The recent annual Chicago Classic basketball game between court rivals Local 476 Studio Mechanics and Local 600 Camera Operators ended in victory for Local 476, which scored 49 to Local 600’s 42 points.
“It was an extremely hard-fought game, with the good guys winning,” said Brad Matthys, 476’s president. “But we’re not gloating” (wink wink).
Actually both sides were gloating in terms of the large donation of some $9,000 raised by the sports event to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago.
Donations came from cast and crew working on the all the shows filming here, especially from the NBC TV series, along with the unions, sales of $10 tickets, contributions from the fans and participants of Go Fund Me, reports 476 business manager Mark Hogan.
Captain of Local 476’s triumphant 18 man team was “Empire’s” key grip Mike Tennick and their coach was “Empire” key grip John Hudecek. Assistant coach was D.J. Johnson, who is currently providing craft service on the Fox pilot, “Zoobiquities.”
Local 600’s team was led by Jason Bonner, first assistant cameraman on “Chicago Fire.” Chris Dame, first assistant camera on “Empire” coached the team, assisted by camera operator Steve Wojcik.
Supporters of the Saturday afternoon charity game filled the 150-seat James R. Jordan Center Boys and Girls Club at 2100 W. Monroe, with fans of each union’s team equally divided and enthusiastic.
Proceeds from the event will be split between the Jordan Club and the city’s 20 other Boys and Girls Clubs, said Noel Chambers, the Club’s associate director of development.
