already won the grant. Presenting the $104,000 check, Sally and Andre reacted with immediate shock and joy. Sanborn explained the selection was based on their inspiring and exceptional community service.
"We were surprised! You [the Bears organization] definitely had us fooled coming in," said Sally Hazelgrove, the founder, president, and executive director of Crushers Club, describing the aftermath upon receiving the great news. "I cannot tell you how awesome it was to come back to Crushers Club and let the team know about the great news. Our team then started getting to work on calling youth on our waiting list who want to join and work for the Crushers WorkForce and programming. Also, we let all of our current 55 teen employees who work for our organization know they can work extended hours, which was awesome news for them."
With the $104,000 grant, the organization plans to further their community programs and extend employment opportunities to teens in Englewood.
The Crushers Club will also be recognized as the 2023 Community All-Pros during the Bears' home game on Dec. 10. Two staff members of the Crushers Club, Andre Johnson and Teneshia Lindsey, will attend the game and serve as the Bears' honorary captains. As honorary captains, Andre and Teneshia will participate in the coin toss alongside Bears players before kick-off.
To learn more about their services and how they help impact on their community, please visit crushersclub.org.