On the afternoon of September 10, 2024, Magellan Corporation and our sister company, Hudson Shipping, joined forces to host a blood drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross. The drive took place at our shared office building and brought together not just employees, but other tenants and members from the community.

Throughout the afternoon, we saw a steady stream of volunteers roll up their sleeves to donate blood. Representatives from the American Red Cross were on hand to make the process smooth, explaining that a single blood donation can save up to three lives. That reminder motivated everyone, knowing that their small act of kindness could have a profound impact on those in need.

The importance of blood donation can't be overstated. According to the Red Cross, donated blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.

We’re looking forward to hosting more events like this in the future!

‍

On an August afternoon, the residents of Misericordia Home welcomed a special visit from Chicago Fire players Andrew Gutman and Fabian Herbers. Thanks to Magellan’s partnership with the Fire, the two players conducted a soccer clinic for the well beloved Chicago nonprofit, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities.

The players led drills and activities, engaging the men and women of Misericordia and fostering a sense of camaraderie on the field (which, due to weather, was actually the gymnasium!). Sparky, the Fire’s mascot, added to the lively atmosphere, entertaining everyone with his antics.

The day was filled with laughter and enthusiasm, creating memorable moments for all involved. Magellan is proud to have facilitated this opportunity for the residents of Misericordia, and we look forward to more meaningful events in the future!

‍

What does it take to feed 50 hardworking inventory professionals, dock workers and stevedores? On Tuesday, September 24, it took 40 Italian beef sandwiches, 50 Italian sausage rolls, 32 cheeseburgers, 24 hot dogs, a giant salad and 5 large chocolate cakes.

Magellan has begun treating our own inventory crew as well as the other great men and women working at North American Stevedoring Company to monthly lunches. While usually the lunch has been in the form of a taco truck, this month the guys had a different idea. So Portillo’s it was! And we loaded them up on beef – LOTS of beef.

Our crew of six guys includes Luis, Angel, Larry, Dominic, Tyrece and Leo. All Chicago inventory is tagged, moved, stored, catalogued and shipped out under their skillful oversight. And they’re at work every day, regardless of weather. We know how indispensable they are to helping Magellan fulfill our commitment to superior service to clients – we couldn’t do it without them. 

The relationships they’ve formed with the other folks at NASCO and Great Lakes Reload plays a big part in our success, too. These monthly lunches are one way we say, “thank you.”

‍

“Behavioral Health Matters. You Matter. Without Question.” This encapsulates the mission of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4), and Magellan could not agree more. That is why C4 was one of four nonprofit recipients of $5,000 contributions from Magellan Corporation recognized at recent Chicago Sky games. C4's CEO Kerri Brown was honored to accept the check to further their important work.

Sponsoring sports isn’t all Magellan does – far from it. We have been active corporate citizens since our founding, some 35+ years ago. We believe it is not only our duty but also a privilege to strengthen the community around us by supporting cultural initiatives, and nonprofits that address critical societal needs.

Misericordia Home (serving persons with developmental disabilities), Top Box Foods (bringing healthy, affordable grocery options to underserved Chicagoland neighborhoods), and Boys & Girls Club of Chicago (a robust youth development program in Chicago) were also recognized with contributions.

‍

When 16 year old Leah woke up on August 15, it was clear this was no ordinary day. A limo was waiting to chauffer Leah, her father and sister to breakfast, followed by a trip to the Wintrust Arena for the Chicago Sky WNBA team shoot-around.

Part of the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago Rusu-McCartin Club, Leah is also a student at Orr High School. She’s been recognized for the committed leadership she has demonstrated through the BGCC, working as a Summer School Leader. And Leah is CRAZY about basketball! She was the perfect pick for the Magellan / Chicago Sky Player of the Day. One of our favorite elements of Magellan’s partnership with the Sky is our ability to gift this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience to a deserving young Chicagoan.

