FlyOver Chicago teams up with Bears' Jaylon Johnson for Giving Tuesday celebration

CHICAGO - In honor of Giving Tuesday, Flyover—a local tourist attraction—teamed up with Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson to give a group of Boys & Girls Club of Chicago children an unforgettable evening at Navy Pier.

The NFL star hosted 29 kids for a one-of-a-kind Flyover experience to celebrate the holiday season—where they were taken to new heights.

"Being from Chicago, they’re going to be able to see parts of the city, some of them have never been to Navy Pier, so it’s going to be an opportunity for them to come downtown, go to Navy Pier and also see some of their neighborhoods, and really just be able to see it from above," said Phallan Edmonds, marketing & brand experience manager, Flyover.

Between the ages of 7 and 12 years old, the children were transported to the city’s most iconic landmarks during an immersive virtual flight. The ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the city—while sharing sights, sounds, and stories from across Chicago.

"It meant a lot to me because I got to experience what other kids don’t, and I’m glad I get to share it with the kids that are back at the Boys & Girls Club," said Damya, member, Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.

Flyover’s adventure is called ‘Believe Chicago’—a fitting title for the advice Johnson shared with the kids on Tuesday: "Just to keep going, that there’s going to be adversity in your life, no one on this earth is exempt from adversity," Johnson said. "Reach for your goals, wherever that may be, just strive for that."

The outing was a collaboration between Navy Pier's Flyover experience, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago (BGCC), and the Chicago Bears. Plus, there was a special guest appearance from Santa Claus, who traveled all the way from the North Pole to surprise the kids.

It was an evening for the children to see the city from a new perspective, and to carry that through the holiday season with excitement and cheer.

"Especially as a club kid growing up, these types of experiences are something I always cherished and I know these kids will cherish for the rest of their lives," said Raul Rodriguez, Director of Core Programs with the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago.

Through Friday, Dec. 6, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago is collecting new and unwrapped gifts for its members—ensuring each child has something to open this Christmas.

Those interested in participating in BGCC’s 2024 Holiday Gift Drive should click HERE to learn more.