Zech Gilbert’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program project, Purpose Driven Sports, began with a realization that not all professional athletes are making headlines by getting in trouble somewhere. Many of them are quietly making a difference int their communities. Gilbert, who is president of the Chicagosporting.com website, got the idea to honor those worthy athletes and their contributions to the community. He got the Chicago Sporting team behind the Purpose Driven Sports project, and their first event on August 10th will raise money for Chicago Hope Academy, a non-denominational, Christian Chicago school dedicated to nurturing mind, body and spirit in each student and committed to teaching students to give back to society.

Chicago Sporting vice president Deborah Martinez has taken the project to the next level–Specifically she has conducted an interview each week with a celebrity athlete that has contributed powerfully to their community, some of whom will appear at the August 10th fundraiser. Her interviews have been with Jason McKie, a Chicago Bears fullback, Tai Street, a former NFL wide receiver, and Jerry Azumah, a Chicago television personality and former Chicago Bears cornerback.

The August 10th event is taking place from 2:00 – 6:00pm at the Chicago Hope Academy on 2012 W. Ogden Ave. in Chicago. Admission is $20, and money will also be raised from a silent auction that features autographed memorabilia from Chicago area athletes and celebrities. Some celebrities, including McKie, Azuma and former Chicago Bear Qasim Mitchell, will speak at the event. To read the interviews or get more information, visit the Chicago Sporting website, or contact Deborah Martinez directly at 716-912-3406 or [email protected].