Since 1896 La Rabida Children’s Hospital has helped young people fight chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, abuse and trauma and has grown to serve 9,000 children annually. To help fund the cause, 600 friends of La Rabida turned out for the hospital’s 26th anniversary gala on Nov. 16 at the Four Seasons (120 E. Delaware). Complete with a live and silent auction — and moving testimonials from patients and families who’ve defied the odds with La Rabida’s help — the gala raised a record-breaking $750,000. In attendance were WLS-Channel 7’s Ravi Baichwal, who served as master of ceremonies, co-chairs Anne Pramaggiore and Richard S. Price, and Sen. Kwame Raoul. The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. The Sun-Times foundation and The Chicago Community Trust will match donations to La Rabida Children’s Hospital, up to $15,000, now until Jan. 8, 2012. Donate now here. Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Neil Gates and Mark Campbell

Since 1896 La Rabida Children’s Hospital has helped young people fight chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, abuse and trauma and has grown to serve 9,000 children annually. To help fund the cause, 600 friends of La Rabida turned out for the hospital’s 26th anniversary gala on Nov. 16 at the Four Seasons (120 E. Delaware). Complete with a live and silent auction — and moving testimonials from patients and families who’ve defied the odds with La Rabida’s help — the gala raised a record-breaking $750,000. In attendance were WLS-Channel 7’s Ravi Baichwal, who served as master of ceremonies, co-chairs Anne Pramaggiore and Richard S. Price, and Sen. Kwame Raoul.

The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. The Sun-Times foundation and The Chicago Community Trust will match donations to La Rabida Children’s Hospital, up to $15,000, now until Jan. 8, 2012. Donate now here.

Story by Katerina Bizios | Photos by Neil Gates and Mark Campbell