One for the Kids was established in 1993 by a group of concerned individuals who wanted to make a difference. Our first event was held at Old Oaks Golf course and raised a few thousand dollars. Since that time we have raised over $500,000 for several different charities. All our charities benefit children of the Chicagoland area and our main contribution each year is made to Special Children’s Charities of Chicago.
Special Children's Charities of Chicago is the fundraising organization of Chicago Special Olympics. Special Olympics provide a competitive forum for thousands of special athletes here in Chicago every year. Both were founded in 1969 for athletes competing in everything from gymnastics to tennis, basketball to track and field.
Benton Community Settlement is a not-for-profit settlement home that has operated for over 90 years with many children's programs but few funds. The programs offered include, but are not limited to: Summer Day Camp, Kiddie Time (pre-school program), Begin again Moms, Father & Son Floor Hockey and Storytime.
The Heart Institute for Children, founded in 1987, is dedicated to clinical excellence, education and research in the field of congenital and acquired heart disease in children and young adults. Clinical care includes the latest and the most advanced technology. Research is directed towards clinical cardiology as well as basic molecular biology.
OUR DONATIONS HELP OTHERS
Special Children's Charities of Chicago is the fundraising organization of Chicago Special Olympics. Special Olympics provide a competitive forum for thousands of special athletes here in Chicago every year. Both were founded in 1969 for athletes competing in everything from gymnastics to tennis, basketball to track and field.
BENEFITING CHICAGO FOR OVER 100 YEARS
Benton House is an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization providing social services for the Bridgeport community in the city of Chicago for over 100 years. Benton House continues its tradition of community services today as it evolves with the community of Bridgeport located on Chicago’s South Side. They are 100% staffed by volunteers and all their staff actually reside at Benton House itself. This residency model makes their programs and connection to the community so unique. They are able to be on call at any hour to assist the community they have been amerced in.
Their programs include Afterschool programs, Youth Technology Coop, 26 Lab, Sound Alternative Class, and Urban Gardening. They also began the Bridgeport Food Pantry, which is housed out of the Benton House Gym building every Friday and feeds over 1/3 of Bridgeport families. They host senior programs in the afternoons for local seniors to get out and play bingo, take exercise classes, and make music. Benton House has a it all and has new programs in development all the time.
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH
The Heart Institute for Children (THIC) has treated children with heart disease in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years. THIC has recently been named one of the top 50 pediatric cardiology programs in the nation. This is due to the efforts of the many nurses, staff, cardiologists and pioneering accomplishments of reknowned surgeon, Dr. Michel Ilbawi and his team. Research and education has been generously supported by the patients, families, and friends of THIC. This has led to the development of The Heart Institute Research Foundation in 2010. The foundation's mission is to support research, education and philanthropy related to pediatric cardiology in hopes of continuing the THIC tradition to serve the children of Chicago with heart disease.
2013 Host Family “ The Salverredy Family”
The Salverredy family of Darien was nominated and selected as the “host family” to partner with One for the Kids for our 5th Annual Cocktail Party. Julio and Rachel Salverredy are the parents of two boys: Jaden (9 years) and Ryan (6 years). This summer, they were excited to learn that they were expecting another child, this time a girl. Shortly after learning of her pregnancy, Rachel began to experience respiratory distress, including coughing and shortness of breath. By early December, her symptoms intensified and her lung collapsed. She was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Chicago. Rachel was in critical condition, required a ventilator and was fully sedated for weeks to allow her lungs to heal. Amazingly, and against all odds, Rachel has recently shown signs of recovery. Julio acknowledges that his wife and unborn daughter have a long road ahead, but he prays, “this miracle continues.”
We are always looking for volunteers! To volunteer or learn how you can become a part of One for the Kids please fill out the form below: