Charles Tillman has plenty of people in his Corner!

Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears welcomed over 150 participants to join him and fellow teammates, Nathan Vasher, Israel Idonije, Rashied Davis and many others on the field for his Second Annual Meijer Celebrity Gridiron Challenge on Friday June 13.

Special thanks to our partners at the Omni Chicago Hotel for hosting the Celebrity Draft Dinner on the evening of June 12, 2008. Guests began arriving at 6:00pm to a beautiful buffet of food and laughter quickly filled the room. Participants were able to bid a number of auction items, including an authentic autographed jersey by Brian Urlacher and a football signed by the Chicago Bears 2006 Super Bowl team.

At 7:00pm Meijer team #1 snatched up Charles "Peanut" Tillman as their celebrity quarterback; with Nathan Vasher being selected by the Chicago International team soon after. Each team strategized and discussed as the list of quarterbacks got smaller and smaller. In no time the teams were set and people were geared up for some football and fun.

The following afternoon participants headed out to Elmhurst College's Langhorst Field for an exciting and physical flag football tournament. As the players arrived they received two special edition jerseys and VIP access to a wide range of first class food and drinks. Thanks to our partnership with Coca Cola, Maggiano's Little Italy, Texas De Brazil and Kim and Scott's Pretzels there was quite a selection and plenty to go around!

At 1 pm the games started with a bang and Charles "Peanut" Tillman and his teammates were in game mode. With a touchdown on the line Charles completes a pass to his receiver on Meijer Team #1 and show off's for the fans by doing cartwheels and flips down the field.

After three rounds of play the Championship game began and there was never a dull moment. Going point for point, Celebrity quarterback Rod Wilson and Rashied Davis competed until the bitter end.

On a last second attempt Chicago Bears linebacker and former University of South Carolina quarterback, Rod Wilson completed a pass to his teammate from Greyfield Legacies/Northwestern Mutual and snatched the Championship trophy right out from under the 2007 winners, Omni Chicago Hotel's finger tips.

The Celebrity Gridiron Challenge is the Cornerstone Foundation's largest fundraiser and with your support we will continue our mission of providing Greater Chicago-area children and youth with educational opportunities and resources needed to excel in the classroom and life. The Foundation's interactive programs and events are designed to help build a strong foundation through education. In order to accomplish our goals, we need you on our team!

The Cornerstone Foundation looks forward to holding another successful Celebrity Gridiron Challenge in 2009. Whether in the stands or on the field we hope to see you there!