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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Cicadas: They're edible.

Just one of the take-aways from our April 23 Lunch & Learn with insect taxonomist & systematist Maureen Turcatel from Chicago's Field Museum. Spring of 2024 will see an historic, loud and -- let's be honest -- kind of gross super emergence of the 13-year and 17-year periodical cicadas in Illinois. Billions of them -- actual billions. It is the first time the two broods emerged together in 221 years (or, if you're wondering, during Thomas Jefferson's presidency).

After the learning was the lunching ... and we're happy to report that cicadas were NOT on the menu (maybe next time, Maureen).

Magellan has supported dozens of nonprofits in Chicagoland over the years, is proud to contribute to the pressing needs of our community and contribute to our rich cultural landscape. We greatly value our partnership with The Field Museum.

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Joakim Noah and Eddy Curry never shared the court while they were Chicago Bulls, but they most definitely held court at Magellan during a Thursday, February 29 (Leap Day!) visit and Lunch & Learn. After an office tour, Joakim and Noah gave a little chalk talk, deftly monitored by Adrienne Scherenzel, VP of Community Engagement for the Chicago Bulls. Eddy Curry was a Chicago Bull from 2001 - 2005, while Joakim played for the Bulls from 2007 - 2016. Both spoke of their love for Chicago, recounted some of their most profound -- and silliest -- moments in pro ball, their favorite coaches, places to play, and most memorable moments as players.

And both are doing some pretty amazing things in their post-pro lives. Eddy Curry spends a lot of time working with pro basketball players on financial literacy, a subject he learned about the hard way, as an 18 year old who skipped college to go directly into the NBA draft.

Joakim Noah co-founded Noah's Arc Foundation with his mother, Swedish former model Cecilia Rodhe. Noah's Arc provides opportunities for kids to become more aware of their ability to make a positive impact on themselves and the community. The Bulls brought along the Championship trophies for some great photo-ops, and everyone left with a little swag, full bellies, and smiles on faces from a terrific afternoon.

An absolute pleasure to host some friends from Misericordia Heart of Mercy for a behind-the-scenes look at all that goes in to the training of a Chicago Bull!

The day started with lunch at the Advocate Center -- just across the street from the United Center -- with a great chalk talk by Basketball Operations Assistant Coach Martin Rancik. Misericordia residents enjoyed posing for pics with the Championship trophies before some fun Q&A with Bulls greats, former player & coach Randy Brown and former coach Jud Buechler.

Then it was down to the courts to watch a little practice in action, see the training facility, where the guys lift weights, and finally, have a seat in film room.

Misericordia is home to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By serving society's most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home.

Our day with 15 residents and their fantastic staff members was indeed memorable. Thank you, Misericordia and Chicago Bulls for making this possible!

When Magellan's own David Twiford (Retired Force Master Chief, US Navy) told us about his involvement in the National Museum of the American Sailor and their SeaPerch Competition, we hopped on board!

The Navy Great Lakes Regional SeaPerch Competition brings together students and the Navy to learn and employ STEM concepts in a fun, engaging way. A goal of SeaPerch is that students walk away with real-world understandings of STEM concepts and how those concepts are used by engineers as well as Navy Sailors. And on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Lake Forest Academy participants put the Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) they had built to the test. The results were impressive.

The National Museum of the American Sailor is open to the public and located outside the main gate of Naval Station Great Lakes.

During preparation and the competition itself, students learned engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications -- and clearly had a lot of fun doing it. Magellan was delighted to support the Museum and these future engineers at SeaPerch.