The Wood Family Foundation Hosts Inaugural "Storybook Gala" with Willy Wonka-Inspired Theme

Retired baseball pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife Sarah had a variety of goals when launching their foundation in 2011. One in particular, was to create an after-school mentoring program for children in underserved areas of Chicago. As of last October, that goal became a reality with fifteen 4th grade students from Lawndale Community Academy participating in the Wood Family Foundation’s Pitch In program.

To celebrate Pitch In’s success, the WFF is hosting its inaugural “Storybook Gala” where each year a children’s book is selected as the theme. This year’s event is based off the book, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, and will feature the magical world of Willy Wonka complete with décor, cocktails, desserts and dancing with music by Chicago’s DJ Nate and hand percussionists.

“Pure Imagination” will take place on Friday, September 25th from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Moonlight Studios (1446 West Kinzie Street) followed by the evening’s ticketed cocktail and dessert post party “Wonka After Dark” from 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. In addition, the Wood Family Foundation will honor Chicago Cubs Chairman, Tom Ricketts, with the Pitch In for Excellence Award.

Proceeds from the evening will help expand Pitch In, an eight-month after-school program designed to support students, starting in the fourth grade and staying with them through their academic career; assisting them through that critical transition into high school. Through Pitch In, students are able to experience the world outside their neighborhood through guest speakers, field trips, caring mentors and educational activities.

Pitch In is currently preparing for a new class of 4th graders while continuing their work with the now-5th graders who are one year into the program.

“We are excited to be welcoming another group of students and thanks to our supporters, we can continue our work with Lawndale Community Academy,” explains Sarah Wood.

“To see the response in kids when you give them an opportunity to learn and grow is truly rewarding. Pitch In has proved that and we want this program to continue to grow,” adds Kerry Wood.

Tickets for “Wonka After Dark” are $125 per person and available at www.woodfamilyfoundation.org. For more information, please visit the website or contact the WFF office directly at 312.924.9234.

The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit 501c3 organization that was founded in June 2011 by Kerry and Sarah Wood. The WFF works to improve the lives of children in and around Chicago by raising funds for programs. The WFF acts as an advocate for children in the Chicago community, inspiring others to join them in their mission of giving children the resources they need to succeed. http://wffpitchin.org/