Chicago's La Rabida Children's Hospital hosts 'Toga Party' fundraiser

Jet, Oct 18, 2004

More than 400 guests enjoyed going back to ancient times at this year's "Toga Party" themed event for the Friends of La Rabida, a group that supports the children and staff at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago.

The annual gala took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago and raised more than $350,000 for the hospital's services and programs. La Rabida Children's Hospital provides the most extensive hospital-based program for neglected and abused children in Illinois. La Rabida also provides comprehensive care for children who have lifelong medical conditions and disabilities.

The Friends of La Rabida honored the late Launa Thompson and Fred Berglund of Berglund Construction for the priceless charity work they have offered to the children and to the hospital.

This year's co-chairs were Maryanne and Charles Bobrinskoy of Citi group Global Markets; Joli Burrell, president of the Friends of La Rabida; and Thompson's husband, Abe Thompson, and their son, Phoenix.

This year's "Toga Party" was filled with as much excitement and glamour as past galas with hundreds of' people draped in ancient Roman garb lending their support to such a great cause. Part of this support was the silent auction and raffle that was held during the event that featured two American Airlines round-trip tickets to Europe as the winning prize.

Since its founding in 1989, the Friends of La Rabida have hosted several fundraising galas with various themes to raise over $2 million for programs at La Rabida Children's Hospital.