UIC Athletes Spread Holiday Cheer At Annual Hospital Party

Dec. 14, 2005

Chicago, Ill. - On Dec. 12th the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated the holiday season with young patients and their families at the department's annual Hospital Party at the University of Illinois Medical Center on the west side of campus.

The event featured the biggest turnout ever in the history of the party, as 133 UIC student-athletes and 27 staff members attended the party to bring gifts and spend time with children receiving medical care at the hospital.

Many of the volunteers also opted to donate blood at the blood drive held at the hospital during the event.

In addition to spending time with the children and their families, numerous UIC teams and staff members made donations for gifts to give to the kids.

"The 133 student-athletes and 27 staff members in attendance represent the largest volunteer group effort in UIC Athletics history," said UIC Associate Athletic Director Denny Wills. "This makes me proud to be a UIC staff member."

Story provided by John Jaramillo, UIC Sports Information