ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

The IRISH AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB is FLOAT NO. 72. We will be meeting at 11:45 AM between 100th and 101st & Western (on the west side of the street). Call Tom 708.642.2584 or Ginger 708.598.4838 for more info.

The South Side Irish Parade Committee is happy to announce that the parade will be honoring the Muscular Dystrophy Association – Chicago Region as our 2009 SSIP Grand Marshal. The MDA is a voluntary health agency and a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

In addition to MDA, we will also be honoring the St. Baldrick’s Fox Chicago Schools Challenge as the 2009 SSIP Special Honoree. Headed up by South Siders Patrick & Katie Elwood, the St. Baldrick’s Fox Chicago Schools Challenge endeavors to raise funds for childhood cancer research through organizing head-shaving fundraising events at area schools. In 2007, the inaugural year of the challenge, approximately $300,000 was raised. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of the Elwoods and other volunteers, that number skyrocketed to almost $1.2 million in 2008. We can’t wait to see what this great organization is able to do in 2009!

Special thanks and recognition to 2008 sponsors:

The Law Offices of Thomas W. Lynch, P.C.
Irish Castle
Shannon Imports
Connor & Gallagher Insurance Services

The Grand Marshall of the parade will be
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The parade will also honor The Beverly Arts Center