97 Year-Old WWII Vet Returns to Wrigley Field to See Cubs in World Series

CHICAGO--()--When the Chicago Cubs take the field on Friday, October 28 for the third game of the 2016 World Series, Jim Schlegel, a 97 year old World War II veteran, will be sitting in a first row seat with his son, thanks to his granddaughter, and Marcus Lemonis, Chairman and CEO of Camping World and Good Sam Enterprises, and star of “The Profit,” a CNBC reality show.

Schlegel had waited 71 years to see the Cubs back in the World Series, and had actually been at Chicago's Wrigley Field after return from Pearl Harbor in 1945 to witness it firsthand. But who could afford tickets with prices soaring and out of reach for most fans? Wanting to surprise her grandfather, Schlegel’s granddaughter Helen set up a GoFundMe page, seeking donations to raise $10,000 for two tickets to the game. In turn, Marcus Lemonis, who had already been looking for a Cubs Fan with whom he could share his front row seats, saw the story and contacted Schlegel’s family to offer his own tickets. By that time, the GoFundMe page had already received more donations than were needed and the family has decided to donate 100% of the pledged donations to the Purple Heart Foundation for their use in providing services to Veterans and their families, especially those who have been wounded in combat. Following the Schlegel family's selfless generosity, Marcus Lemonis has indicated he will match their donation to the Purple Heart Foundation.

About the Purple Heart Foundation

The Purple Heart Foundation, in conjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), provides emotional, physical, educational and financial support for wounded and disabled veterans, to help improve their lives. Programs include suicide prevention, support for veterans with brain injuries, counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and assistance for women’s health issues – all common challenges for veterans. The Purple Heart Foundation provides scholarships, family assistance, claims assistance and employment training. Family members also get support, learning how to help disabled veterans to cope with their physical, emotional and behavioral challenges. For more information or to donate, visit www.PurpleHeartFoundation.org.

Contacts

Purple Heart Foundation
John Bircher
publicrelations@purpleheart.org

Release Summary

97 year old World War II veteran in first row at third World Series Game thanks to granddaughter and Marcus Lemonis,

Contacts

Purple Heart Foundation
John Bircher
publicrelations@purpleheart.org