DNC volunteer appreciation rally thrown at Wrigley Field; Gov. Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Stratton speak

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago 2024 Host Committee hosted an appreciation rally for the Democratic Convention volunteers at Wrigley Field Thursday night.

A small army of ferociously energized volunteers have converged in Chicago for the convention, and the host committee wanted to give them an opportunity to receive a briefing on assignment information, meeting their fellow volunteers and get energized for the week ahead.

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"They had 3,000 extra volunteers that came in right away after the transition, and they were probably mostly young people," said volunteer Estelle Edens. "That was so exciting and brought the temperature up so much for the excitement for this DNC."

"Our volunteers ages range from 16 to 102," said JD Van Slyke, chairperson of the Chicago 2024 Host Committee.

"I'm going to be at Chicago Midway greeting the VIPs coming in, greeting them off the airplanes," said volunteer Crystal Flynn. "I'm going to be very proud."

The crowd of thousands filed into the Friendly Confines, where they had a chance to stand on home plate and snag a photo with the 2016 World Series trophy.

"Everyone's here and everyone's excited. People from all walks of life. Young, old, Black, white, Indiana, Asian and I love to see it," said volunteer Frankie Hodges.

"I thought it would be a great opportunity to help people see the best side of Chicago and to feel welcome and included and safe," said volunteer Allison Scherer.

Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton thanked the thousands of gathered volunteers.

"We could not do any of this without each and every one of you!" she told them. "You're going to make this the very best Democratic National Convention!"

Gov. JB Pritzker fired off a call and response, reminding the crowd it won't all be easy.

"We've got a lot of work to do next week; are you ready for a right?" he said.