On December 14, 2023, students from the Galileo Scholastic Academy in Little Italy had the opportunity to engage with players from the Chicago Bulls during a festive holiday event held at the United Center. The gathering featured video games, basketball, and pizza, all part of the team’s annual Season of Giving initiative.
The event, which included 15 young basketball players, kicked off with an exclusive viewing of a team practice at the Advocate Center. Following the practice, the students participated in a friendly competition against Bulls players in NBA 2K26. This interactive experience allowed students to connect with their sports idols in a relaxed environment, something many said they had only dreamed of.
Students enjoyed not only the games but also received gifts, including gaming equipment and Bulls merchandise. Players such as Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis mingled with the students, creating memorable moments. Eighth-grader Amarius Wash expressed his excitement, stating, “My heart dropped. Every time I was around NBA players, I just got excited even more.” Wash, who plays a wing position for his school team, commented that the experience inspired him to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA.
Galileo counselor Katie Shoemaker noted the significance of the event for her students. “To see [the team] really puts a human aspect to it,” she explained. “They are superstars, but they’re also regular humans who play their PlayStations.”
The event resonated with Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu, who grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood. He remarked, “I looked up to the Bulls, the United Center, because that was my home team. So just being here, casually coming in on a Thursday to interact with kids means a lot to me. The community is what it’s all about.”
The Season of Giving campaign has a history of making a positive impact, having benefited over 1,300 young people last year alone. The Bulls partnered with 34 community organizations to reach more children in need. This year, the team aims to surpass those figures while continuing to focus on community development, especially on the West Side.
“The West Side, it’s our home, it’s where we’ve always been and want to make sure that we’re taking care of them,” said Adrienne Scherenzel, Bulls vice president of community engagement. She highlighted the ongoing 1901 Project, a construction initiative designed to spur further development in the area.
As the event concluded, the enthusiasm of the students and players alike demonstrated the profound impact of such community-oriented efforts. The Bulls continue to embody their commitment to fostering connections and uplifting local youth, making a meaningful difference during the holiday season and beyond.
