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About The Wood Family Foundation
The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in June 2011 by Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife, Sarah. The WFF works to improve the lives of children in and around Chicago by raising funds and awareness for its children’s programs and other children’s charities they support. The WFF acts as an advocate for children in the Chicago community, inspiring others to join them in their mission.
Despite the curveballs that may come their way, every child should be given a chance in life, regardless of resources, opportunity or geography.
That’s why the Wood Family Foundation prides itself as an advocate for Chicago area children, providing support not just on a one-time basis, but through long-term relationships with kids and their communities, ensuring the consistency and emotional structure they need to succeed.
We believe all kids have potential. We’re here to give them a chance to step up to the plate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax=”1″ parallax_image=”5389″ css=”.vc_custom_1439831652198{background-image: url(https://pitchinchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/donate.jpg?id=5389) !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Pitch In – Donate Today
By choosing to Pitch In, you will help our Mentee Roster reach their full potential. Donations will provide students with school and arts supplies, healthy afterschool snacks, educational workbooks, monthly family dinners, and other various materials needed for students to succeed. Gifts of any amount will help change a child’s life. Together We Win.
- Pitch In for School Supplies $50 – Provides new school supplies for a student
- Healthy Snacks $100 – Provides nutritious afterschool snacks
- Student Pledge $3,000 – Supports a student in Pitch In
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Wood Family Foundation Programs
Pitch In Mentoring Program
We are so excited to share with you Pitch In, an after-school mentoring program that will launch in October 2014 at a school within one of our four neighborhoods.
A child’s potential should never be underestimated, especially during that crucial time before teenhood, when they start making choices for themselves, gaining experience and forging their way toward a meaningful life.
Our goal is to provide families with the real and committed guidance they need to ensure and secure all opportunities that are waiting for their child.
Click here to download a Mentor/Volunteer application.
Please email your completed application to
Alex Scheidemantel or mail it to:
Wood Family Foundation
121 W. Wacker Suite 619
Chicago, IL 60601
Wood Family Foundation Baseball Clinic
Each summer the Wood Family Foundation conducts a free week-long baseball clinic for approximately 300 children. The clinic takes place in Englewood at beautiful Ogden Park. We are so thankful for our partners that help us engage the community’s youth through baseball. Without coaching staff from Lil’Sluggers, The Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Police Department and the local alderman, our work would not be possible! Throughout the week clinic participants learn the fundamentals of baseball as well as the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork. WFF provides healthy meals throughout the day and a pizza party to celebrate the end of the clinic.
The baseball clinic is a special time for all of the Wood Family Foundation team members to bond with participants over an extended period of time while serving as the foundation of a long-term and impactful relationship.
Warm Wishes
Each December the Wood Family Foundation hand selects an exceptional school in one of four target neighborhoods — Lawndale, Englewood, Humboldt Park and Austin — as our Warm Wishes recipient. Just before the school’s holiday break, each student receives a gift bag filled with a new winter coat, hats, gloves and scarves, and one-to-two gifts selected especially for them. On the day of gift distribution WFF transforms the auditorium into a winter wonderland with fake snow, elves and Santa as we spread holiday cheer and celebrate the school’s success.
The Kerry & Sarah Wood Family Foundation Scholarship
The Kerry and Sarah Wood Family Foundation Scholarship was established in 2013 to benefit graduating seniors in the Austin, Englewood, Humboldt Park and Lawndale neighborhoods.
In May 2013, Gabriella Santoyo became our first recipient. Gaby is enrolled in a full-time course of study at UIC and lives on campus. All tuition, fees, assessments, books and room and board are included, along with a laptop computer. She receives housing during the summer to allow participation in summer coursework, undergraduate research, an internship or study abroad.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]