On Super Bowl Sunday, the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, along with the Des Plaines Theatre, hosted “Mongo Bowl” fundraisers to support Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a retired player for the Chicago Bears and a new inductee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Diagnosed with ALS, the event aimed to raise funds to support McMichael’s 24/7 nursing care. The Arcada and the Des Plaines Theatre both screened replays of the 1986 Super Bowl between the Bears and the New England Patriots, with attendees enjoying the game despite knowing the outcome. In honor of McMichael, employees at the Arcada wore T-shirts with his number, and some attendees wore Devin Hester jerseys to commemorate the kick returner’s induction to the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. Ron Onesti, the president of both theaters, was present with McMichael and his wife when she announced the new hall of famer’s induction. McMichael can now attend the ceremony with the help of a private NFL plane and ambulance, giving him the opportunity to experience the love and respect that he deserves.
Farinella from West Chicago was among the attendees of the Mongo Bowl fundraiser held at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Super Bowl Sunday. The event, which also took place at Des Plaines Theatre, aimed to raise money for Steve “Mongo” McMichael, a former Chicago Bears player battling ALS. Farinella was captured enjoying the 1986 Super Bowl on the theater’s big screen. The fundraiser included the screening of the Super Bowl and showcased Mongo memorabilia on display at the theater. Karie Angell Luc photographed the event for the Daily Herald.
According to Ron Onesti, last year’s Mongo Bowl fundraiser raised approximately $20,000 for Steve “Mongo” McMichael. However, McMichael is still short approximately $60,000 to afford the 24/7 nursing care he needs to receive at home.
Claudia and Bill Gruber, from Naperville, were among the attendees of the Mongo Bowl fundraiser held on Super Bowl Sunday at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The event aimed to raise funds for Steve McMichael, a former Chicago Bears player who is battling ALS. The fundraiser was covered by Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald.
Misty McMichael was not in attendance for the Mongo Bowl fundraiser on Sunday at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, as she was in Las Vegas representing her husband at the Super Bowl. Despite her absence, the charity event drew fans who hold cherished memories of the 1985 Bears, including Stan Lic, a resident of Bloomingdale. Among his favorite moments are William “The Refrigerator” Perry’s touchdown.
Michael and Valerie Vega, residents of South Elgin, were among the attendees who explored the silent auction items at the Mongo Bowl fundraiser for Steve “Mongo” McMichael on Sunday at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The event aimed to raise money for McMichael, a former Chicago Bears player who is fighting ALS. The Daily Herald covered the charity event and featured a photo captured by Karie Angell Luc.
Bill and Claudia Gruber, friends of the McMichaels from Naperville, were also in attendance at the Mongo Bowl fundraiser held on Super Bowl Sunday at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. While reminiscing about their friendship with Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Bill shared a humorous story about inviting McMichael to a White Sox game when their daughter was just a year old. During the game, McMichael held the baby briefly and then put her down on the floor, eliciting laughter from the attendees.
Michael Costanza from Hickory Hills created a raffle item for the Mongo Bowl fundraiser for Steve “Mongo” McMichael held on February 11, 2024, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The photo, taken by Karie Angell Luc for the Daily Herald, shows the raffle item that Costanza made.
Bill Gruber recalled another amusing moment from his friendship with Steve “Mongo” McMichael. At a White Sox game, Bill and Claudia’s daughter began crawling toward the doorway of the skybox, only to come across another one-year-old boy. The two toddlers faced each other, and just as the father entered the room, McMichael approached him and inquired about the boy’s intentions in a joking manner.
