Tinley Park High School proudly hosted its inaugural Heroes Game, a community event honoring Project Fire Buddies and celebrating young “Future Titans” from Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Markham, and Country Club Hills.
The idea, developed last spring by staff members Shannon Gormley and Lauren Brazel, stems from personal ties to Project Fire Buddies—Gormley’s family volunteers with the organization, and Brazel’s son is a Fire Buddies recipient. With full support from school administration and the football coaching staff, the event welcomed Future Titans as guests of honor.
Honorees received swag bags, dinner, dessert, and special in-game acknowledgments. Project Fire Buddies set up a merchandise booth and nearly sold out, including a limited-edition Tinley Park High School x Project Fire Buddies T-shirt that was warmly received by staff.
Demonstrating remarkable generosity, Tinley Park High School’s athletic director donated ticket-sale proceeds from the game, helping raise more than $5,000 to give back to the community. The effort was further supported by the school’s principals and Gato’s Restaurant, which provided dinner, desserts, and refreshments for Fire Buddies families.
On the field, Titan football players, cheerleaders, and poms teams wore shirts in the heroes’ honor, and a Future Titan Fire Buddy performed the ceremonial coin toss.
Lauren Brazel, co-organizer of the event, shared:
“Shannon and I have been longtime supporters of Fire Buddies, and we wanted to find a new way to bring that spirit of giving into our school community. My son is a Fire Buddy recipient, and Shannon’s family works with the organization, so this partnership means a lot to both of us. The Heroes Game was a beautiful example of what happens when students, staff, and families come together for a meaningful cause.”
Kurt DeGroot, Founder of Project Fire Buddies, reflected:
“It’s a beautiful thing to see a community come together for its most vulnerable. When kids help other kids, it renews hope in the world. Amid so much negativity, seeing young people rise above and choose positivity—it’s inspiring.”