Benny the Bull Provided Excitement for New Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and Illinois Lottery Partnership Announcement

Benny the Bull poses with club representatives and students of the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club After School Program. Photo cred:Freeman Pictures, Inc.):
Benny the Bull poses with club representatives and students of the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club After School Program. Photo cred:Freeman Pictures, Inc.):

Benny the Bull Provided Excitement for New Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and Illinois Lottery Partnership Announcement

In an effort to address the lingering effects from virtual learning
during the previous school year, the Illinois Lottery and Boys & Girls Clubs across Illinois announced an exciting partnership this week. The Illinois Lottery will now sponsor the organization’s after school program, Power Hour – now known across the State as “Power Hour powered by Illinois Lottery.”

Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull stopped by the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club located at 2102 West Monroe, Chicago, IL on Thursday afternoon surprised students during the program. Students were overjoyed to see Benny the Bull, and he even assisted the Club’s instructors with fun learning activities. To conclude his visit and Power Hour, Benny the Bull and students ventured to the gym for more fun, including his signature trick basketball shots. Illinois Lottery and Boys & Girls Club representatives were on-site to celebrate the momentous
occasion, including Harold Mays – Acting Director of Illinois Lottery as well as Mimi LeClaire – CEO and Michael Crowley – Chief of Staff at the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.

According to Crowley, approximately 100 students usually visit the Club after school. Currently, the James. R. Jordan Club, in particular, is operating at about 80% but expects more students to return as the school year goes on. He credits the support of partners like the Illinois Lottery with helping students “reconnect with their peers and mentors…. on the path to a brighter future” through Power Hour. Harold Mays noted that supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs aids in supporting the Illinois Lottery’s overall mission of supporting and generating funding for education.

Historically, Power Hour has provided homework help for students ages 6-18 through the use of
specialized tutoring, technology-focused activities, and more.

About Illinois Lottery
Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $22 billion (since 1985) to the states Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and special causes like homelessness prevention, Illinois Veterans services, the fight against breast cancer, MS and Alzheimer’s research, Special Olympics, police memorials and assistance for people living with AIDS.

About Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (IL Alliance) was formed in 1999 and is one of the oldest and most successful Boys & Girls Clubs of America statewide Alliances in the country. Through Alliance efforts, key program initiatives and partnerships have been implemented, enhancing the lives and impacting the futures of thousands of Illinois youth each year. The IL Alliance has provided significant resources to Illinois Clubs since its formation, enhancing Illinois’ Boys & Girls Clubs’ efforts to reach and serve local youth, especially those with the
greatest need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

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