After raising over $11,000 for Special Olympics, an incredible young man’s lifelong dream will come true as he will sing the National Anthem before a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
Stefan Xidas, who has Down Syndrome, has been writing letters to the Cubs since he was 13 years old, asking for a chance to sing the anthem at a game. After years of trying, his best friend Tom Molitor stepped in to help.
“I love the idea that he was sending the letters, so I said ‘let’s try to make a video,’” Molitor said.
Molitor helped Xidas produce a video, asking Cubs owner Tom Ricketts if he could sing the anthem if he raised at least $5,000 for Special Olympics. The video then went viral, and Xidas raised over $11,000 for the organization.
After that accomplishment, Ricketts granted Stefan’s wish, and he will sing the anthem at the Cubs’ game Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I would say to Tom that I thank him from the deepest bottom of my heart,” Xidas said. “You are making my dream come true.”
Ricketts says that his family has been rooting for Xidas in his quest, and that they too are excited to welcome him to the Friendly Confines for the big gig.
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Xidas will have his parents, friends, and over 100 supporters watching him at Wrigley when he steps up to the microphone.
