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.