Grossman takes knee in name of love

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Grossman takes knee in name of love

By Larry Mayer

May 17, 2004

 

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Rex Grossman has already completed his most important pass of the season.

 

The Bears' quarterback got engaged to Alison Miska Friday before attending the Bears Care Gala, "Brian's Song ... So That Others May Live to Sing," at The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago.

 

When asked how the experience compared to his first NFL start last season, Grossman said: "They're completely different emotions, but I was nervous for both, that's for sure."

 

Well-prepared on the field, Grossman went to great lengths to ensure that the evening would go off without a hitch. He set the plan in motion six weeks ago when he invited his parents and his future bride's parents to the Gala and asked her father permission to marry Alison.

 

On Friday, he went down to one knee to propose.

 

"I did everything traditional and everything went great," Grossman said.

 

Speaking with reporters Monday at Halas Hall after the first of 14 non-contact practices dubbed "Organized Team Activities" over the next six weeks, Grossman was clearly uncomfortable discussing his engagement.

 

"I dated my girlfriend for about a year and a half," he said. "I love her ... I can't believe I'm answering questions about this.

 

"She moved up here with me last fall and everything went smooth. She quizzed me on some of my game plan stuff and we just had a blast in Chicago. Everything's great in my life right now."

 

Grossman wasn't the only winner at the ninth annual Bears Care Gala, which has raised over $4 million since its inception in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. This year's total included an all-time high of $122,700 bid on 11 live auction prizes.

 

A $19,000 bid earned Bears director of pro personnel Bobby DePaul a seven-night excursion to an Exclusive Resorts premier beach, leisure, metropolitan or mountain location.

 

DePaul's wife, Lisa, served as a raffle chairperson for the event, and her mother, Barbara Poling, is a breast cancer survivor.

 

"This hits real close to home for us," Bobby DePaul said. "It's important to give something back, and what a great cause. There's a great sense of urgency to find a cure."

 

With bids of $15,000 apiece, Judy Stoll and Marvin Kocian both won four-hour private cruises on a 52-foot yacht with a full service crew, appetizers, cold dinner buffet and luxury bar for 20 people.

 

Eugene Holland bid $14,000 to win round-trip limousine transportation to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, 15 tickets to a skybox and an autographed Mark Prior jersey.

 

Twelve Bears coaches attended this year's Gala including head coach Lovie Smith, offensive coordinator Terry Shea and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

 

"I think this year there was an incredible energy and excitement about the new head coach and the new stadium and all the new coaches," said Bears Care President Nancy McCaskey.

 

"There was exuberance. There was a sense of hopefulness that was in the room that hadn't been there for a while, and we were really thrilled to see that."

 

In addition to Grossman, other Bears who attended the Gala included Alex Brown, Mike Brown, Marc Colombo, Paul Edinger, Michael Haynes, Patrick Mannelly, John Tait and Charles Tillman.

 

Former players included Glen Kozlowski, Dennis McKinnon, Jim Morrissey, Tom Thayer and Chris Zorich. Tom Waddle served as the master of ceremonies.

 

"We had a wonderful turnout of players, coaches and staff, and they helped create some of the energy," said Mrs. McCaskey. "There was just a sense of lightheartedness and people had a great time. The food was excellent, the flowers were beautiful and it was just a perfect night."