Gift supports youth outreach programs

More than 14,000 children and adolescents from around the Chicago area have attended UIC sporting events through the UIC Athletics youth outreach program. — Photo: Steve Woltmann

UIC Athletics has received a $50,000 donation from the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund in support of its youth outreach program.

“Both UIC Athletics and the Baum Family Fund share a goal to have a positive impact on our Chicagoland community,” UIC Director of Athletics Jim Schmidt said. “The support of the Baum Family Fund provides access to our campus for thousands of young people. It offers a fun experience watching the Flames, while learning about higher education and UIC.”

The outreach program is also supported by United Parcel Service and covers costs of transportation and attendance for community youth from the Chicago area, allowing them to visit the UIC campus and attend men’s basketball, women’s basketball or baseball games. While spending time at the institution, students receive information on the opportunities of higher education and UIC.

During the current academic year, more than 14,000 young people have participated in the outreach program, including a season-high of 2,000 who attended the men’s basketball game Feb. 19. UIC Athletics has supplied more than 300 buses to support its outreach efforts.

The Alvin H. Baum Family Fund is committed to bettering the lives of those who predominantly live and work in the Chicago area.

The Baum Family Fund has previously supported UIC Athletics by making the lead gifts for the video boards at Flames Field and the UIC Natatorium, which are the homes of the softball and swimming and diving programs. Both facilities are also used frequently by community organizations and area youth for competitions and clinics throughout the year.

“Thousands of people benefit each year from the Baum Family Fund’s visible support of UIC Athletics,” Schmidt said. “We appreciate that the Baum Family Fund continues to aid in our athletic department’s ability to make a difference in Chicago.”

For information on participating in the UIC Athletics outreach program, call 312-996-5324.