Better Makers: Party on the Patio With Cubs Legend Kerry Wood

This past May marked the 20thanniversary of the legendary 20-strikeout game pitched by the Chicago Cubs’ Kerry Wood. In celebration of Wood’s historic game, Coda di Volpe on Southport hosted a patio party benefitting the Wood Family Foundation.

Started in 2011 by the Cubs pitcher and his wife, Sarah, the Wood Family Foundation fosters relationships that provide support and opportunities to empower youth and their families to succeed in life; notably mentoring and scholarship programs.

The event was hosted by Gage Hospitality Group owner Billy Lawless, Ballyhoo Hospitality owner Ryan O’Donnell, and Coda di Volpe Executive Chef Chris Thompson. Chef Thompson catered the 200-person gathering, serving his VPN-certified pizza and antipasti, along with wine, beer, and cocktails, and gelato for dessert. Kerry Wood was in attendance thanking guests and manning the one-of-a-kind raffle: wall art from the historic 20 K game. Current chairman and owner of the Chicago Cubs Tom Ricketts was also in attendance. All proceeds from the event, Pitch In & Party on the Patio, were donated to the Wood Family Foundation.

Kerry Wood — Billy Lawless and Tom Ricketts (Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group.)

Party on the Patio: Chris Thompson and Kerry Wood — Chef Chris Thompson and Kerry Wood (Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group.)

Party on the Patio: Kerry Wood signed baseball — Kerry Wood signed baseball (Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group.)

Party on the Patio With Kerry Wood: Leizl Basilio, Chef Chris Thompson, Scott Miner, Joe Farrer and Andy Weaver — Leizl Basilio, Chef Chris Thompson, Scott Miner, Joe Farrer, and Andy Weaver (Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group.)

Party on the Patio With Kerry Wood: Chef Thompson's VPN-certified pizza — Chef Thompson’s VPN-certified pizza (Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group.)

Party on the Patio With Kerry Wood: DJ Ryan Silver — DJ Ryan Silver (Photo courtesy of Gage Hospitality Group.)

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Emily Stone is Associate Editor at Make It Better. She earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work is published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.