After she watched her team heroes practice, Leah was ushered to the Press Room, where she sat alongside Coach Teresa Weatherspoon and Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca. After signing her one day contract, Leah was presented with her own jersey, to the cheers of the entire Sky team.

Leah and family were treated to dinner, then it was back to the arena, where Leah sat on the team bench, with a dozen of her family, friends, and BGCC staff cheering her on. Unfortunately, the Sky fell to the Phoenix Mercury that game, but that did not dampen the experience for Leah, who told the Coach, “You’ll be seeing me here someday.” We’re counting on it, Leah!

‍

On the court, they're tough, uncompromising, gritty, talented to the extreme. Off the court? FUN.

The athletes of the Chicago Sky WNBA were absolutely fantastic guests of honor at the Magellan / Chicago Sky Dinner at Steak 48 restaurant in Chicago on Thursday, August 1. These dynamic women, along with their fabulous front office and coaching staff, joined Magellan clients, friends and employees for a lovely evening of cocktails, dinner, conversation and fun. LOTS of fun.

While the WNBA is enjoying record viewership in 2024 (WNBA averaging 1.3M viewers / game -- triple from last season) Magellan is hardly a new fan. We’ve been proudly supporting the team for a decade. And this year’s women are truly something special.

Heartfelt thanks to Chicago Sky, our wonderful clients and staff for making the evening memorable for all.

Magellan staff and their families had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Saturday, July 27 -- a day at the esteemed Halas Hall, where they got to see the Chicago Bears (in their natural habitat!).

The private viewing of our hometown gridiron guys in their pre-season practice began with a tasty catered brunch in the swanky Bear Garden overlooking the field.  Our 35 attendees enjoyed fun photo ops, a little meeting-and-greeting, camaraderie and watching their favorite footballers get ready for the Fall. A terrific surprise was when Bears play-by-play announcer Jeff Joniak stopped by for a fun Q&A and offered his thoughts on the upcoming season. Everyone left with a little swag and it was time to call it a day.

To top it all off, the weather was glorious.

The day was a great mix of relaxation and excitement, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy some unique behind-the-scenes action. The chance to watch the Bears practice up close and interact with Jeff Joniak was a highlight for many, providing insights and stories that aren't usually available to the public.

The sun was shining on Magellan on this fantastic summer day!

‍

Around 500 party-goers crowded Morgan Manufacturing in Chicago on Thursday, June 20 for an industrial-chic WHITE PARTY supporting the Chicago Fire Foundation, presented by Magellan.

The event, replete with music, caviar, spectacle and dancing, raised $50,000 in support of Chicago Fire Foundation P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer), a program committed to enhancing the academic performance and development of key social and emotional skills of elementary school students through a sports-based curriculum. In 2024, P.L.A.Y.S. was implemented in 60 Chicago Public Schools and served nearly 1,440 youth.

This year's shindig was the seventh edition of the White Party, "one of the hottest parties of the year," according to the Chicago Tribune. Fire alumni and current First team members were in attendance, mingling with other guests while enjoying food from some of Chicago's hottest restaurants, including Stefani Prime, Boka, Eataly, Avec, Il Porcellino, Tall Boy Taco, and more.

Attendees left with a Magellan branded gift bag to top off the night.

Magellan was announced as Official Jersey Sleeve Sponsor of the men's pro soccer team this year, and is proud of the alliance and dimension of the sponsorship.

The Sky that lit up the smiles. On Tuesday, June 18, Magellan was ecstatic to host the entire Chicago Sky WNBA team, their coaches and front office staff for a spectacular Lunch & Learn enjoyed by 180 of our closest clients, colleagues, friends, and staff, as well as Deerfield Mayor Dan Shapiro, IL State Representative Bob Morgan, and representatives from offices of IL State Senator Julie Morrison and US Congressman Brad Schneider.  We also hosted some VERY special guests -- kids from our Chicago Sky / Magellan designated nonprofit partner, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.  

