Mercy Home Youth Have Legendary Experience at Chicago Bulls Health and Wellness Challenge 

May 6, 2025

This spring, our young people enjoyed the ultimate VIP experience at Chicago’s United Center and the Chicago Bulls training facility, The Advocate Center. The event, held in partnership with Gallagher, was part of our Chicago Bulls Health and Wellness Challenge, a program in which our youth have participated since 2022. 

Throughout the day, our kids heard from employees of the Chicago Bulls organization and Gallagher Insurance, toured the Advocate Center, took part in fun activities, stepped on the court to shoot hoops where the pros do, and received incredible gifts from our hosts. 

The event began at the United Center with a panel discussion and Q&A led by Chicago Bulls and Gallagher. These professionals described their career journeys, how they overcame adversity, and the most rewarding part of their jobs. Panelists shared valuable advice that our youth can carry with them throughout their own academic and career paths. 

Maezelle Millan, Senior Data Analyst with the Chicago Bulls, told our young people to take risks and not to be afraid to fail. “If you do fail, just get back up, and learn something else,” Millan said. Panelist Brittney Neal, Regional Recruiter from Gallagher, provided insights. 

“Give yourself grace. Nobody is perfect,” Neal said. “[We’re all going to make mistakes]. The best way to learn is to look at those mistakes as an opportunity to own them and get better.” 

Maronica Engel, a Human Resources Training Manager with Gallagher and a volunteer yoga instructor, came to the event to give back to the community. She was especially impressed with the panel. 

“The panel was awesome,” Engel said. “I’m so happy to hear the kids asking questions.” 

Alise, a Mercy Home youth, gained new insights from the discussion. 

“[One take away was to] follow your dreams because life can change at any moment,” Alise said. “Stick to what you want to stick with and follow through with it.” 

After lunch, our young people walked across the street to the Advocate Center for a once-in-a-lifetime experience where they saw the basketball courts, the weight room, mementos from the franchise’s six NBA titles and more. The youth participated in basketball drills and cooled down with yoga, led by Engel. 

At the end of the day, our kids received special parting gifts, a Bulls backpack, journal, pen, and the book Above the Noise by former Chicago Bull DeMar DeRozan. 

“The highlight of the event was [playing] basketball,” Alise said. “It was a very fun workout.” 

We are so incredibly thankful for the Chicago Bulls and Gallagher for their genuine support and for hosting an amazing event for our kids that they’ll always cherish. 

“The Bulls make our youth feel very special,” Vice President of Education and Career Resources Liz Kuhn Tomka said. “They’re the ones that pull this event together, providing this opportunity for our youth, and linking Mercy Home and Gallagher. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of Gallagher, with their donations of all the goods that they provided, as well as the time their volunteers put into the day.” 

Our young people attended dinner and a Bulls game at the United Center on April 11, courtesy of the Chicago Bulls. 

“Thank you to the Bulls and Gallagher for everything you have done for us,” Alise said.