CHICAGO (WLS) — The Jackson Chance Foundation will host its 11th annual Ping Pong Ball on Friday, Nov. 7 at SPIN Chicago.

Known as one of the city’s most unique and interactive fundraisers, this year’s event will feature a March Madness-style table tennis bracket captained by Chicago sports legends and media personalities. Captains include Jerry Azumah (former Chicago Bear), Randy Wells (former Chicago Cub), Olivia Smoliga (USA Olympian) and Annie Agar (CHSN).

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“As we mark the 11th year of the Ping Pong Ball, we’re reminded that the number 11 holds deep meaning for the Jackson Chance Foundation,” said Carrie Meghie, founder of the Jackson Chance Foundation. “It represents a legacy built in Jackson’s name, one rooted in love, resilience and the belief that every NICU family deserves the chance to be by their baby’s side. This event is more than just fun and games, it’s a lifeline for families navigating the emotional and financial challenges of a NICU stay. Each year, our guests make Jackson’s legacy stronger by helping us remove one of the biggest barriers NICU families face.”

Carrie and Terry Meghie founded the Jackson Chance Foundation in memory of their son, Jackson Chance, who spent nearly his entire ten-month life in the NICU. Witnessing the financial strain on many families due to parking costs, they established the foundation to provide complimentary monthly parking for NICU families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital and Rush University Children’s Hospital, enabling round-the-clock access to their babies. The foundation aims to expand its support to Comer Children’s Hospital.

The Ping Pong Ball combines spirited competition with an unforgettable night out, complete with culinary bites, craft cocktails, a live auction and more. Guests will experience the lively energy of SPIN’s 18,000-square-foot ping pong social club in River North, all while supporting a cause that impacts thousands of families.

Proceeds benefit the Jackson Chance Foundation’s NICU Transportation Program, which partners with hospitals to remove the financial burden of parking for families with critically ill babies. Each year, the Foundation helps more than 3,000 families by providing nearly 100,000 complimentary parking passes, ensuring parents can remain by their baby’s side 24/7 to provide the love, care, and advocacy every NICU child deserves.

The evening will also feature a live auction with one-of-a-kind experiences. Highlights include a private chef’s dinner, prepared in-home by “Top Chef” finalist and Monteverde Executive Chef Bailey Sullivan and Chef Jacob Lewis of LPM Kitchen, paired with a bespoke cocktail service by Present Tense Bar.

THE JACKSON CHANCE IMPACT

  • A $300 donation can save a NICU family over $1,000 in monthly parking costs.
  • Three Hospitals: Everyday, JCF provides 260 parking passes to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern’s Prentice Women’s Hospital, and Rush University Children’s Hospital. The nonprofit hopes to expand to Comer Children’s Hospital to help even more families.
  • To date, JCF has raised over $8.1 million, providing 883,000 days of parking and impacting 26,000 families. Each year, the foundation offers more than 96,700 days of parking and helps over 3,000 families.

If you would like to support, visit www.jacksonchance.org

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