The 2011 Gay Softball World Series, held this summer in Chicago, was a huge financial successwith an ongoing impact on the LGBT community, even in the three suburban locations where the games were played, Windy City Times has learned.
The local organizing committee raised more than $225,000 for the five-day tournament, held in Schaumburg, St. Charles and Elmhurst. Thanks to a week without rain, the organizing committee was able to end with more than $40,000 in reservemoney that would have been needed and used if the tournament was impacted by Mother Nature.
"We were extremely fortunate with the weather. No rain helped us logistically and also made [the event] a success financially and saved us tens of thousands of dollars," said Ted Cappas, president of the local organizing committee.
"The event was, without question, a huge success.," he added. "Logistically, we were very happy with how things worked out. At all three complexes [where games were played], we really had no complaints, no issues."
Cappas said the committee has developed a plan for the event's surplusto further its long-term goal of leaving a lasting impact on the LGBT community through softball.
First, in conjunction with Imagination Theater, the committee will be funding anti-bullying programs at the six CPS schools in Ald. James Cappleman's ward. "He was a huge supporter of the World Series, so we really wanted to do something for the kids in his ward," Cappas said.
Second, in conjunction with Imagination Theatre, the committee will be funding anti-bullying programs in the three suburbs where games took place, through their respective park districts.
Third, in conjunction with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), it will launch LGBT sports programs for youth, possibly including clinics. Cappas said they might be held at the Center on Halsted.
"We are very proud of the success of the tournament," Cappas said. "We've always talked about making this event more than just about softball, and leaving a lasting impact on the community. I think we are."
Cappas also confirmed the results of the economic impact study performed by Hunden Strategic Partners, done during the Series. He said that the Series had near-$5 million impact on the city and the surrounding communities.
Cappas said there were more than 250 volunteers aiding the tournament, working more than 2,500 volunteer hours during the week. "We were pleasantly surprised with the commitment from the communitypeople from the city [of Chicago] and also from the suburbs," Cappas said. "We were nervous that we weren't going to be able to get people to go out to the suburbs during the week to work, but we never have any problems. The community really stepped up."
Cappas also confirmed that more than $20,000 was raised during the week for Ben Cohen's StandUp Foundation.