If you’re a sports fan, chances are you’re pretty excited for this epic World Series going down right now. The Cubs vs Indians is the tale of two loveable losers made for the big screen. The best part – one of them HAS to win.
For Jim Schlegel, a 97-year-old World War II Veteran, he would love to see a Chicago Cubbies victory. He was at Wrigley Field in 1945, the last time the team was in the series. That’s back when a box seat cost less than $8, according to NBC5 Chicago.
Schlegel’s granddaughter created a GoFundMe page to raise money to purchase her grandfather two tickets to attend the series and see the Cubs in action, just like he did all those years ago. With ticket prices through the roof on the secondary market, the campaign urged to raise $10,000 to afford a pair of coveted seats.
The family was thrilled when the learned that Host of CNBC’s “The Profit” Marcus Lemonis had his heart set on taking the 97-year-old to the Series. After Lemonis heard Schlegel’s story, he made it his mission to track him down.
“I found the person I want to take to the game but I need help finding him @fox32news @Cubs @chicagotribune,” Lemonis wrote on Twitter.
Lemonis connected with the WWII Vet’s family and offered two front-row tickets to Game Three at Wrigley Field, where Schlegel could watch the Cubs come one step closer to winning the Series for the first time since 1908.
“This man is so deserving. We’ve connected and he’s going with my two tix first row Friday. Enjoy Jim, bring us a win!!! @Cubs @fox32news”
This man is so deserving. We’ve connected and he’s going with my two tix first row Friday. Enjoy Jim, bring us a win!!! @Cubs @fox32news https://t.co/C3LxCu5V0w
— Marcus Lemonis (@marcuslemonis) October 25, 2016
“Thank you @marcuslemonis & @Hugsandxoxo4u2 for donating front row tickets to my Grandpa and Dad! They will be attending Friday nights game!” Schlegel’s granddaughter replied.
Thank you @marcuslemonis & @Hugsandxoxo4u2 for donating front row tickets to my Grandpa and Dad! They will be attending Friday nights game!
— Helen Schlegel (@BoogBoog88) October 25, 2016
As for the GoFundMe page, it’s raised more than $12,000. After Lemonis donated the two tickets, Schlegel’s family decided to donate 100% of the donations to the Purple Heart Foundation.
“Now that we’ve been gifted 2 tickets to the World Series from the generous Marcus Lemonis, I’m excited to have this opportunity and the momentum of the community here to share the support my Grandpa has seen with other deserving veterans,” the family wrote.
“To continue the giving spirit here, we’ve decided to donate 100% of donations to this campaign to the Purple Heart Foundation and are looking into the best way to route funds to them. More to come on that.”
Schlegel took to Twitter to thank Lemonis in a sweet video and said, “I appreciate your generosity, and hope we bring in a winner.” He plans on taking his son with him to the epic Series.
Photo Credit: GoFundMe