WGN David Hochberg's Vest-A-Thon Supports Get Behind The Vest

CHICAGO — WGN Radio’s David Hochberg will partner with the 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea and the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation for a Vest-a-thon fundraiser, to raise money to buy and replace bulletproof vests for Chicago police officers.

Hochberg hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago,” that airs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. He is the vice president of lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial in Chicago.

The Vest-A-Thon airs this Saturday, Feb. 12, and will feature stories of officers whose lives have been saved by bullet-proof vests, including the brave officers from the Chicago Police Department who will share their perspective on the increasingly difficult work they do each day. The Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will also be featured.

Officers are issued a bulletproof vest upon graduation from the Chicago Police Academy, but then must pay for the vests, which range from $500 to $600, out of their own pocket during the rest of their career, not to mention the equipment and uniform expenses.

“When I heard about that, I thought that’s a little backwards and very ridiculous,” Hochberg told WGN’s Steve Dale, weekend host of “Steve Dale Pet World.” “Let’s do something about it.”

Hochberg hopes to raise $200,000 on his show this Saturday to give to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation to buy 400 bulletproof vests.

“Not only do we need the police, we need to support the police,” Hochberg said. “I think that’s an important portion that we’re brining to this. When I grew up as a young kid, I was taught to respect the police and say thank-you to the police for their service. I still do that to this day.”

Organizers and volunteers of the Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast, who have watched this event grow year after year, will also be featured on Hochberg’s show this Saturday. Donors to this event will have the opportunity to win incredible prizes including skybox experiences at many of Chicago’s best teams, sports paraphernalia, and much more.

“I’m proud of my police officers,” Hochberg said. “All we’re trying to do is reallocate funds for the vests, so the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation can better care for the families of fallen police officers.”

To participate, tune into WGN Radio 720AM on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations are being accepted now by visiting CPDVest and WGNVest, or by calling 833-498-Vest. To volunteer, donate sports tickets, or other items to be given away throughout the Vest-a-Thon, please e-mail mattoshea@the19thward.com.

Over the past eight years, Ald. O’Shea’s Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast has raised more than $300,000. To date, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has replaced more than 11,000 vests previously purchased by the foundation, with an annual goal to replace 500 vests for officers each year.

The Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast will take place 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at St. John Fisher’s Kane Hall, 10200 South Washtenaw Ave., Chicago. This year’s event will be carry-out only.

“In 2021 alone, 76 Chicago Police Officers were shot or shot at, with 14 being struck by gunfire,” O’Shea said. “Our officers are facing increasing violence against them, and the need to provide up-to-date bulletproof vests with the latest technology advancements is more important than ever. It is my hope that through the Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast, the Vest-A-Thon, and the support of our local schools and businesses, we can raise more money than ever before to ensure that our officers are protected on the streets.”

O’Shea sits on the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Advisory Board and the Chicago Police Chaplains Ministry Board of Directors. He represents the communities of Beverly Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood, where thousands of first responders reside.

For more information on Alderman Matt O’Shea’s Pancake Breakfast, benefiting the Get Behind the Vest initiative, or to support this great cause, please call 773-238-8766 or visit www.the19thward.com