The Family of Francesca Restaurants recently raised $35,000 for St. Vincent de Paul Center and Marillac Social Center at the first annual Francesca's Classic Golf Outing at the Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort.
"Francesca's generosity helps us continue to do what we do best — serve Chicagoans in need and enable them to make a better life for themselves and their families," said Sister Catherine Mary Norris, D.C., chief executive officer of both Marillac and St. Vincent's.
Marillac Social Center, in East Garfield Park, and St. Vincent de Paul Center, in Lincoln Park, have been anchors in their respective communities for more than 90 years. The two social service agencies, both sponsored by Daughters of Charities, have begun a collaboration that will ultimately increase their effectiveness and create cost efficiencies while allowing each to maintain its own name and identity.
Together, the not-for-profits provide day care for nearly 800 Chicago children, most of whom come from single-parent households that face severe financial hardship. Both agencies also tackle the needs of the homeless and at-risk seniors, providing emergency aid and a range of other programs aimed at empowering individuals and improving their quality of life. For example, Marillac House cares for pregnant teens through Project HOPE and educates pre-teens with HOPE Jr., while St. Vincent's operates Labouré House, an intergenerational residence for 16 low-income elderly and six college age student helpers.
Golfers at the Francesca's Classic tried their luck at "Beat the Chef," a closest-to-pin contest with Chef Patrick Concannon. Following the round, Francesca's owner, Michael Noone, hosted an awards dinner for more than 200 guests at Francesca's Fortunato in Frankfort. |
