CHICAGO - The FireWorks for Kids Foundation - the Chicago Fire's charitable arm - has announced that Peter Wilt, former General Manager of the Chicago Fire, has stepped down as Foundation President after serving as head of the non-profit organization since the team's inception in 1998. Wilt will remain on the Board as a director and Foundation Vice-President Stuart Reid, a Chicago-area attorney and lifelong soccer supporter, was named the Foundation's new President. Additionally, Fire President/CEO John Guppy joins the Foundation as the newest member of the Board of Directors.
"As the FWFK ventures into a new year and a new era, we look back on the tremendous contributions of our Founding President, Peter Wilt, and thank him for his years of service," said FWFK CEO Donald Ortale. "Under Peter's leadership and guidance, our Foundation has emerged as the most progressive charitable arm associated with any soccer club on any level in the United States. We thank Peter for his vision and passion and look forward to his experience in his new role as a member of the Board of Directors."
Wilt served as President of the FireWorks for Kids Foundation from 1998 to 2005, during which time he also served as the Chicago Fire's General Manager. Under Wilt's guidance, the Foundation raised in excess of $1.8 million through fundraisers and other special events while awarding more than $800,000 in grants and contributions for academic and recreational programs to benefit disadvantaged children throughout the Chicagoland area.
"The end of 2005 completes the transition of the Chicago Fire's leadership and with the beginning of the New Year, I will also be passing on the leadership of the FireWorks For Kids Foundation," said Wilt. "I am very proud of all the Fire's accomplishments over the last eight years, but none so much as the launch and growth of MLS's premier charitable group. I am proud and fortunate to remain on the Foundation's Board of Directors, and am grateful to Stuart for taking on this important role and guiding the Foundation to continued success."
Stuart Reid is a lifelong Chicago area resident and soccer fan and has been a Chicago Fire season ticket holder since the team's inaugural season in 1998. Since 2000, Reid has been a member of the Board of Directors of the FireWorks for Kids Foundation, making him the longest-serving member of the Board other than Wilt.
"While I am personally saddened by Peter Wilt's departure from the Chicago Fire, I look forward to the opportunity to carry on the tradition of excellence that Peter has established within the Foundation," said Reid. "Like all soccer fans in Chicago, I am looking forward to an exciting and historic summer in 2006. With the World Cup and the opening of the Fire's world-class stadium in Bridgeview this year, the Foundation has the potential to reach even greater heights in serving less fortunate children in and around Chicago. I hope everyone seizes the opportunity to support the continued growth of the FireWorks for Kids Foundation during this exciting time."
Professionally, Reid is an attorney practicing in the area of family law in Lake, Cook and McHenry counties. Reid is also a member of the Executive Board of the Lake County Bar Association, currently serving as Treasurer. He lives in Glenview with his wife Helen and their son Noel.
The FireWorks for Kids Foundation is entering its eighth year as the community outreach arm of the Chicago Fire. Since 1998, the FWFK Foundation has contributed its service and commitment to the community through grants and charitable contributions. The FWFK mission is to forward recreational and educational opportunities for economically or otherwise disadvantaged children throughout the Chicagoland area.