While these athletes are finally capturing the attention they deserve, Magellan is certainly no newcomer to the WNBA -- we're celebrating a DECADE of sponsoring the Sky! Angel Reese? Kamilla Cardosa? Chennedy Carter? Diamond DeShields? Dana Evans? Elizabeth Williams? All there, along with the rest of this powerhouse team.

Beginning with autographs, pics, and meet-and-greets, the day commenced with an impassioned chalk talk with team GM Jeff Pagliocca and the electric Coach T, Teresa Weatherspoon (emceed by our own Adam Shaw). Lunch and more meeting-and-greeting followed. But the pictures --the pictures really say it all!

Thanks, Sky, for a day that will be remembered by every attendee.

‍

A full house gathered at Magellan to hear the incomparable Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Gretchen Evans recount some of the more profound moments of her 27 years serving our country in the US Army, including overseeing more than 30,000 ground troops in Afghanistan. Her heroism earned Gretchen the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYS, along with the admiration and gratitude of thousands-- including every person gathered in our Board Room for a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, June 4.

Her sacrifices led to a traumatic brain injury that forced Gretchen's retirement -- from the military, but certainly not from service. In 2019, she founded TeamUNBROKEN, a mixed-ability athletic team, and her astounding accomplishments continue to stack up.

Magellan's own David Twiford, Force Master Chief (Ret.) USN, emceed the event, welcoming our clients, community partners, friends and staff. Magellan is proud to call Gretchen, her husband Captain Robert Evans, CHC, US Navy (Ret.), and guide pooch Rusty, friends.

‍

On May 3, 2024, the Chicago Fire FC and Magellan announced an expanded multiyear agreement that unveiled Magellan as the Club's Official Jersey Sleeve Sponsor. As part of the expanded agreement, Magellan branding is now featured on the sleeve of the First Team home and away jerseys, and appears across the back of player training tops. Additionally, Magellan has been named the presenting partner of the Club's major fundraising initiatives of the Chicago Fire Foundation.

To celebrate, Magellan and the Chicago Fire gave away four field side seats to the May 4th, 2024 match against the New England Revolution.

As part of the expanded multiyear agreement, Magellan has also been named as presenting partner of the Club’s annual White Party – a stylish event with all proceeds benefitting the Chicago Fire Foundation – along with presenting sponsor of the Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle, held online and in-stadium as part of every Chicago Fire home match. Magellan was previously announced as an Official Partner of Chicago Fire FC, including being named as the presenting sponsor of the Chicago Fire Foundation’s Annual Season Kick-Off Luncheon, and supporting partner of Foundation’s P.L.A.Y.S.(Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program.

The Chicago Fire has stood out as exceptional partners, and Magellan is proud of the alliance.

‍

‍

You might recognize them better with red or green fur .... but on Thursday, May 2, 2024, Magellan employees were able to take a peek beyond the costumes to meet a couple of giants in the professional mascot world -- Barry Anderson (Benny the Bull and Strawberry Pop Tart) and Carrie Norwood (Herky the Hawk of University of Iowa and the White Sox own Southpaw).

Carrie was one of very few women playing a professional mascot and, like Barry, had some tales to tell! From surprising a young fan with autism just before his high school graduation ("Southpaw is my BEST friend!") to walking more than one bride down the aisle, Carrie / Southpaw has played important roles in the lives of diehard sports fans.

Barry Anderson brought his singular, leave-it-all-on-and-OFF-the-court style to Benny, with a propensity toward the outrageous, incredible feats of athleticism (dunking the ball after flipping from a trampoline, for instance), and enviable dance moves. Barry emerged from retirement to play the instant sensation Pop Tart mascot at the Pop Tart Bowl -- garnering $12M in earned media.

The Lunch & Learn was moderated by our good friend Bill Wennington of the Chicago Bulls. The event was capped off with some stadium grub by Portillo's. While it certainly was no ordinary day in the office, every minute was enjoyed by our crew.