UPS CACH Takes St. Coletta's to the White Sox Game

Tinley Park, IL: A tradition that goes back 25 years, the UPS Chicago Area Consolidated Hub (CACH) hosted 80 St. Coletta’s participants at Guaranteed Rate Field on Wednesday, August 14. It was a beautiful day to take in the Sox game as they finished out the series against the Houston Astros with a win. Custom shirts, Sox bucks, and the chance to take photos with Southpaw, the White Sox Mascot, made the day memorable for all.

“The participants look forward to this day. It’s a chance for them to get out and experience the thrill of seeing the game live and indulging in hot dogs and popcorn. It’s definitely a day all about them,” stated Ray Bryan, Vice President of Community Programming. Many of the residential participants at St. Coletta’s are considered low income and a day at a major league baseball game is an extra special event. Bryan continued, “We are so grateful to UPS and what they do for St. Coletta’s.”

To make the day special, UPS CACH creates custom t-shirts for those who attend to wear the day of the game. Each participant also receives $40 in Sox bucks to spend at the ballpark. For many, this is a day to indulge in treats such as loaded nachos, funnel cakes, and ice cream, while others look forward to getting a nice souvenir in the gift shop. At the end of the game, UPS also hands out gift bags filled with souvenirs including a White Sox water bottle and White Sox hat.

Suzi Peters, the UPS employee who organizes this event said, “We do this because we love St. Coletta’s. This day is about bringing smiles and bringing joy to the participants and giving them something to look forward to each year.” Peters, who has been a part of this event for the last 13 years, often refers to St. Coletta’s as family. “I have known many of them for a very long time and love seeing their smiles and excitement. I look forward to this day just as much as they do.”

In June, UPS also hosted their annual St. Coletta’s Appreciation Barbeque at the UPS CACH facility in Hodgkins, Illinois, where participants were treated to great food in addition to special truck rides in the UPS vehicles.

St. Coletta's of Illinois, celebrating its 70th year, provides services to over 250 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through educational, vocational and residential programming. To learn more about St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation, please contact the Foundation Office at 708-342-5200 or visit our website at www.stcolettail.org.