The annual Chicago District scholarship luncheon was held on June 14th at Camelot Banquets in Hickory Hills, IL Almost 60 members and guests gathered to recognize the 2025/2026 scholarship recipients from the Chicago District. In total, the District had 16 students awarded a scholarship through the national FCSLA scholarship program. We were fortunate to have 9 of those recipients and their families attend this luncheon and participate in our recognition program. Students were asked to fill out a brief questionnaire designed to help introduce them to the group. Each student was presented to the group, given a certificate of recognition, an FCSLA notebook, lapel pin, and white rose, and asked to sign the district scholarship book. Scholarship recipients ranged from a rising first grader to graduate students. All students were appreciative of the opportunities available through the national FCSLA Scholarship program. Following the program, National Sales Manager, Paul Smithers spoke to the group about FCSLA product offerings. A delicious luncheon followed. Thank you to everyone who helped make this annual luncheon a great success! Congratulations to our students, and the best of luck when returning to school in the fall!

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, 14 Anna Hurban Chicago District members and friends met with approximately 50 U.S. military veterans who are temporarily or permanently housed at Edward Hines VA to play Bingo!

The Vets included former Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force soldiers. Bingo winners were given coupon books for the local VA Canteen, and the Chicago District gave away almost $800 to the winners. Both the Vets and the FCSLA Volunteers had a great afternoon visiting and playing Bingo! Thank you to all the members and friends who joined to make this event so special. God Bless our Veterans!

Junior and Senior members of the Chicago District gathered on November 10th to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with their fraternal family. This early November gathering has become an annual tradition for Chicago district members, who look forward to this celebration and also eagerly hope for a visit from St. Nicholas himself. Guests were welcomed by Branch S180 who checked them in and provided a small gift to commemorate the occasion. The event, held at St. Faustina Kowalska Hall in Chicago, offered creative Christmas crafts for the junior members coordinated by Branch S225 and a dice game called ” Hooligan”, where every player walked away with a prize. This is a favorite game of members sponsored by branch S258, who also coordinated the delicious hot meal buffet available to guests. Branch S180 provided delicious Christmas decorated individual cookies as a special treat for our guests’ dessert. Guests were also able to “take a chance” on 4 tables filled with raffle prizes coordinated by branch S421. Prizes included a variety of games and toys for all age groups purchased by the district ( S046 and S421) as well as donations from our branches ( S258, S421, and S287) including special sports memorabilia donated by John Merkle and S180.

The highlight of the afternoon was a visit from St Nicholas himself, generously sponsored by branch S485.St. Nicholas asked the children to gather and relayed stories about his past experiences and travels. The children and some of their parents helped bring life to his stories by acting out the various characters he described. Following St. Nicholas’ presentation, he asked the children to come up and receive a small gift from him sponsored by branch S225. He bid the group farewell and reminded us to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive as we celebrate the season.

This event also included a matching funds fundraiser for the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls located in Chicago. The Mercy Home is a long-standing institution in the Chicagoland area providing housing and support to children in need. A split the pot cash raffle was conducted to benefit this group as well as a split the pot Bingo coordinated by Branch S421. In addition to these 2 fundraisers, members, branches, and guests were encouraged to donate to this worthy cause. This matching fund resulted in a total of over $1700 raised to support the very important work of Mercy home. Thank you to the Home Office Matching Fund program that helped to recognize this charity.

Thank you to all who helped to make this event a special annual gathering for our Junior and Senior members. We look forward to seeing everyone at this event next year.