Plans for the Chicago Football Classic in September are almost final. But it was what came out of last year’s game that was the highlight for officials at Chicago Public Schools. Founders of the annual college football game between two Historically Black
“We’ve made a commitment of $10,000 from last year’s proceeds to fund this school year’s CPS scholarship program,” Larry Huggins, founder and CEO of Riteway Construction and the CFC, said April 10 at the Classic’s tailgate reception at Soldier Field.
The annual event is about more than just providing sports entertainment, it’s about exposing students to the opportunities that await them after high school, said Huggins, a CPS graduate. “This is really about children and helping them continue their education.
Scholarships of all kinds helps students a great deal,” Huggins said before him and CFC co-founder, Everett Rand, presented the gift to Rufus Williams, president of the Chicago Board of Education. Williams, who spent a great deal of time during the reception talking to members of Julian High School’s band, echoed Huggins’ sentiments, and shared his personal experiences about the impact a scholarship of any amount can make for a student.
After high school Williams had to attend junior college for one semester because there weren’t adequate funds for him to go elsewhere. But the next semester, he was able to enroll in Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. “When I got there, it cost me $964.50 for room and board, and a five-day meal ticket. I got by on the weekends with Vienna sausage and Goobers. It was enough to get me started and keep me going,” the school board’s president said.
“So, this $10,000 is a lot.” Huggins and Rand hope that proceeds from this year’s yet-to-be announced match-up will increase next year’s gift to CPS. “It’s all about education. The ideal level we try to shoot for is between $30,000 and $40,000 for the scholarship fund,” Huggins and Rand said.
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