On Thursday, November 21, the 2019 Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration was held at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. With nearly 500 guests in attendance, La Rabida’s annual gala serves as an opportunity to honor and celebrate the individuals who have made a lasting impact on the hospital. Ravi Baichwal of ABC 7 Chicago served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

This year’s theme was centered around the friends who help make La Rabida’s mission a reality. It is because of the commitment of La Rabida’s friends that over 9,000 children receive the care they need.

The evening honored two very dedicated friends during the celebration who have proven their dedication to La Rabida: Randy Markowitz and Lisa Rolfe Burik.

Randy Markowitz, Partner, FGMK, was recognized for his Lifetime of Service. Randy is a long time La Rabida Trustee who, in addition to his valuable work on the Board, spearheads his company’s annual toy drive for the children of La Rabida.

Lisa Rolfe Burik, Owner, Frankie’s on the Park was recognized for her Community Support. For the past 13 years, Lisa has organized the popular Dress Event where Frankie’s on the Park donates dresses brightening the holidays of young girls at La Rabida. Lisa was joined on stage by some of the girls who attended this year’s Dress Event while accepting her award.

The evening also celebrated the accomplishments of La Rabida patient, Keith.

Keith shared his journey with cerebral palsy and talked about accomplishing his goal of walking across his eighth grade graduation stage to accept his diploma. The audience was so moved by Keith and his story that he was given a standing ovation.

Thanks to the generosity of the attendees and supporters, the event raised over $750,000 to support the children and families of La Rabida.

As the largest fundraising event for the hospital, the money raised will directly impact the care of our patients.

A big thank you to our Host Sponsors for making this year's gala possible: Berglund Construction; The Burik Family and Frankie's on the Park; Chicago Equity Partners; The Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation; Allen and Genie Kutchins, Kutchins, Robbins & Diamond, Ltd., and The Rebecca Fund; Magellan Corporation; Randy and Hadrian Markowitz and Family, and FGMK/Netrix; and Dan and Susan Real.

This story was featured in the November 2019 issue of eCurrents, La Rabida's monthly newsletter. To view the November issue of eCurrents, click here.