Co-Chairs Elizabeth Appelbaum and Tina Wolf (Photograph by Jim Prisching)

Did you know that there are superheroes walking among us? While they do not have X-ray vision or the ability to fly, they do have the gift to motivate and influence thousands. They are the fighters who make up a team of supporters for a nationally recognized Chicago medical institution. It’s a place where, if you have to visit someday with your child, you’ll have the security knowing there is no better place to be.

For the 52nd year in a row, the Medical Research Institute Council (MRIC), which supports research initiatives at Children’s Memorial Hospital, will host its 2010 Children’s Ball. The theme, “Superheroes: Going Above and Beyond,” pays homage to the supporters of the hospital and research center, whose combined superpowers give life to their never-ending pursuit of bringing hope to children with illness. “It is going to be a celebration of the superpowers each group brings to the table, whether it be the quest for knowledge, a genuine respect for children and their families, or the leadership and dedication of those who drive the process,” says Tina Wolf of Glencoe, co-chair of the event along with Elizabeth S. Appelbaum of Chicago.

The MRIC began its association with Children’s Memorial Hospital in 1991, and has since raised a whopping $41 million over the years. The Hospital is currently engaged in their $600 million project of erecting the new Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago downtown, appropriately adjacent to Prentice Women’s Hospital on Superior Street. Children’s Memorial Hospital treats more than 140,000 patients a year and does so with the support of the MRIC.

More than 1,200 are expected through the doors of the Hilton Chicago on December 11. The evening promises dinner, dancing, and raising funds for the children who need it most. The end of the year event is the celebration of the fund-raising campaign of the MRIC. It is anticipated that the powerhouse group will announce their multi-year $7.5 million drive has been indeed achieved, and the monies raised will go on, as promised, to fund four critical programs at Children’s Memorial Research Center. Programs in cancer biology and epigenomics, human molecular genetics, kidney disease, and clinical and transitional research will now be given the go-ahead for further research thanks to the dedication of the MRIC. “Knowledge is power,” says Elizabeth. “Actually, make that superpower.”

The 2010 Children’s Ball is on December 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago. Tickets for the event are available by calling 773-880-4237.