As evidenced by the recently posted renderings on this website, there are not enough words to describe the Gale Sayers Center. The two-story building, planned for the greater Chicago area and scheduled to open in Fall 2009, is functional and features an awe-inspiring foyer. The design team of Bailey Edward of Chicago, along with Berglund Construction face the challenge of developing an environmentally friendly structure to meet the needs for the present and future.
Another challenge is raising the necessary funds to pay for this dream. This website includes a link to make donations of any size. Please keep in mind the Gale Sayers Center is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization, making contributions tax-deductible.
A novel way for companies and corporations to donate is to participate in the Gale Sayers Center “40/40 Challenge”. Businesses are encouraged to contribute amounts of $.40, $40, $400, etc. from sales of their goods and services. It can be based on individual or total sales, over a period of time (weekend, week, month, etc.). To find out more about the “40/40 Challenge”, please contact:
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
(847) 391-4819
Together, we can make this dream a reality.
July 8th, 2008
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We are pleased to announce that soon ground-breaking will be held for the Gale Sayers Center. It will be within the city of Chicago, with our location formally announced when negotiations are complete.
The Gale Sayers Center will truly be a “destination location”, easily reached by public transportation.
Two Chicago firms will be involved in the design and construction of the Center. They are Bailey Edwards Architects and Berglund Construction.
More details will follow shortly.
April 22nd, 2008
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damann1 |
Gale Sayers Center, General |
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It is customary at this time of year for new year’s resolutions to be issued. They can be an “outline” of goals to be reached. At the Gale Sayers Center, we too, have resolutions for 2008.
This is the year we will open in our temporary site, while construction begins on our permanent home. The temporary location will afford us the chance to get our programs up and running and enable us to make a difference in the lives of as many children, ages 8-12, in the Chicago area as possible.
Our fundraising continues with enrollment continuing for the Gale Sayers Fantasy Pro Football Camp, June 5-8 in Honolulu, HI. This will be our largest appeal to date and if you’re looking for a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, check out the information and enrollment form on our website. Not only will adult men 21 and older, have an opportunity to suit up, practice and play in a dream role, they will also rub shoulders, get photos and autographs with several Hall of Famers, including Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus. The story-telling alone by the Hall of Famers will be worth the enrollment fee. Hurry, as enrollment should fill up quickly.
Make a resolution yourself to watch the Gale Sayers Center grow. Your support is always welcome. Thanks.
Dave Mann, Executive Director
January 4th, 2008
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Gale Sayers and I recently returned from a planning trip for the Gale Sayers Pro Football Fantasy Camp next June 5-8 in Honolulu, HI. We met with staffers of the Prince Kuhio Hilton Hotel (camp headquarters) along with officials of Aloha Stadium, site of the “big game”. Also on the agenda was a dinner meeting with University of Hawaii head football coach June Jones, less than 48 hours after he wrapped up a perfect 12-0 season. He’ll now be leading the Warriors to their BCS matchup in the Sugar Bowl vs. Georgia. We also met with the coordinators of the “Legends vs. Campers” Outrigger Canoe Race to be held during the camp. This promises to be one of the more fun-filled and exciting camp activities.
Special guests at the camp will include Hall of Famers Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Elvin Bethea, Bobby Bell, Joe DeLameilleure, Lem Barney along with Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams.
Limited spots remain open for the camp. Please call (847) 391-4819 or visit our website at: www.GaleSayersCenter.org
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
December 10th, 2007
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Over the next few days, Gale Sayers and I will be visiting the various sites that will be utilized for the Gale Sayers Fantasy Pro Football Camp next June 5-8 in Honolulu, HI. We’ll be meeting with University of Hawaii head football coach June Jones, who along with members of his staff and Jerry Glanville, will be conducting the physical aspects of the camp for us. June and his Hawaii Warriors are the lone rmenaining undefeated team in the nation and currently hold down the last BCS ranking at #12.
We’ll also be meeting with hotel representatives, ground transportation personnel and medical staffers to ensure that all is ready when we arrive for this unique and memorable experience next June.
And you can be a part of it—-by filling out the application materials at www.GaleSayersCenter.org. It promises to be a great time with drills, chalktalks, film sessions and an actual “championship” flag football game played in beautiful Aloha Stadium. You’ll receive your own personalized jersey, be introduced via the scoreboard and that’s just the beginning!
Imagine meeting the true legends of the game! From Hall of Famers Gale Sayers to Dick Butkus to Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams along with 7 more Hall of Famers will be there to sign autographs, take pictures and tell you stories from their playing days. And, these stories are worth the price of the enrollment fee. Stories you’ll take home to tell your friends and family for a lifetime.
As if that’s not enough, there will be social functions with these legends, just for you and the other campers. One activity that’s creating a stir is the Legends vs. Campers War Canoe Race at Waikiki Beach. If you’ve ever seen one, you’ll know it can be exciting, outrageous and fun. And, it’s all in the spirit of competition and team-building.
