OUR BOARD
Meet the Board
Alex Sheck
President and co-Founder |
Michael Sheck
Vice President and co-Founder |
Madelyn Beinfest
Director of Community Engagement & Social Media |
Curtis Slack
Treasurer |
OUR FOUNDERS
Meet the Founders
Experience the Game was founded by father-son duo Michael and Alex Sheck, whose shared love of sports grew into a lifelong mission to create unforgettable moments for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
For Michael and Alex, sports have always represented more than wins, losses, and final scores. Some of their most meaningful memories were built through games, road trips, stadiums, and time spent together as father and son. Those experiences helped shape the belief that a day at the ballpark, arena, or stadium can become something much bigger — a moment of joy, connection, confidence, and belonging.
“We started Experience the Game because some of our greatest memories together were created through sports. We know how powerful those moments can be, and we believe every child deserves the chance to feel that same excitement, joy, and sense of belonging.”
— Michael and Alex Sheck, Co-Founders
A Father-Son Mission
What began as a shared love of sports between a father and son has grown into a mission to give that same sense of excitement, connection, and possibility to others.
Today, Michael and Alex continue to lead Experience the Game with the same belief that inspired the organization from the beginning: every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of a live sporting event.
Experience the Game was founded by father-son duo Michael and Alex Sheck, whose shared love of sports grew into a lifelong mission to create unforgettable moments for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.
For Michael and Alex, sports have always represented more than wins, losses, and final scores. Some of their most meaningful memories were built through games, road trips, stadiums, and time spent together as father and son. Those experiences helped shape the belief that a day at the ballpark, arena, or stadium can become something much bigger — a moment of joy, connection, confidence, and belonging.
“We started Experience the Game because some of our greatest memories together were created through sports. We know how powerful those moments can be, and we believe every child deserves the chance to feel that same excitement, joy, and sense of belonging.”
— Michael and Alex Sheck, Co-Founders
A Father-Son Mission
What began as a shared love of sports between a father and son has grown into a mission to give that same sense of excitement, connection, and possibility to others.
Today, Michael and Alex continue to lead Experience the Game with the same belief that inspired the organization from the beginning: every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of a live sporting event.
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Michael Sheck
A lifelong sports fan and dedicated community supporter, Michael Sheck was born and raised in the Chicago area. Throughout his life, Michael has been passionate about giving back and finding meaningful ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Michael’s heart for service has been shaped by years of giving back to causes and communities close to him. He has served on the board of Hallie225, a nonprofit foundation created in memory of Hallie Grossman, whose kindness, strength, and joyful spirit continue to inspire its mission. He is also incredibly active with Honor Flight Chicago, where he serves as a guardian and Bus Lead, helping senior war veterans take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Washington, D.C. in recognition of their bravery and service. Over the years, Michael has also supported organizations including the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, JUF, and others. His commitment to service, combined with his love of sports and family, became a driving force behind the creation of Experience the Game. As Co-Founder of Experience the Game, Michael has helped shape the organization’s mission, build relationships, and create opportunities for children to experience professional sporting events in ways they will never forget. His generosity, leadership, and belief in paying it forward remain at the heart of the organization today. |
Alex Sheck
Alex Sheck grew up sharing many of his favorite memories with his father through sports. From attending games in Chicago to traveling across the country together, Alex saw firsthand how powerful a live sporting event could be — not just as entertainment, but as an experience that brings people together and creates memories that last a lifetime. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 2016, Alex began his career in the financial services and financial technology industries. Alongside his professional career, he has remained deeply committed to Experience the Game and the organization’s next chapter. As Co-Founder of Experience the Game, Alex brings a strong sense of purpose, creativity, and commitment to continuing the mission he and Michael started together. He is passionate about helping more children feel the excitement of walking into a stadium, cheering for a team, meeting new people, and experiencing moments they may remember for the rest of their lives. |