Elgin, Schaumburg police take on McDonald's restaurant owner in charity softball game to benefit NWSRA

A local McDonald's owner-operator, Bear Family Restaurants, and Elgin and Schaumburg police departments recently came together for a friendly, yet competitive, game of slowpitch softball to raise money for the Northwest Special Recreation Association.

For the fourth year, the game had a new home at Wintrust Field, home of the Schaumburg Boomers.

"We are excited to partner with Bear Family Restaurants on this great event. It's an honor to be a part of this community opportunity and raise donations for the NWSRA," said Michael Larson, executive vice president and general manager of the Schaumburg Boomers.

The game was hosted by the energetic voices and personalities of Kenzie & Roman, co-creators and co-hosts of "The MVP Game" on Marquee Sports Network. They emceed the event and kept the crowd excited and engaged throughout the game.

The game on the field went back and forth between the Bears from Bear Family Restaurants and the Elgin and Schaumburg police departments. It had many home runs and big plays and came down to the bottom of the 7th, with the Bears getting their first win of the series with a walk-off home run.

The Elgin Police Department began this game in 2019 with Bear Family Restaurants, but it grew larger this year by involving several other area first responders as well.

"On behalf of the Elgin Police Department, we would like to thank Bear Family Restaurants, Schaumburg PD, Schaumburg FD, Bloomingdale PD, and all of our community partners," said Sergeant Rick Demierre of the Elgin Police Department. "Most importantly, we would like to say thank you to the citizens we serve that continue to work with us in the effort to build stronger community relationships and raise much-needed funds for a special organization, NWSRA."

The event raised $5,250 which included 100% of ticket sales, raffle ticket sales with items donated from several local companies, and additional donations by the Elgin Police Department and Bear Family Restaurants.

"We could not have been more grateful for everyone who came out to support this great event," said Tracey Crawford, executive director of NWSRA. "Bear Family Restaurants, the Elgin Police and Schaumburg Police Departments do such great work supporting our communities, and for them to choose to donate the proceeds to NWSRA to support children and adults living with disabilities - we are so incredibly thankful."

The Northwest Special Recreation Association enriches the lives of children and adults with disabilities as a partnership of 17 park districts within the Northwest suburbs by providing recreational opportunities.

The family-friendly atmosphere at the ballpark also offered concessions, music provided by the Schaumburg High School band, community partner booths, face painting, mascots, and giveaways.

"We are so grateful and appreciative of Sergeant Rick Demierre and the entire Elgin Police Department. Their commitment to our community is unmatched, and our partnership is building exposure for valuable organizations and the incredible work they do," said David Bear, president of Bear Family Restaurants.

"Each year we are growing attendance and contributions. Thank you to the Schaumburg Boomers for providing this exceptional venue," Bear said. "Whether we win or lose - and this year we won! - the community always wins. We are already beginning the planning for next year's event."