Festivities will include music by local band House of Heroes and a grand procession of clowns. The tradition began in 1960 when some of the chefs' children were being treated for rheumatic fever at La Rabida. They wanted to bring Thanksgiving dinner and the holiday spirit to those children who could not be home with their families. They gathered donations from Chicago hotels, restaurants and clubs to prepare dinner for the children at no cost to La Rabida. The tradition still holds strong today.
Media coverage is welcome.
La Rabida Children's Hospital and Research Center provides comprehensive care for children who have chronic illnesses and long-term disabilities. La Rabida also provides the most extensive program for abused and neglected children in Illinois. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Jackson Park, La Rabida has been caring for children since 1896.