The Friends of La Rabida Children’s Hospital is hosting its 23^rd annual fundraiser on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Proceeds from  A Celebration of Friends will benefit hospital programs and services.

Honoring Community, Civic and Business Leaders

The 2009 Friends of La Rabida Award will be bestowed upon  five individuals who are exemplary in their respective fields and  live lives of giving.

The 2009 Friends of La Rabida Award recipients are:
 

Joli Burrell for Volunteer Leadership

Past President of the Friends of La Rabida Joli Burrell has worked for more than 15 years to raise money for the hospital and its programs. La Rabida’s Child Advocacy Centers in Chicago and Park Forest both bear her name and have directly benefitted from her generosity.

The Honorable John Cullerton for Public Service

Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton (D- Chicago) will be recognized for continuing a legacy ofpublic service that began with his great-great-grandfather. Cullerton first took office in the House of Representatives. Twelve years later in 1992, he was elected to the Illinois Senate, and ascended to the president’s post last year, replacing retiring Emil Jones. His charitable efforts have supported at-risk children and those with developmental disabilities, advocacy and the lesbian and gay community.

Vincent W. Foglia for Humanitarian Vision

Sage Products Chairman and CEO Vincent W. Foglia has donated millions to a host of charities that benefit, among others, healthcare and children, through the Foglia Family Foundation. In 1971, Foglia co-founded Cary-based Sage Products which produces interventional patient hygiene products used in hospitals.

Maria Pinto for Creative Inspiration

Fashion Designer Maria Pinto, owner of the west loop’s Maria Pinto Boutique, has inspired dozens of fashions that have been seen on the likes of media mogul Oprah and First Lady Michelle Obama.  Her career has spanned nearly two decades and earned awards and accolades from Joffrey Ballet and Geoffrey Beene. Her charitable giving benefits the arts, children and education.

James C. Tyree for Corporate Involvement

Mesirow Financial CEO James C. Tyree, will be honoredfora commitmentthat has pushed him to serve on more than 50 boards of trustees, many of them not-for-profits. In addition, he is chairman of City Colleges of Chicago, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerceand the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tyree also supports healthcare, education and children through work with various organizations.

Awards Event Chairpersons

Three businessmen, each distinguished in his sector own sector and longtime La Rabida supporters, are serving as event chairs.  Howard Alper, Owner, Alper Services, along withwife, Frankie, kicked offa tradition  in 1986 to raise money for hospital programs.  Robert Arthur, President of The Magellan Corporation, has worked with Friends of La Rabida for many years.  Patrick Lynch, Presidentof Chicago Equity Partners, is a member of La Rabida’s Business Council.

Register Online

Contact Us
For event details, call Lauren Smith 312.553.2000.  To volunteer, call 773.753.9602.