Local Family In Running For Free Bears TicketsWhat began as a gift to her in-laws may earn Reagan Silveus and her husband, Josh, a gift of their own.
In October, the Silveus family got together to take some family photos at the Arnolt property in Winona Lake for anniversary gifts and Christmas cards.
Reagan served as the photographer, and after taking more traditional photos, the family then decided to show their true colors.
A family of devoted Chicago Bears fans, they all got into their navy blue and burnt orange garb.
Scott and Melissa Silveus' three sons, Josh, Jake and Aaron, along with daughters-in-law Reagan and Kimm and seven grandchildren took the photo with no idea it'd be seen by thousands of people.
But that's what happened when the Bears held a contest to give away two tickets to their home playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend.
The "4th Phase Playoffs Contest" works two-fold.
Those trying to earn two seats at Soldier Field Sunday could either enter a random drawing or enter a photo on Facebook.
From Dec. 29 to Jan. 9, entries were taken. After that, 20 finalists were chosen.
The Silveuses weren't told they were finalists but instead had to keep checking online.
A public vote is currently ongoing and runs through Wednesday at 6 p.m. local time.
The Silveus photo was currently seventh out of 20 photos as of press time this morning.
Reagan said her husband entered the photo in the contest without her knowing.
But the photo gained steam online and has now made it into the finals.
With only two tickets to be won, the original idea was to give the tickets to Scott and Melissa.
"But they said we took the photo and that if we won we should go," said Reagan.
Jake already has tickets to Sunday's game, and if the family wins, he'll be taking his dad.
The last time the Bears were in the playoffs they opened up at home against the Seahawks, and the Silveus family was at that game. That day, Chicago won by a field goal, 27-24, en route to a Super Bowl appearance.
"We go to games and try to get together for games," said Reagan. "We did drag all the kids to Wings Etc. when the game wasn't on T.V. (last month). We don't miss games."
Melissa has Bears flatware and the fanaticism has even gone into the naming of children.
Of the seven grandchildren there is Cohen, Eliza, Kendyl, Layla and Linken.
But there is also Payton as in legendary Bears running back Walter Payton and Juliet Ezangeline Halas.
The Halas is for former Bears player, coach and owner George Halas.
The Silveus' bid for free playoff tickets has even solicited a Facebook page by someone they've never met to help garner votes.
That page is titled " A Random Act Of Kindness."
To vote for the Silveus family, either go to www.chicagbears.com and follow the instructions from there or go to Facebook and type in Chicago Bears.
