HP Cares For Cooper

Next weekend promises to be a very special one in Highland Park. On Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9, the National Wrestling Alliance is holding two big events. HP Cares for Cooper is a charity show on Saturday and Sunday features two television tapings.

HP Cares for Cooper is a free fundraising event (although donations are encouraged) to benefit Cooper Roberts, the eight-year-old who was shot in the horrific mass shooting last July 4. Funds raised through sponsorship, donations and a raffle will go towards Cooper’s ongoing care and medical equipment, along with helping with the care of his twin brother Luke, who was also injured during the mass shooting.

The tragedy at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade left seven people dead and many others injured, including young Cooper, who was shot in the back. Since then, Cooper has endured multiple surgeries and intense rehabilitation.

Highland Park resident, businessman and NWA President Billy Corgan, wanting to bring the community together, was moved to host this family-friendly charity event. “This event is a testament to the community's resilience and the unifying power of wrestling,” stated Corgan. It's also a testament to Corgan's heart and commitment to his community.

Featuring an amazing lineup of the NWA's best wrestlers, HP Cares For Cooper looks to be a wrestling card capable of matching any show anywhere. Expected to be part of this event are NWA Women's World Champion Kamille, the winners of the 2023 Crockett Cup Tournament Mike Knox and Trevor Murdoch, NWA National Heavyweight Champion EC3, the NWA United States Tag Team Champions 'the Country Gentlemen' A.J. Cazana and Anthony Andrews, NWA Women's Tag Team Champions 'M95' Madi and Missa Kate, NWA Women's Television Champion Kenzie Paige, Joe Alonzo, Thrillbilly Silas Mason, Natalia Markova, Robert Anthony, Jay Bradley, and many more.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of Zoom interviewing Missa Kate. “Chicago's favorite sweetheart” discussed the event, as well as her 127 day reign (with Madi Wrenkowski) as NWA Women's Tag Team Champions and other fun topics. Missa Kate and Madi Wrenkowski (M95) will defend their Tag Titles against Kylie and Kenzie Paige.

She is as excited about performing in front of her home area friends and fans as we are about seeing her. Her enthusiasm will not interfere with her goal of retaining the tag titles. Make no mistake, once in the ring, she will be all business. She plans on keeping that legendary belt for a long time (I believe she even used the term “to infinity” in our interview). If you've never seen Missa Kate wrestle, you are in for a treat. That's what makes her one of the best and a personal favorite of mine.

Of course, the other wrestlers all come with their own impressive resumes, including Robert Anthony and Jay Bradley, two longtime veterans from the area. I was fortunate enough to work with them years ago and have seen both wrestle dozens of times.

HP Cares for Cooper takes place at The Recreation Center of Highland Park at 1207 Park Avenue W. The doors open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. event. Although admission is free, attendees can reserve first or second row seats for a minimum $75 donation and all donations are welcome.

The wrestling fun continues Sunday with two NWA Powerrr television tapings at Studio One, at 1799 Green Bay Rd, Highland Park. The tapings start at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier for each.

The weekend will be memorable, with a wonderful charity event and lots of great wrestling action. There will also be exclusive merchandise.

Summing up the weekend, Corgan stated, “The NWA is thrilled to return to Highland Park for this special weekend of wrestling and charity. We selected the Rec Center of Highland Park as the venue for the charity show because it serves as a centralized location for the community to gather and have a great time. We are honored to partner with the Roberts family, who have endured so much since the tragedy. This event is a testament to the community's resilience and the unifying power of wrestling.”

While not specifically involved in the event, Corgan's Madame Zuzu's Cafe is a fantastic nearby dining option. A plant-based tea shop offering a large menu of sandwiches, salads, bowls and more, Zuzu's is a vegan's paradise. I recently enjoyed a vegan tuna melt there and am looking forward to trying other menu items.

I'll be “On the Beat” all weekend, reporting for the Highland Park Patch. Check back here for more coverage leading to the weekend and for the recap.