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2009 Cubs Caravan The annual Cubs Caravan is a two-day excursion of Cubs players and coaches to schools, neighborhoods and communities throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana.

The 2009 Cubs Caravan took place Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15. The Caravan consisted of two tours of Chicago Cubs players, coaches and front office staff combining to visit five cities, six elementary schools, a Boys and Girls Club, Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a charity luncheon benefiting Cubs Care.

The Cubs also work to promote literacy in area schools via the Cubs Spotlight on Reading program in conjunction with Comcast Spotlight. The program is designed to increase literacy levels by promoting reading enthusiasm and rewarding students for their achievements in reading.

The 2009 Caravan itineraries were as follows:

Tour #1 features:
Lou Piniella (Mornings Only)
Bob Brenly (Wednesday Morning Only)
Jim Hendry (Thursday Only)
Len Kasper (Wednesday Only)
Dave Otto (Thursday Only)
Oneri Fleita (Wednesday Only)
Matt Sinatro
Lester Strode
Ivan DeJesus
Darwin Barney
Jeff Samardzija (Wednesday Afternoon Only)
Kevin Hart (Wednesday Morning Only)
Neal Cotts (Wednesday Only)
Micah Hoffpauir (Thursday Only)
Kevin Gregg (Thursday Only)
Joey Gathright

Tour #2 features:
Randy Bush
Pat Hughes (Thursday Only)
Cory Provus (Wednesday Only)
Oneri Fleita (Thursday Only)
Larry Rothschild
Alan Trammell
Mike Quade
Gerald Perry (Thursday Only)
Brandon Guyer
Kevin Hart (except Wednesday morning)
Kevin Gregg (Wednesday Only)
Jeff Samardzija (except Wednesday afternoon)
Sean Marshall

Date Site Type of event Wed., Jan. 14 Northwestern Hospital Chicago, IL Hospital Visit Harry Caray's Restaurant Chicago, IL Cubs Care Luncheon Bouchet Academy Chicago, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading Valparaiso High School Valpo, IN Charity Dinner, Valparaiso High School Baseball Program Thu., Jan. 15 Agassiz Elementary School Chicago, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading Jahn Elementary School Chicago, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading Garvy Elementary School Chicago, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading Rockford Boys & Girls Club Rockford, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading

Date Site Type of event Wed., Jan. 14 Bateman Elementary School Chicago, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading Harry Caray's Restaurant Chicago, IL Cubs Care Luncheon CBOE Chicago, IL Private Reception Thu., Jan. 15 Lincoln Library & Museum Springfield, IL Cubs Spotlight on Reading O'Brien Field/River Plex Peoria, IL Charity Fan Fest, Peoria Chiefs