Tonight: Former Honey Bears at Timothy O'Toole's Pub

Tonight: Monday, September 17
Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks Game
5 p.m.-Half time

Missing from the Sidelines chronicles the untold stories of the former cheerleaders for the Chicago Bears NFL team, the Chicago Honey Bears. The book, which was released last month, was written and compiled by two former Honey Bears turned authors, Renee Halverson Wright and Carolyn Caruso Jollette. The book opens the door to the behind-the-scenes world of the Chicago NFL cheerleaders through their own stories. It includes an exclusive interview with Coach Mike Ditka, stories about the Bears’ notorious Super Fans, and over 400 fascinating photos. “Missing from the Sidelines” is a must-read for all Chicago Bears fans and NFL fans alike.

On Monday, September 17th, 2018, authors Wright and Jollette will host a book signing event at Timothy O'Toole's Pub Chicago, 5 p.m. through half-time, for the Bears game against the Seattle Seahawks. Wright and Jollette will be joined by other Honey Bears and Super Fans. The event is free to attend, and books will be available for purchase. O'Toole's boasts 74 screens for game viewing.

PREFACE from “Missing from the Sidelines”
In 1976, Chicago Bears owner George Halas had an idea to boost team morale by hiring “dancing girls” (cheerleaders) for the sidelines. However, it wasn’t until 1977 that Bears owners and management decided to position 28 professional cheerleaders along the sidelines of Soldier Field, and in doing so, transformed these young women into instant Chicago celebrities. Our book goes behind the scenes of the once popular Chicago Bears professional cheerleaders, the Honey Bears, and where they are now. Through in-depth interviews conducted by two former Honey Bears, you will learn how a former Catholic nun became the team’s cheerleading coach. Mike Ditka shares his feelings for the first time about the Honey Bears, and readers will find out why he’s saying, “You got more out of me than anyone in the past 40 years. “This book reveals the lives of the most visible females in the male-dominated world of NFL football, and the secrets from the sidelines 30-plus years later. It will introduce you to an array of Bears super fans. Most importantly, it includes the self-written stories of the lives of the eclectic and amazing women who were the Honey Bears. The Honey Bears were disbanded by the Chicago Bears Management immediately following the Bears victory in Super Bowl XX in 1986, and the Bears have not won a Super Bowl since. Was this the origination of the “Honey Bear Curse?” Why were they disbanded? Was it the Playboy scandal? Was it fraternization between players and cheerleaders? Were the Honey Bears a distraction to the players on the field? Or was it really just a “business decision?”

Timothy O'Toole's Pub
622 N. Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611
312-642-00700

About the Authors:

Renee Halverson Wright is a former NFL cheerleader and team captain for the Chicago Honey Bears. She is a professional dancer, choreographer, model, and actress. “Missing From the Sidelines” was a four-year project for Wright. It required relentless determination, which was fueled by her commitment to chronicling the extraordinary history of the remarkable Chicago Honey Bears, and many others who brought color to the sidelines of Soldier Field.

Carolyn Caruso Jollette, a Chicagoland native, dancer, and former Oak Brook salon owner who served an exclusive clientele of many wives of Chicago’s professional sports athletes, beauty pageant contestants, and Agnes Belushi among others. Her passion for Chicago’s history, along with her affection for her former Honey Bear teammates and the Bears organization led to this book project.