In the News

Schivarelli's gift

October 29, 2009

GIVING BACK: Kudos to the legendary rock group Chicago and the band's longtime manager, Peter Schivarelli, for making it possible for four women with various disabilities to live in a brand new home in South Bend, Ind.

AT A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hannah and Friends Farm, a residential community for people with special needs and disabilities, four lucky women officially moved into a beautiful new home built by funds raised by the rock group Chicago and the band's charitable manager. The home is named after Schivarelli and the band, and the ladies became the first full-time residents of the Farm community, which was founded by Notre Dame's football coach, Charlie Weis, and his wife, Maura, in honor of their daughter, who has some challenges. Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is also donating a house for four males.

The rock group Chicago has been donating 50 cents from each ticket sold at their concerts from around the world, and Schivarelli has also generously contributed to the building of the home. Schivarelli, who played football for Notre Dame from 1969-1971, has been an avid supporter of the university for many years.

In fact, Schivarelli got the surprise of his life when he was honored by the university's band at a home game last week during halftime. The school band played the hit "25 or 6 to 4," and the whole stadium went wild with applause.

Schivarelli told this reporter over dinner at Rosebud Steak House that the guys will be the special musical guests performing live Dec. 12 on the NBC "Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular" special, which will air New Year's Day. The band will play nine of their hit songs that will serve as the background music for the world-class skating acts. "Chicago is a band that transcends time, and their music is classic," Boitano said in an interview. The band will also appear in an episode of ABC's "The Bachelor" for the new season.