Chicago Cubs Great Fergie Jenkins Will Speak at Park District's 'Champions Banquet'

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - One of the greatest baseball players to ever wear a Chicago Cubs uniform will speak at the Park District of Highland Park’s inaugural “Champions Banquet,” a celebration of the community’s talented young athletes on Monday, May 2 at the Highland Park Country Club.

Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ferguson “Fergie” Jenkins was a three time all-star pitcher for the Cubs who led the National League in wins twice during the 1970s. He will be the guest speaker at the May event co-sponsored by Pinnacle Performance Company and The Semrad Law Firm.

“We are thrilled to have Fergie Jenkins as the guest speaker for the Champions Banquet,” said Chris Maliszewski, Recreation Supervisor II with the Park District of Highland Park. “Fergie epitomizes what a true champion is all about – never giving up and enjoying sports to the fullest – all lessons our young athletes strive to achieve.”

The evening, beginning at 6 p.m., will include dinner, program and silent auction. Ticket prices are $35 (youth), $50 (adult) and $375 (table of eight). Proceeds will benefit the Park District of Highland Park S.M.I.L.E. grant-in-aid fund, which provides recreation grants for local families in need of financial assistance.

“Every year hundreds of Highland Park kids participate in Park District athletics programs to become champions at building their skills and love of the sport as well as learning the value of good sportsmanship,” said Liza McElroy, Executive Director of the Park District of Highland Park. “The Champions Banquet is a way to celebrate these great young athletes and their families with a memorable evening and to raise funds so kids who are less fortunate can have the same great sports experiences.”

Tickets may be purchased in-person at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road (Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and the Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West (everyday 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.).