HISTORY

The origin of the Inner-City Education (ICE) Program is unique. In 2002, a Chicago team of 13-14 year olds began its hockey season with a “0 & 6” record. Through teamwork and persistence, the team finished the regular season with a winning record and went on to win the Illinois Northwest Hockey League, Division 3 Championship. Apart from its record, this team was special: nearly half of the team lived on the impoverished West Side of Chicago in some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city. One player lived with his three younger brothers and their mother in very difficult circumstances. Another player lived with his twelve siblings in a ramshackle building on the West Side. A third has been homeless on occasion and another was a ward of the state. All have a love of hockey.

Many of these players were introduced to ice hockey during the prior several years in a pick-up program in Garfield Park (Chicago).  Several of those children quickly developed a passion for the game and were invited to play organized hockey by Coach Brad Erickson.  While coaching this diverse group of student athletes, Brad recognized the need for, and first proposed the concept of, the ICE Program to Howard Birnberg.  Ultimately founded in 2003, the ICE Program presently has six student athletes attending highly regarded high schools schools.  It is our goal to provide funding for the education of many more disadvantaged players.

We are currently accepting donations toward 2008-2009 scholarships.

Your support of the ICE Program helps to ensure the future of these children in need. Please send your check payable to the “Inner-City Education Program” in any amount you feel appropriate.  The ICE mailing address is:

ICE Program

c/o Russell Brenner
350 North LaSalle Street, Suite 800
Chicago, IL 60610

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Thank you,
INNER-CITY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Russell Brenner, Chairman
312-640-9025 - office

312-640-9021 - Fax

email: RBrenner@SynEq.com