Jackson Chance Foundation's Ping Pong Ball celebrates 10th | Candid Candace | chicagostarmedia.com

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Sara Licht, 2017 Owl Give winner Tiffany McCallum, JCF founder Carrie Meghie and emcee Val Warner WCL. (Photos from 2017 Ping Pong Ball courtesy of JCF)

The Jackson Chance Foundation is preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its flagship fundraising event, the Ping Pong Ball, on Friday, Nov. 8, at SPIN Chicago. This event combines the excitement of competitive table tennis with a heartwarming mission: supporting families with babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Chicago.

Jerry Azumah (team Bears) warms up for the VIP tourney at the 2017 Ping Pong Ball.

This year's event will feature a March Madness-style ping pong tournament, captained by Chicago sports icons such as former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah, Chicago Red Stars midfielder Sophie Jones, Chicago Blackhawks legend Denis Savard, and former Chicago Bull Will Perdue. Attendees will enjoy gourmet food, cocktails, live auctions, and entertainment in SPIN Chicago's vibrant 18,000-square-foot space located in River North.

Sean Marshall (team Cubs) with Nanden Naresh, table tennis master, at 2017 Ping Pong Ball.

More than just a fun evening, the Ping Pong Ball serves as a critical fundraiser to alleviate the financial burden of parking for families with infants in NICUs. The Jackson Chance Foundation’s NICU Transportation Program provides free parking passes at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital and Rush University Children’s Hospital.

For tickets and more info, click here.