We're There When You Need Us
Each year that passes is another year further away from 9/11. In the hearts and minds of Chicago’s firefighters, the travesty happened just yesterday. Every time they go on a call, they know there’s a chance they may not return. On that Tuesday morning in 2001, that quiet prayer first responders keep to themselves, became loud and clear as the World Trade Center towers fell. We all knew in our hearts that many people had just died. We knew that many firefighters were in the buildings and we knew what they were attempting to do. Our firefighters make a career of risking their lives to save the lives of others. The dedication displayed by 343 firefighters who died on that fateful morning in September is equaled only by that of their brothers and sisters in their ranks – to safeguard our families and neighborhoods every day with courage and uncompromising devotion.
After 9/11, Americans everywhere proudly flew their flags of stars and stripes, encouraging our nation to come together. It only then occurred to us that we were not prepared to handle such large devastation on our City’s own ground, like that at Ground Zero. In June 2003, Ignite the Spirit was established to aid and assist Chicago’s first responders and their families in their time of need, despite their rank or assignment. Ignite the Spirit was designed to lend a hand to families needing immediate financial support, regardless of hardship. Hardship hits when and where we least expect it to. Not once since our inception five years ago could we have envisioned the tremendous impact Ignite the Spirit has made on CFD families. [Read More ]
Recent News
October 31, 2008 | Southside Calendar Kick Off Party
We are holding the southside kickoff calendar party at Bourbon St 3359 West 115 Street on Friday Nov 28 starting at 8:00. The cost for the event will cost $30.00 at the door and that will get you beer, wine, food and pop till 12:00. We will also have the Larkin Brothers to entertain us throughout the night. The 2009 calendar boys will be on hand to sell and sign all calendars purchased. So come out and enjoy a action packed night with Ignite the Spirit and the men of the 2009 firefighter calendar. [ More Info ]
October 11, 2008 | Northside Calendar Kick Off Party
Ignite the Spirit is celebrating the 2009 Fireman Calendar with a kick off party at Cubby Bear 1059 West Addison, November 1st 2008 from 6:00 to 10:00. The cost is $20.00 per person that will get you beer, wine and pop. The 2009 calendar boys will be on hand so come on out and and meet some of Chicago's Bravest. We will also have t-shirts and caledars to sell at the event and on request you can get it signed by your favorite month. Hope to see you there. [ More Info ]
October 8, 2008 | Fund Raiser For Pat Reardon's Daughter
On November 10th there will be a fundraiser for 10 year old Kayla Reardon, who has a rare form of cancer. It is taking place at the Cubby Bear. Tickets are available in advance or at the door for $30. There will be live music, a raffle, food, split the pot, and door prizes. [ More Info ]
August 14, 2008 | Trek Around The Lake
We are planning a cancer awareness bike ride that will take us around Lake Michigan in early spring of 2009. The ride will be a 12 day 900 mile ride that will take us up through Michigan and back down through Wisconsin. This ride will be Ignite the Spirit's way of helping with the fight against child cancer. This terrible disease in one way or another has touched us all so this ride will be one way to help donate to cancer research and maybe a cure someday. Anyone interested in finding out more info or to donate send us a email at ignitethespirit.org.
August 14, 2008 | Fireman's Ball
The 2nd Annual Fireman's Ball will be held in April 2009, stay tuned for more info to follow. The exact date and location are being worked out.
