The Jackson Chance Foundation Forms "TEAM CHANCE" And Engages Chicago's Visitor Industry To Race For Families With Critically Ill Babies

CHICAGO, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, July 20^th, Chicago's tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage industry will put aside competition and join TEAM CHANCE at Chicago's Rock n' Roll Half Marathon and 5K to support the Jackson Chance Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to providing parking and transportation assistance for all families with critically ill babies in the NICU at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

The Rock n' Roll Half Marathon and 5K is one of Chicago's most anticipated races with live rock bands serenading runners throughout the entire course. TEAM CHANCE hosts, the Jackson Chance Foundation, Choose Chicago, Warnick + Company, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, and Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Kitchen are offering exclusive perks to TEAM CHANCE runners, including:

• Discounted registration: http://www.active.com/chicago-il/running/races/rock-n-roll-half-marathon-and-5k-2014
• Chance to earn exciting fundraising prizes, such as a Fender Guitar Package, a weekend getaway at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, and more
• Special race weekend rooms rates at Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
• Pre-and post-race access to private Jackson Chance Foundation Tent
• Custom and personalized Half Marathon and 5K training programs
• Post-race runners breakfast at Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Kitchen

Additionally, this year, runners for TEAM CHANCE that exceed the fundraising minimum will have the opportunity to double their impact. An anonymous supporter of the Jackson Chance Foundation will match all TEAM CHANCE fundraising dollars above $500 for the Half Marathon and above $300 for the 5K. For every $1 raised through race day, $1 will be matched by the anonymous donor up to $25,000.

"We are overwhelmed by the support the Jackson Chance Foundation has received through TEAM CHANCE," said Carrie Meghie, co-founder of the Jackson Chance Foundation. "Our runners and fundraisers allow us to continue to provide transportation and parking assistance to families with babies in the NICU, which in turn give mothers and fathers the opportunity to spend more quality time with their critically ill children. We have TEAM CHANCE supporters to thank for making this a reality for Chicago families."

Choose Chicago and Warnick + Company have played an integral roles in encouraging Chicago's visitor industry to join TEAM CHANCE. To date, TEAM CHANCE has nearly 100 registered runners, including staff from Choose Chicago, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, The James Hotel Chicago, Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons, Standard Parking, and Becker Ventures.

"Choose Chicago is thrilled and honored to support TEAM CHANCE for the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon and 5K," said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. "Chicago's visitor industry is the most dedicated and energetic group I have ever worked with in my thirty plus years in this industry. To be able to give back to local families, stay fit, and enjoy it at the same time is a unique and rewarding opportunity."

The Jackson Chance Foundation would like to thank all TEAM CHANCE supporters and sponsors, including: Choose Chicago, Warnick + Company, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Chuck's: A Kerry Simon Kitchen, Becker Ventures, The James Hotel Chicago, Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons, Standard Parking, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Golin Harris, Goose Island, The John Buck Company Foundation, Biostar Ventures, SP+, Crush Music Management, TerraLocco and Becker Entertainment.

For more information on the Jackson Chance Foundation, visit www.jacksonchance.org and follow @jacksonchance11 on Twitter. For real-time updates during the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon and 5K, tag and follow #runteamchance.

ABOUT THE JACKSON CHANCE FOUNDATION
The Jackson Chance Foundation is an Illinois non-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing resources to families with babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Our mission is to provide support to NICU families, allowing them to spend more time with their baby. In partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the Jackson Chance Foundation has created The NICU Transportation Program. This program provides complimentary transportation to all families, each and every day their child is in the NICU and is fully funded by the Jackson Chance Foundation. Visit www.jacksonchance.org for more information.

SOURCE The Jackson Chance Foundation