Caption by Ashmar Mandou
The Chicago Fire Foundation, the charitable arm of Chicago Fire FC, held its 2025 Annual Season kickoff luncheon on Tuesday, presented by Magellan Corporation, which offered fans an opportunity meet the entire 2025 Chicago Fire First Team and coaching staff, while helping to raise funds for the Club’s P.L.AY.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program presented by Meridian. “It is important for Meridian, a managed care organization in Illinois, to meet our members where they are – for some of our youngest members and the community, that’s on the soccer field. Providing support for social and emotional growth helps young people learn the importance of goal-setting, self-confidence, self-control, responsibility, communication, relationships, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. These skills help children with mental wellbeing as they grow, learn, and adopt these values,” said Meridian’s Vice President Marketing and Communications Allison Morgan-Cook.
Meridian is the Exclusive Healthcare Plan Partner of Chicago Fire FC and the presenting partner of the P.L.A.Y.S. program, which is dedicated to improving the academic performance and development of key social and emotional (SEL) skills of elementary school students through a sports-based curriculum. During the luncheon, which was held at the Swissôtel Chicago, the P.L.A.Y.S Program was highlighted, stating more than 1,400 students participate each year from 60 Chicago Public Schools and although Chicago is one of the top three major cities with highest crime, research conducted shows 90 percent of PLAYS participants feel safe in the program. “As a Club, our goal on the field is to play hard and win. Off the field, our goal is to contribute to the quality of life in Chicago and its surrounding communities,” said Chicago Fire Foundation Executive Director Jessica Yavitz. “Through the Chicago Fire Foundation and its programs, we’ve been able to enhance the lives of thousands of youths across the region. Events such as our Annual Season Kickoff Luncheon – along with the support of our wonderful partners – allow the Foundation to its work and to ensure that we’re able to make an impact throughout our city for years to come.”
Photo Credit: Meridian and the Chicago Fire Foundation
