Tuesday (9/8) night, CBS2 Chicago’s Ryan Baker asked Chicago Bears’ Matt Forte, “why he’s become so vested in Chicago and trying to make a difference and an impact in the community?” to which Forte responded “In the media and papers, Chicago is painted in a bad light, as an athlete who these young kids look up to I have to do things, similar to this event, to set a good example for them.”
No this wasn’t a post practice interview or discussion about his contract extension, no, this was Chicago Paints The World an event benefiting What’s Your Forte Foundation and World Sport Chicago. The event showcased a variety of one-of-a-kind works of art all done by current or former athletes and Chicago celebrities such as Olympic medalist Aja Evans, former Bears Jerry Azumah, Jason Davis, Isreal Idonije, current players Matt Forte, Martellus Bennet, Bill & Giuliana Rancic, Lupe Fiasco and LaRoyce Hawkins that guests had the opportunity to bid on.
As the silent auction portion of the night wound down and guests such as Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Les Coney, Marina Squerciati & Brian Geraghty of Chicago PD, George Daniels, Regina Daniels mingled, Eliot of Artbeat live began his live painting performance which would later on be auctioned off that evening by NBC’s Marley Kayden.
Following the live painting, it was on to the live auction as Martellus Bennett took over auctioneer duties. Some of the guests in attendance supported the cause by bidding on the pieces, though wished to have seen a lot more of them raise their hands and bid higher seeing as it was for a great cause. Did you know that each kid involved with the foundation received a $200 gift card so they could have a fresh pair of outfit to go back to school in?
The event raised more than $30,000. The top 25 bidders of the evening were treated to a special Louis XIII tasting following as well as a chance to bid on one final piece which was a portrait of Forte.
photo credit: Marlon Taylor of Cover-Art Creative; Michael Patton
