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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Soccer Vet and Local Fan Favorite Frank Klopas named President of Chicago Fire Charitable Arm

March 12, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (March 12, 2009) - The Chicago Fire Soccer today announced that World Cup veteran, 1988 Summer Olympic standout, and Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas has been named President of Chicago Fire Soccer's charitable arm, the Chicago Fire Foundation. The Board of Directors has also added two new members, Tom Wiffler, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare of Illinois, and Imre Hidvegi, Owner and President of Chicago Soccer, Inc.

The foundation Board of Directors also announced the name change of the Chicago Fire's charitable arm from the Fireworks for Kids Foundation to the Chicago Fire Foundation. The Chicago Fire will host its annual season kickoff luncheon with special featured guest, Jim Belushi, on March 24th at the Sheraton Hotel Chicago with all proceeds benefiting the Chicago Fire Foundation (see below for more details).

Fire Technical Director and "Ring of Fire" member Frank Klopas steps into the position of 2009 President of the Chicago Fire Foundation after 10 years as a board member. Klopas played two seasons for the Fire, including the inaugural 1998 season when the Fire captured the coveted "domestic double" winning the U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup. Klopas also served as a Fire assistant coach under Bob Bradley in 2000, and was named the team's first-ever Technical Director in 2008, overseeing the club's soccer operations, including roster development and scouting for the Chicago Fire first team. For the past six years, Klopas has lent his name to the popular Frank Klopas Golf Outing, a fundraiser for the Foundation.

"It is an honor to serve as President of the Chicago Fire Foundation. Chicago Fire Soccer, its charitable arm, and its dedicated board members have always made service to the community a priority, particularly through grants and contributions to area non-profit organizations and programs," said Klopas. "Through the Chicago Fire Foundation, the club looks to continue this tradition as well as expand our opportunities to positively affect the lives of those within our Chicagoland community, particularly children and youth."

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 12, 2009


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