VOLLEYBALL FOR CHARITY
32 YEARS OF HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
|
In 1979, Karen and Kevin Clark's first child, Robbie, came into the world, challenged with severe physical and mental disabilities. There
was nothing, apart from love that his family could do for him. Fortunately, Robbie, Karen and Kevin were able to become part of the
Misericordia family, where Robbie’s special needs could be addressed. Unfortunately, these services were very costly. In trying to
develop a unique way of supporting the programs and care needed for their son, the Clark’s decided to do something that brought
enjoyment to many. Thus, Volleyball for Charity was founded.
The first year brought 12 teams together and a total of $350.00 was raised. Later that year, when Kevin presented the check to
Misericordia, he was astonished by the show of appreciation. Through these efforts he realized that not only Robbie, but the many other
“special kids”, along with their families were in need of this type of recognition and support.
For the next six years, the tournament progressively grew. Through the networking of friends and family, each tournament brought new
teams, new sponsors and more money. However, the demands placed on the Clark's grew in the same proportion, and there was doubt
as to whether there would be an eighth annual tournament. To the rescue came Bill O ‘Neil and Park Lawn School!
Bill had been a great supporter and active team member for the first seven years and provided valued assistance to Kevin. Bill, whose
sister is physically challenged, was acutely aware of the daily challenges that she faced. Bill had become involved with Park Lawn School
and Activity Center, and was looking for an opportunity to further support their mission. Many of Park Lawn’s special citizens reside in
the same neighborhood the volleyball players lived and where many sponsors have their place of business. It seemed only natural to
support an organization like Park Lawn, which serves and provide benefits to the many Chicagoland South Suburb communities.
Volleyball for Charity was looking to be more involved in the community, consequently a partnership formed and another fine facility
became recipients of the Volleyball for Charity fund raising efforts.In the following years the V.F.C. Committee took great strides in terms
of organization, and the fund raising became more creative with each passing year. Park Lawn’s Activity Office had provided much
needed administrative support to Volleyball for Charity to help us grow. Advertisement grew from simply “word of mouth”, to
broadcasts on local radio stations, publicity in various newspapers and even a float in the famous South side St.Patrick’s Day Parade.
Through the hard work of the Volleyball for Charity committee, well-known corporate sponsors started to donate cash and merchandise
to the tournament and post-tournament party. In addition, Volleyball for Charity has developed a professional looking ad book where
one could also show their support to the event and to our community by taking out space in our tournament ad book.
Each year our list of sponsors changes, and grows. Through the donations of various local and national sponsors whether corporate,
individual and/or anonymous, our after tournament party has become an additional fund raising event. These sponsors have helped us to
convey and understood the Volleyball for Charity message to people who enjoy the party each year. Our success is not possible without
every participating member of this day-long event. For we believe that it takes a T.E.A.M., and that... Together Each Achieves More.
We also believe that the Clark ‘s son Robbie, now one of God ‘s angels, is part of that team.
Last year, at the 31st annual event, more and more concerned adults understood our message. The tournament had 56 coed teams
participating (over 560 players) at three tournament site locations (Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice High School and Chicago Ridge
Park District) and many spectators filled the stands. The after-tournament party at Beverly Country Club was a great success, boasting
a standing room crowd of over 230 guests, players and supporters! The effort of our TEAM has achieved more. In 2011, Volleyball for
Charity was able to donate $16,000.00 to Park Lawn. Over the thirty-one years of our fund raising efforts, VFC has been able to donate
over $431,000.00. We are proud to tell you that all money raised has been donated. Our organization takes no fees or commissions.
Volleyball for Charity has been blessed with our Committee members and the dedicated volunteers and friends of the event. We give
thanks and appreciate each individual that has continued to be part of Volleyball for Charity’s efforts. As the 32nd annual tournament is in
progress; we invite all be part of our history! Thirty-One Years of Good People – Good Times for a Great Cause