Brothers use sports to reach out to kids

The story goes that the three Danilkowicz brothers were playing basketball when they were inspired to help less privileged kids through their collective love of sports. Athlete's CARE, a nonprofit organization in its eighth year, began to take shape during that typical afternoon.

The brothers connected with Kids Hope United in Lake Villa where a residential program for boys from unstable and unsafe homes is housed.

"We just wanted to do something fun that had a social impact so we came to the conclusion to try to incorporate sports," said Jack Danilkowicz, who was 14 when he helped found Athlete's CARE.

In May, Athlete's CARE was awarded the 2009 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago chapter.

Barbara Tieder co-chaired the event and was on the committee that voted for Athlete's CARE, originally nominated by Kids Hope United. The committee was particularly impressed with the group's commitment and eagerness to help the residents of Kids Hope United.

"Here's a bunch of kids in their early teens, figuring out who they are and what they want to do in their lives who understood the importance of giving back to the community and not doing it because they had to," Tieder said.

At a luncheon ceremony held on May 15, Jack Danilkowicz accepted the award on the organization's behalf.

Although all three brothers are now in colleges across the country, they remain involved in the program during the summers when most of the events take place. Jack attends University of Virginia and is on the varsity wrestling team, George attends North Dakota State University and plays football, and Ricky attends Johns Hopkins University and also plays football.

Athlete's CARE focuses on forming friendships with Kids Hope United's residents through activities the residents would not normally get to do. The activities range from playing basketball or lacrosse to going on outings to places like Northwestern University wrestling matches, the movies, water parks and the batting cages. Athlete's CARE has benefited over 40 residents in eight years.

The original intention of bonding with kids through sports soon became much more. The volunteers and residents began to form close friendships that do not always come easy to residents at Kids Hope United. Through playing sports and going on outings, everlasting relationships have formed and impacted the community.

"To be able to witness the blending is very rewarding. It reminds me of what we do by seeing the kids who live here and trying to connect them to the larger community," said Joyce Heneberry, Kids Hope United director of development.

Athlete's CARE gets free or reduced admission from many local businesses, but individuals in the community also privately sponsor events. The program is at no cost to Kids Hope United. Since Athlete's CARE began eight years ago, it has drawn volunteers from a handful of high school students from Libertyville and Vernon Hills.

"The longevity shows that not only does it (Athlete's CARE) work but that it's important. It's gratifying to know that something we've done so long ago is still going on today," said Jack Danilkowicz.

The Danilkowicz brothers are not satisfied to rest on their laurels. Jack is working on establishing a chapter at University of Virginia and Ricky is doing the same at Johns Hopkins University. Both hope to get varsity athletes to help kids in similar situations to the ones at Kids Hope United. Jack and Ricky are now focused on jumping the bureaucratic hoops to get programs up and running.

Jack Danilkowicz looks back on one particular incident that has made the whole thing worth it to him.

"One of the biggest, most rewarding moments was during my last home wrestling match (at Libertyville High School)," Jack Danilkowicz said. "Eighteen of the residents came and to be able to look up and see their eyes and see that they cared showed that the program was a success and that we had a positive influence on their lives."

Teens interested in participating in Athlete's CARE can contact Joan Danilkowicz at Joanb151@aol.com or Hope Babowice at jhopecom@att.net.