This camp is open to men 21 and older. Best of all, the proceeds benefit the Gale Sayers Center and the June Jones Foundation, both of which are 501 (c) (3), non-profit organizations.
Hawaii is a gorgeous location for this camp and remember that thanks to our corporate partners, the Prince Kuhio Hilton Waikiki and United Airlines, you can extend your trip prior to or after camp, and take advantage of special rates and, if the mood gets you, visit other Hawaiian islands as well.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Gale Sayers Center at: (847) 391-4819.
Aloha & Mahalo!
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
November 28th, 2007
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While the Gale Sayers Center will take up residence in June 2008, it will only be a temporary location, until our permanent site is ready. Gale and our board have given thought as to inviting the corporate and construction community to join with us in building our facility.
As a result , we’re issuing a “casting call” for architects, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, masons and others to join our team by donating materials, time and labor in building our permanent home. This is one of the ultimate “labors of love,” where your effort will be going to the children of the Chicago community. No contribution of time, energy or materials is too small. Items needed include furniture, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, paint, etc.
In return, you not only will see our dream fulfilled, but you will be recognized on our “Wall of Remembrance,” which will surround a life-size painting or photo of Gale Sayers.
The Gale Sayers Center is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization. The programs we offer children ages, 8-12, will be free of charge.
Please contact the Gale Sayers Center at (847) 391-4819 to join with Gale Sayers and our team.
In this holiday season and the spirit of giving, we hope you will join us in something truly special for here in Chicago. Stand with us in this unique opportunity to make a difference. Again, to take part, contact us at (847) 391-4819.
Thank you from all of us with the Gale Sayers Center. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
November 21st, 2007
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Thanksgiving Day is a few days away and we at the Gale Sayers Center wish to pause and give thanks for the kindness bestowed upon us. In putting together this ambitious project, we have been most fortunate to have been received kindly by friends, corporations, the media and even, total strangers.
Being “thankful” has new meaning to us. It is what we have and what we are willing to share with the children of the Chicago community that will set us apart. Gale, our board of directors and myself are all dedicated to making the Gale Sayers Center the finest facility of its kind. From the instructors to the curriculum to the eventual permanent facilty, the Gale Sayers Center will exemplify what Gale himself has. That is doing all one can to become the best they can.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to all of you!
Dave Mann, Executive Director
Gale Sayers Center
November 19th, 2007
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Believe it or not, there are now two generations who never saw Pro Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers play. While Wrigley Field’s capacity for football games during the 1960’s was just over 40,000, you could easily find five times that number who will assure you they were there when Gale scored 6 touchdowns against the San Francisco 49′ers on a cold, rainy Sunday in 1965.
Interestingly, on the opposite sideline that day was Bernie Casey, who would later go on to play Gale’s teammate, J.C. Caroline in the Emmy-winning, made-for-TV film, “Brian’s Song”. Bernie has since branched out as an accomplished artist and lecturer.
As much as Gale is remembered for his athletic career, he takes greater pride in his accomplishments away from the playing field. His devotion to children and concern for their future will be highly evident when the Gale Sayers Center opens in June 2008 in Chicago. It will be those children, their parents and future generations who will come to know Gale for what he helped them accomplish away from the sports venues.
Dave Mann, Executive Director
November 7th, 2007
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damann1 |
Gale Sayers Center, Football |
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Much has been written about the Gale Sayers Center locally and nationally. It is here though where you will learn exactly what our programs will be about and why this Center will be important to the children of Chicago.
Teaching our students will be student-interns from major midwest colleges and universities. It is our feeling that our kids will be able to relate better to those closer to their age. It also is hoped these teaching hopefuls will benefit from working with children who have a desire and enthusisam to better themselves.
Our Jr. Toastmasters program has been designed by Gale Sayers, himself. He will oversee and conduct it regularly. The goal of this course is to teach children how to write, craft and deliver all kinds of public speech. They’ll be taught how to “think on their feet”.
Our Mentoring and Motivation program will feature guest professionals from all walks of life who have overcome adversity to become successful. “Not every child can become a professional athlete,” noted Sayers. The GSC’s Mentoring and Motivation program has already received inquiries from corporate executives interested in participating. And some are coming from as far away as California and South Carolina.
What this all goes to show is that the Gale Sayers Center is a labor of love and that a passion is being demonstrated by children, parents, educators and the corporate sector.
Together, it makes a great team!
Dave Mann, Executive Director
November 6th, 2007
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Gale Sayers Center |
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If you haven’t noticed, the reviews are in for Gale Sayers’ new book, “Sayers: My Life and Times” written with the Chicago Tribune’s Fred Mitchell. On Amazon.com purchasers of the book have been enthusiastic about the recently released effort.
Feel free to look them up for yourself and see what others are discovering. It is a refreshing account on today’s athletes, told by one who knows. It will make you pause and think.
Proceeds of the sale of the book go toward the Gale Sayers Center, opening in June 2008.
Dave Mann, Executive Director
November 5th, 2007
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damann1 |
Gale Sayers Center, Football |
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