Cubs fans of all ages eagerly flooded through the marquee entrance at Wrigley Field for the 10th annual CBRE Charity Bash on Monday evening.
This year the event raised nearly $500,000 for CBRE Cares charities as well as the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, Jon Lester’s NVRQT Campaign for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation and Kyle Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes Campaign.
The one-of-a-kind experience allowed nearly 1,600 attendees to explore Wrigley Field in ways that are impossible on game day. Cubs fans were able to take photos along the legendary ivy walls, play catch in the outfield or just simply enjoy the ballpark without the other 41,268 roaring fans. Although, nothing beats sipping a cold beer in the cushioned seats behind home plate as the sun sets over an unusually low-key Wrigley.
Lines to meet Cubs players stretched around the entire field but some early birds scored the chance to get a photo with Jon Lester, Anthony Rizzo, Joe Maddon or Kyle Schwarber.Vendors roamed the field with soft pretzels, hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings. Plenty of popcorn, cotton candy and soft chocolate chip cookies were also handed out.
Last year about $360,000 were raised and about 1,300 guests attended. It was also the first time the fundraiser was held on Wrigley Field.