Johnny Knox, Lance Louis to Host Fundraiser in Algonquin

Two Chicago Bears players are trying to make an impact in the lives of others and part of that is happening here in Algonquin.

On Monday, Dec. 5, Johnny Knox and Lance Louis, alongside the Burgess family of Barrington, will host an evening of dinner and bowling at the , 1611 S. Randall Road.

Through Knox’s foundation, Johnny’s Opportunity Knox, the event aims to raise between $150,000 and $200,000 to help families in New Orleans and Africa. Proceeds will be split between the two players' respective causes.

Louis' goal is to raise enough money to provide children with free football camps and encourage them to participate in other sports-related activities, while Knox wants to dig water wells in drought-stricken Africa and provide hearing aids and medical treatment. In March, Knox and several athletes and celebrities will make their way to Africa with the money raised to help in as many areas as possible.

The wide receiver and the offensive lineman won’t be the only Bears players in attendance. Wayne Jett, owner of Sideline Marketing, the company that is putting on the event, said he expects at least 25 players to be there, supporting the causes.

“All the wide receivers, the entire offensive line and Caleb Hanie will be there, plus more,” Jett said.

You can meet the players yourself, if you are willing to pony up the money. There are still six lanes open, with up to five people per lane, Jett said. The cost to bowl is $300 per person. There will be a live auction with several high-end items up for bid, including tickets to the ESPY’s, a cruise and a first-class round-trip flight to anywhere in the world.

For more information, call Sideline Marketing at 1-815-529-3447.

• Look at photos and a video from the Pros Bowl for Brandon fundraiser held at Algonquin Brunswick Zone XL this past January.