Written by ChicagoDefender. Check out the original article here

The Chicago Sky and IlliniCare Health presented three-time GRAMMY® Award winner Chance the Rapper with the Community Hero Award during the Sky half-time show of the IlliniCare Music and Kids Game on June 26 at Wintrust Arena. The IlliniCare Music and Kids game aimed to celebrate the work of Chance the Rapper and his commitment to the Chicagoland community.

“IlliniCare Health is dedicated to be more than just a health plan to our members and the communities we serve,” said Leslie Naamon, IlliniCare Health CEO. “We believe in the power of working alongside local partners such as Chicago Sky Cares and are proud to recognize the powerful work of Chance the Rapper through his Youth Empowerment Charity, SocialWorks.”

Following the award, Chance presented a scholarship to a deserving City Colleges of Chicago student. The game featured his music, as well as an opening performance by the Kids of the Kingdom choir, from Chance’s SocialWorks.

“It is important that organizations like ours, support communities that are often overlooked and underserved,” said Nicole Childers, Director, Sky Cares Foundation. “We believe exposing youth to new possibilities is one way we can transform the community. The impact of Chance the Rapper’s innovation through SocialWorks holds true to inspiring creativity and building dreams.”

As the presenting sponsor, IlliniCare Health provided roundtrip transportation for over 150 Boys and Girls Club students to attend the game. Proceeds from the sponsorship went towards Chicago Sky Cares, SocialWorks’ Kids of the Kingdom summer program and Old Town School of Music Pre-school wiggles program. IlliniCare Health was also recognized as the official Sky Cares Legacy Partner with a plaque recognition on the in-arena Sky Cares Community Legacy Wall.

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