I am excited to support the Next Generation Campaign so we can continue to provide an exceptional curling experience increase our reach in exposing the world of curling! Curling has provided my wife Kim and I the opportunity to spend time together, be competitive, exercise, and to meet some amazing people! But whether you are young or old...new or experienced...competitive or social, curling has something to offer for everyone and the Next Generation Campaign will help us share that message and allow us to maintain our tradition-rich facility to provide the same experience for future generations.

The opportunity we have to introduce curling to more people and improve our facility to continue attract curlers from around the world is phenomenal. I'm excited to be part of this growth initiative!

Membership in the club is referred to in our household as "The best Xmas present ever!" as my wife, Ellen, couldn't find an opening in a Learn2Curl and signed us up directly as members of the club. We immediately jumped into leagues, bonspiels and volunteering. Now, six years later, we have a set of great, life-long friends throughout the Midwest and have traveled extensively to curl around the world. There is not a sport that connects competition and socialization better than curling.

I've had the good fortune to curl with sons of current and former CCC members, and I hope one day my son will curl with me and my friends. For that to happen, I am happy to fund the future of curling in Chicagoland.

It is hard to put into words what the Chicago curling community means to me as it has become such an integral part of my life since throwing my first stones 6 years ago with my husband at a Learn2Curl. Curling provides me with an opportunity to bond with people of all ages and backgrounds, while still being able to compete at any level. For two hours, no other life distractions matter; it is my sanctuary, and these people are my family. To me, there was never a question on whether or not to donate; this campaign will ensure that curling in Chicago can continue to impact others like my husband and myself for generations to come.

One of our main goals at Greenbriar Elementary is to provide our students the opportunity to experience a wide variety of activities, especially activities that may be considered somewhat “atypical”. Curling fits perfectly into this category. We are very fortunate to have a curling nearby with a team that is motivated to educate kids and to grow the sport. We hope to continue to provide this experience for our incoming 5th grade students. Curling has a rich history and traditions. It’s an Olympic sport, it’s a great challenge, it’s fun and it promotes fitness. All of these factors provide our students a wonderful learning experience. We cannot thank the team at the Chicago Curling Club enough for openings it’s doors and sharing their knowledge with our students! Their instruction was simple and effective. Our students were challenged and engaged at all times. They truly loved the curling experience!

My husband and I have been members since 1975. SInce then, curling has been an integral part of our lives and we have been active most of that time filing many positions. Curling is truly a family affair. My parents were curlers and our two sons curled while in school; one is still a member and his son is now a junior curler. We’re looking forward to finding a bonspiel for our 3-generation team.

Curling is a sport for all ages and all demeanors. Whether you are every bit as competitive as an Olympian or a recreational player who enjoys the camaraderie of an evening with friends, curling is for you. The Capital Campaign will ensure that the general public in the Chicagoland area can begin to enjoy this great sport, and to provide opportunities for young and old, active and handicapped, and dedicated curlers to participate for decades to come. Come curl, volunteer, and broomstack with us! Curling is the winter opportunity of and for a lifetime.

When I see the new curlers, I'm reminded of how excited and welcomed I felt when I first started curling thirty years ago. My pledge is my legacy to our new generation of curlers. Please join me in celebrating the joy of curling - may the Chicago Curling Club continue for another 70 years and beyond! Good Curling!