Chicago Bears staff, in conjunction with PNC, the Official Bank of the Bears, participated in a volunteer project for El Valor as a part of the Paws for a Cause program on Friday, June 24th. El Valor is a non-profit community-based organization that strives for a community in which all members, including individuals with special needs, can live, learn and work. Paws for a Cause addresses the need to support deserving children and families through direct volunteer efforts. This program encourages everyone to take time out of their busy schedules to actively make a difference in the lives of people who are most in need.

Nearly 100 Bears and PNC Bank employees participated in a wide variety of projects including demolition of an old playground to preface installation of new equipment, sanding and painting a large fence, planting flowers and cleaning windows. Additionally there were roughly 200 children on-site and many volunteers helped out with activities such as face painting, canvas painting, ring toss, and other crafts. To conclude the day, volunteers cooled off with the kids as PNC brought their ice cream truck on-site for an ice cream social.

El Valor's mission is to support and challenge urban families to achieve excellence and participate fully in community life. Their programs exist to enrich and empower people with disabilities, the disenfranchised and the underserved. El Valor, meaning "courage", from its roots in the Hispanic community, has grown into a multicultural, multipurpose organization that reaches thousands of families throughout the Chicagoland area.

Rey Gonzalez, President and CEO of El Valor, said El Valor is honored to partner with the Chicago Bears and PNC Bank. "The collaborative approach is focused on environmental stewardship, educational achievement, and physical activity," said Gonzalez. "These three elements ensure future generations can grow, learn, and find success."

Craig Esko, Senior Vice President at PNC Bank, believed working with El Valor was a great fit for both PNC and the Bears.

"When PNC became the Official Bank of the Chicago Bears last year, a commitment between the two organizations was established to support the community. Bringing El Valor into this equation was a natural fit, given its mission to support children and families in need."

For more information on El Valor, visit www.elvalor.org.