Nate Scheck

Nate describes his biggest passion in life as working with the community to give girls the chance to play sports.

Since starting Shine On Sports For Girls in 2020, he has raised over $14,000 for Lurie Children's Hospital, the Dragonfly Foundation, March Fourth, Fill a Heart 4 Kids, and All Kids Play--all organizations that support children's health and well-being. Nate sees sports as a way to boost self-esteem, confidence, and bring joy to kids' lives, and he makes sure that no one who wants to play is ever excluded for financial reasons.

Before launching his own organization, Nate taught third grade at Solomon Schechter Day School--and he still substitutes there and runs after-school programs and special events because of his deep love for the school community.

Nate's passion for helping children doesn't end when the school year does; in the summertime, he works closely with the American Camping Association through Camp Horseshoe.

AGE:
31

PRONOUNS:
he/him/his

PRIMARY GIG:
Founder/Owner of Shine On Sports For Girls

ON THE SIDE:
Chicago sports fan, dog lover, golfer, pickleball nut, philanthropist

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Enthusiastic, kind, and goofy, and loves to make others smile

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS:
My proudest accomplishment was donating my hair to an organization called Wigs for Kids. Helping just one child who has lost their hair due to illness means the world to me. I organized a raffle for girls who I coach to have the chance to take turns shaving my head. By doing so, $4,600 was raised and donated to the Dragonfly Foundation. A local girl who we have vigorously supported through her battle with cancer was the first one to chop the braids off of my head. It was an experience that I will never forget!

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
My father, Donald Scheck, is one of many Jews who inspire me. My dad is someone who is there for others - whether it be donating/supporting Temple or volunteering or showing up for friends/family, people can count on him. He always gives back - he's the reason why I have dedicated my life and part of my business proceeds to giving back to my community. Also, my dad organized and took my mother, three siblings and I on a two-week trip to Israel to visit my sister who was living in Ashdod as well as travel the country. It was the trip of a lifetime in which we bonded, learned, and enjoyed the lifestyle, faith, and culture. My dad has faced numerous health challenges including cancer in his lip that required a serious operation and most recently a double lung transplant after his health declined from a rare lung disease. He's a fighter and continues to push himself so that he can enjoy all of the special moments life has to offer. This type of mentality is what I strive to be in a strong Jewish family man.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Check your coolness at the door, step outside of your comfort zone