2010HISTORYANDPHILOSOPHY

VOLLEYBALL FOR CHARITY
30 YEARS OF HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

Robbiephysical and mental disabilities.   There was nothing, apart from love that his family could do
for , came into the world, challenged with severe In 1979, Karen and Kevin Clark's first 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 29TH annual event, more and more concerned adults understood our message.
The tournament had 60 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 Gilhouleys 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 2009, Volleyball for Charity was able to donate $17,500.00 to
Park Lawn. Over the twenty-nine years of our fund raising efforts, VFC has been able to donate
over $407,000.00.   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 30th annual tournament is in progress; we invite all
be part of our history!

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