Fundraiser Brings Splash Back To Chatham

citizen |

South Central Community Services, Inc. has launched a campaign to renovate its Olympic-sized pool. The pool has not been in use since 2003. On July 23, the agency will host a day of fundraising events to sponsor the pool's reconditioning. (Photo Courtesy of South Central Community Services, Inc.)
South Central Community Services, Inc. has launched a campaign to renovate its Olympic-sized pool. The pool has not been in use since 2003. On July 23, the agency will host a day of fundraising events to sponsor the pool's reconditioning. (Photo Courtesy of South Central Community Services, Inc.)

by Thelma Sardin

South Central Community Services, Inc. (SCCS) has launched a campaign to renovate its outdoor swimming pool which ceased operation in 2003. The Olympic-sized pool was closed due to structural damage and normal wear and tear. SCCS hopes to restore outdoor swimming and related activities for the Chatham/Avalon Park communities with the renovation.

The pool is adjacent to the SCCS Community center located 1021 E. 83rd St.

Darryl Shelton, SCCSs Director of Community Relations says the agency will possibly consider constructing a new pool instead of renovating the current one.

The initial plan was to renovate the current swimming pool; however, it looks like we may move forward with getting an entire new pool which should last another 50 years or more, he said.

According to Shelton, the pool was first opened in 1953 as part of the Chatham YMCA.

On July 23, the non-profit human services agency will host a day of fundraising events to help sponsor the pools renovation.

Shelton says the agency expects the fundraiser to become one of its signature events.

We anticipate that this event will become one of our annual and staple fundraisers at South Central, said Shelton.

Shelton says the idea for the fundraiser, which consists of two basketball games and a dinner dance, came from a meeting with former SCCS basketball players and coaches.

The concept actually came from a brainstorming session with the Homecoming committee which originally consisted of a group of guys who played and/or coached at South Central back in the day. The original idea was to have a reunion basketball between former South Central players [but] developed into a more comprehensive fundraiser that included [two basketball] games and a [evening] dinner dance, he said.

The daylong event consists of two basketball games at Kennedy-King College and an evening dinner dance at the Sabre Room located in southwest suburban Hickory Hills.

Shelton explained the logistics of the two basketball games include a game with WGCI-FMs Tony Sculfield.

The first game will be between former South Central players and the second game will feature the WGCIs Radio Team headed by Tony Sculfield against some of the former South Central players, he said.

ABC 7 news anchor Cheryl Burton will be the mistress of ceremonies at the dinner dance and comedian George Wilbourn will serve as the evenings entertainment.

In addition, SCCS will also honor former South Central Biddy Basketball coaches Bob Hambric and Bernie Mac with special posthumous award presentations.

Moreover, several local politicians will be recognized for being staunch supporters [in] communities that they serve, according to Shelton. The public officials who will be honored include: Congressman Bobby L. Rush, 1st District, State Sen. Donne Trotter (D-17), State Rep. Marlow Colvin (D-33), State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25), Alderman Michelle Harris (8th) and Alderman Sandi Jackson (7th).

Shelton says the agencys goal is to have 400 individuals attend the basketball games and 300-400 attend the dinner dance.

Tickets for the basketball games are $10 person. Both games will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Kennedy-King College, 6310 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60621.

Dinner dance tickets are $125 dollars. The event will be held from 6:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M. at the Sabre Room Lower Level (The Flame Room) 8900 W. 95th Street, Hickory Hills, IL 60457.

For more information about the fundraising event, please log on to www.sccsinc.org or call Darryl Shelton at 773-483-0900, ext. 228.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.