BY DANNY KARMIN
For the Chicago Wolves, the impact of their “Season of Giving” initiative extends far beyond the financial support provided to charitable organizations. It also creates opportunities to raise awareness of important issues affecting communities throughout Chicagoland.
The Wolves have pledged a combined $3 million to 46 charitable organizations during the 2026-27 American Hockey League season.
One of those organizations is WINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to providing housing, counseling and support services to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Through a $50,000 donation from the Wolves, WINGS will continue its mission of helping survivors find safety, rebuild their lives and access the resources they need.
The partnership carries added significance in Oct., which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Oct. 18, the Wolves recognized WINGS during their home game at Allstate Arena, bringing the organization’s mission to the attention of fans and providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting survivors.
“What the Wolves are doing for us and all of these other charities is so special,” said WINGS’ President/CEO Rebecca Darr. “The energy and love that is being provided, especially in today’s world and economy, is everything. It’s really cool for us and just for our employees to come out to the game and spread our message to help more people.”
For WINGS, the donation arrives at a critical time. The organization ended its previous fiscal year approximately $800,000 behind budget, making additional support essential as it works to maintain and expand services for survivors.
The $50,000 contribution will help sustain WINGS’ counseling services as the organization navigates the loss of previous funding and works to address a growing need for mental health support. According to Darr, the funding could cover approximately three-quarters of the cost of hiring an additional clinician, helping WINGS reduce a three- to five-month waiting list at its counseling center.
The need for those services extends beyond adults. WINGS also provides counseling and housing assistance to children affected by domestic violence, helping families work toward a safer and more stable future.
While the financial contribution will help support these essential services, the Wolves’ partnership also provides a platform to educate the public about the many ways domestic violence affects individuals and families.
One of WINGS’ distinctive services is its hospital-based response program. The organization has staff stationed at five hospitals in the northwest suburbs of Cook County, as well as UI Health. When a patient discloses that they are experiencing abuse at home, hospital staff can connect them with WINGS professionals, who assess their circumstances and help develop a safety plan.
“We’re trying to hire more counselors so the donation will help make up that difference so that we don’t have to let any clinicians go and create a bigger wait list,” Darr said.
The program provides survivors with an opportunity to receive specialized support while already connected to medical care, helping them explore options for leaving an unsafe situation.
The Oct. 18 game gave WINGS staff members an opportunity to experience the partnership firsthand. Approximately 77 WINGS employees were in attendance, creating a chance for the organization’s team to come together and celebrate the work they do for survivors and their families.
“We have a good news bell in our office and when we got the news of the (Wolves’ donation), the bell rang and all our staff came running in,” Darr said.
“It was a good day.”
For information on Wolves tickets for the 2026-27 American Hockey League season, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit www.chicagowolves.com.
