The CHADEFFECT of Chicagoland is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to under resourced youth. Our vision is to build character and inspire hope through intentional living. CHADEFFECT was inspired by Chad Cooke of Bolingbrook, IL who passed away suddenly on December 23, 2014 at the age of 20. Chad was never the biggest, fastest, strongest or tallest player on the basketball court.
He started playing at age 7 and was determined to work harder than most. Chad had a passion for the game and a dream to play Division 1 College Basketball. Chad began his junior year of high school with high hopes of being recruited. However, adversity struck in the form of a broken wrist. Although Chad impressed some coaches and was offered scholarships to smaller schools, he refused to give up his dream of playing Division 1 basketball Chad decided to attend The College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. Again Chad faced adversity in Charleston as coaches and players told him he was too small to play. After months of training, Chad tried out for the College of Charleston Men’s Basketball team and made the team! Chad had a contagious personality and became a popular favorite on the team. He loved people and made a difference everywhere he went. Chad fell in love with Emily Hoisington his freshman year of college. Emily started a non-profit called Charleston Hope her senior year of high school. Chad loved to serve his community alongside Emily and wanted to make a difference in this world. His passion was to help kids with their homework and sports and give under resourced kids the opportunities that he had. Charleston Hope is thriving today! Chad lived life intentionally. He inspired hope and challenged people to become all they could be. Chad had many gifts and had a strong Christian faith. He lived his life doing acts of kindness and encouraging people’s dreams. This is called the CHADEFFECT
Chad’s favorite basketball player was Michael Jordan who wore #23. He was born on April 23, 1994 and Passed away in December 23, 2014. We’ve coined the 23rd of every month CHADEFFECT day. Help us spread THE CHADEFFECT by Living Life Intentionally:
Encourage someone’s dream
Have a contagious positive attitude
Serve someone else
Light up a room with laughter and smiles
Make someone feel special
Inspire hope!
