As a big part of the WNBA is community service, we have spent many hours recently meeting with community groups and charitable organizations that work to make this an even better place to live. The league itself runs several umbrella community programs such as Breast Health Awareness, Be Fit, Be Smart, Be Yourself, Read to Achieve and WNBA Cares. The Chicago Sky will be working with groups that fall under those umbrellas as well as choosing some unique programs independently.

Some of the organizations we have met with recently include Ronald McDonald House Charities (CEO Margaret Stender and I will be speaking to a group of franchise owners next month in Westchester); Y-Me Breast Awareness, with whom we are working to support their huge Mother’s Day race in Grant Park; the Avon Breast Cancer Walk; Literacy Works, an umbrella group that oversees literacy programs for children through adults through the Chicago area; and the area-wide Girl Scouts of America, who are interested in being a part of the Be Fit program.

In addition, Brooke Wyckoff recently addressed the American Cancer Society’s kick off for Daffodil Days, a fund-raising project they conduct each spring. And, meanwhile, we continue collecting used inkjet cartridges that we will turn over to Habitat for Humanity Women Build. They receive $1.50 for every cartridge they recycle and use that money to help fund a home built by women-only crews. (If you have some, drop them off at our office or send them to us here at 20 W. Kinzie, Chicago 60610).

Meeting the people who run these organizations is truly inspirational. They work long hours for little pay all in the belief that everyone can make a difference and everyone is responsible for making this a better place to live. The teamwork that is stressed on a professional sports team is just as strong and important in these groups that are working hard and depending on each other to do their share.

Ready. Set. Soar.