The Mississippi Valley Delta Devils play against the Alcorn State Braves in this year’s Chicago Football Classic Sept. 18 at Soldier Field
On Tuesday a historic train made a pit stop in Chicago as it travels the country for charitable causes. The famous Patron Tequila Express pulled in to Union Station in downtown Chicago to lend its support to local entrepreneurs Larry Huggins, president of Riteway/Huggins Construction Co., and brothers Timothy and Everett Rand of Midway Wholesalers, as they prepare for the 11th Annual Chicago Football Classic. Huggins said it is because of sponsors like Patron and others that the Classic has been possible over the last decade. But Patron executives said supporting charitable causes that benefit students is nothing new to them. “We are a big believer in education. We do a lot of charitable events each year and success that is not shared, is success wasted,” said Paul Loftus, state manager for The Patron Spirits Company. That could explain why Patron is among the many sponsors for this year’s Classic game, which benefits Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This year’s game will be held Sept. 18 at Soldier Field and will pit the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils against the Alcorn State University Braves, both of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Last year the Delta Devils defeated the Alabama State Red Devils 10-3 in the Classic. For the past five years Chris Schaffer has been the manager for the Patron Express and describes the railcar as the “Rolls Royce” of trains. “There is no other train like this one. It not only looks good but it rides good and is good to its riders,” Schaffer told the Defender. “Every thing the Patron Express does is for charity.” Among the charities that benefit from the Patron Express is the St. Bernard Project, a non-profit organization in Louisiana, which raises funds to rebuild homes in New Orleans especially in the predominately Black 9th Ward. Most of the residents living in the 9th Ward were displaced in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. Timothy Rand said Patron is a key brand in urban communities, so its no wonder it gives back to those communities. “They are reinventing the market not just with their products but with their charitable support,” Rand told the Defender. And his brother and business partner Everett Rand added that Patron’s support is an annual endeavor. “They are dedicated to the community and has stepped up in a big way,” he said. Built in 1927, the business railcar is 85-feet long and has been restored to its original grandeur. Inside, the train car is fully equipped with a gourmet kitchen, dining room, three staterooms, and an observation room filled with rare textiles and exotic woodcarvings. The car is pulled by Amtrak and can travel anywhere on Amtrak’s 21,000-mile route network, according to Schaffer. During its long history, the rail car has transported the likes of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, musician Huey P. Long and actor Clark Gable. Schaffer added that John Paul DeJoria, founder of The Patr%uFFFDn Spirits Company based in Las Vegas, owns the Patron Train, and DeJoria and his good friend actor Dan Aykroyd travel frequently on it. áCopyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
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