Beloved NFL veteran Israel “Izzy” Idonije hosted the third annual gala fundraiser to benefit his namesake foundation July 16 at the Trump International Hotel & Tower. More than 200 guests attended the event in the Grand Ballroom in support of the Israel Idonije Foundation and its programs to benefit young people in underserved communities.
Hosted by ABC-7’s Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, An Evening With the Israel Idonije Foundation began with opening remarks from Idonije. “Once upon a time, I was just like one of the kids in the neighborhoods around us. I had dreams and goals just like they do. An anonymous sponsor provided an after-school membership to the local YMCA for me and my siblings, and it made a huge difference in my life,” he said.
Idonije presented Charles “Peanut” Tillman, former Chicago Bears cornerback who is now with the Carolina Panthers, with the Foundation’s Humanitarian Award. He described Tillman as someone who “brought great, positive energy to the locker room and is exceptional on and off the field.” A video showcased Tillman’s Cornerstone Foundation which is committed to helping critically ill children and their families.
The foundation’s Youth Award was presented to Judge White Jr., 14, an incoming freshman at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. Amber White, Judge’s mother, shared the impact the IIF has had on her son. “Izzy’s programs challenge the child to learn how to become a man in the world. Right now, I think our children are lost, but with these programs their eyes are opened to bigger opportunities.”
Dillon Dalton, senior vice president of the Bank of America (the presenting sponsor) and Tristan Slemmons, vice president and community relations manager, presented the foundation with a check for $30,000.
The event raised nearly $150,000 to support IIF programs that have helped more than 8,000 youths since 2007. “We want to take hold of these kids and show them they’re loved and teach them the rules for success,” Idonije said.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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