No joke — popcorn fundraiser starting on April 1 will benefit Chicago hospital
By Josh Bootsma
LANSING, Ill. (March 24, 2022) — Lansing resident Sharon Giles fell in love with La Rabida Children’s Hospital over ten years ago. Since that time, she’s found a few creative ways to support the work the hospital does, and this year, she’s hoping a virtual popcorn fundraiser will give the local community a delicious way to raise $5,000.
Helping children by supporting La Rabida
As she raised her own children years ago, Giles’ heart went out to children suffering from long term health challenges. When she first visited La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago’s Jackson Park, she knew she wanted to support it.
“I always wanted to help. So when I discovered La Rabida Hospital I was like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s where I’ll put my focus,'” Giles said.
La Rabida is a non-profit children’s hospital that started in Chicago in 1896. The hospital serves children with chronic illness, developmental disabilities, and those who have experienced abuse or trauma. The hospital currently serves over 7,500 children and their families, and partners with The University of Chicago as well as Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Past fundraising
Giles said she first began supporting La Rabida on her own, and then began to ask others in her network to help her support the organization.
Shortly before the pandemic started, Giles organized a craft show fundraiser at her church to help raise money.
“The money that the crafters paid for their table was donated to the hospital. That was almost $2,000 that I donated,” Giles said.
Popcorn fundraiser
This year’s fundraising strategy reflects the challenges of the pandemic world we still live in, Giles said, but also provides a fun opportunity for people to get involved who otherwise might not be able to participate.
Partnering with Double Good Popcorn, Giles and her daughter have set up an online storefront for donors to order different varieties of popcorn online. Half of each purchase goes to Giles’ fundraising effort.
The popcorn is $9–$12 per bag, depending on the flavor, and there are multiple packages available for different tiers of support. The popcorn is shipped directly to the donor.
The fundraiser starts on April 1 at 7 a.m. and ends on April 5 at 7 a.m.
To purchase popcorn and support La Rabida Children’s Hospital, visit the link below between April 1 and April 5:
More information about La Rabida Children’s Hospital is available at larabida.org.
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