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November 1, 2001
Naperville, Ill. - Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS), proud energy provider to the Chicago Bears, and the Salvation Army will be at Soldier Field this Sunday, November 4, in an effort to raise money for the Sharing program and other Salvation Army programs. In place since 1983, Sharing is a bill-payment assistance program that is administered by the Salvation Army. Everyone from Nicor employees, customers and the general public is encouraged to make donations that are matched by Nicor Gas up to $200,000 annually. Proceeds are used to make one-time grants to families in need of assistance paying their gas bills for the current heating season.
"Bears fans know all too well what it takes to withstand a heating season in this area," said Julian Brown, Nicor's director of community relations. "Who better to go for help for families in need of assistance paying their gas bills than families who can understand their plight? The Bears are one of the strongest, most recognized staples in our local community, and we're thrilled to have this opportunity to set up at Soldier Field and tell people more about how they can help."
This Sunday's outreach includes having traditional Salvation Army kettles and bell ringers stationed inside Soldier Field at gates six and 16. Positioned near Salvation Army representatives will be information booths where people can learn more about the Sharing program. Nicor also will host several free drawings for NFL footballs and Bears baseball caps signed by Dennis McKinnon of the 1985 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears. In addition, patrons of the booths will be given a free limited edition photo entitled "A Salute to Soldier Field," an 8x10 glossy commemorating the historic stadium before renovation breaks ground in 2002.
Salvation Army disperses funds to qualifying persons as a one-time grant of up to $150 toward payment of their gas bills. Since 1983, Sharing has allocated more than $11 million to help nearly 70,000 people. Sharing and the Salvation Army will equally split all proceeds raised on Nov. 4.
"We're in the midst of some incredibly challenging times," said Brown. "Many people are facing sudden unemployment and will be in need of help paying their gas bills during the heating season. Those people, along with others who are in need, will be counting on our generosity this winter."
About Nicor, Inc. Nicor (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company. Its principal businesses are Nicor Gas, one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies, and Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region. Nicor also owns several unregulated energy-related businesses and is a partner in Nicor Energy, a retail energy marketer. For more information, visit the Nicor website at www.nicor.com. |
