The annual Children’s Fashion Event at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago has once again brought joy and style to young patients. This year, on Sunday, December 8, 2025, the hospital’s halls transformed into a vibrant runway for its annual dress event, a significant collaboration celebrating the 17th year of partnership with the boutique Frankie’s on the Park. This cherished tradition brings fashion and fun to the hospital’s young female patients, making the Children’s Fashion Event a highlight of their year, a true testament to pediatric hospital events.
A Decade of Style and Smiles at the Children’s Fashion Event
The enduring partnership between La Rabida Children’s Hospital and Frankie’s on the Park began many years ago. In 2019, the event was celebrated as the 13th Annual Dress Event, showcasing a long-standing commitment. Frankie’s on the Park, a Chicago-based boutique, generously supplies the clothing. Their owner, Lisa Rolfe Burik, established the boutique in 2008, inspired by her daughter, Frankie. The boutique focuses on empowering girls through fashion, aiming to help them express their individuality and embrace empowering girls fashion. This mission aligns perfectly with the hospital’s goal. La Rabida itself is Chicago’s unique children’s hospital, offering specialized care for children with complex needs. This makes the annual Children’s Fashion Event particularly impactful for the pediatric hospital events they host.
The Glamourous Children’s Fashion Event Experience
This special event offers young patients a delightful experience, turning a typical day into an extraordinary Children’s Fashion Event. Girls receive fashion tips from the Frankie’s team and enjoy impromptu manicures. After their pampering, they walk a fashion show runway. Nearly 30 girls participated in the 2019 event. This provides a chance for them to feel special and celebrated, allowing them to escape the daily routine of medical treatments. The event helps them feel like “just a kid for the day.” Lisa Rolfe Burik, owner of Frankie’s on the Park, calls it her favorite day of the year, noting the excitement that comes over the girls annually at this wonderful Children’s Fashion Event. This particular event is a key component of their children’s hospital fashion initiatives and is a highlight among fashion shows for children.
La Rabida’s Mission and Impact: More Than Just a Children’s Fashion Event
La Rabida Children’s Hospital has a rich history in Chicago. It originated from a replica of Spain’s La Rabida Monastery at the 1893 World’s Fair. Spain donated the building to Chicago, and it became a fresh air sanatorium for sick children. Today, La Rabida serves approximately 9,000 children each year. The hospital specializes in treating chronic illnesses, including asthma, diabetes, and sickle cell disease, as well as developmental disabilities, abuse, and trauma. The hospital is committed to providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Their mission is to raise possibilities for a lifetime. Events like the annual dress day contribute to this mission by boosting patient morale and confidence. Fashion shows for children in hospitals can significantly uplift spirits, promoting a sense of normalcy and empowerment during hospital patient events, making the Children’s Fashion Event a vital part of their care.
Community Support and Future of the Children’s Fashion Event
The collaboration with Frankie’s on the Park is a key part of La Rabida’s community support, making it a cornerstone of children’s charity Chicago initiatives. Frankie’s actively engages in charitable initiatives and partners with other children’s hospitals too. Their commitment to giving back is a core value, contributing to empowering girls fashion. La Rabida also hosts other events to support its patients. The annual Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration in Chicago is one such event, honoring community leaders and raising funds for the hospital’s specialized care. This continuous support from partners like Frankie’s on the Park is vital for this Chicago children’s charity. It helps La Rabida continue its mission to provide essential care for children with complex medical conditions. Furthermore, the Children’s Fashion Event itself provides fashion insights and helps girls feel confident and beautiful, truly brightening their holidays and spirits, underscoring its importance as a leading Children’s Fashion Event.
