Skokie’s busiest new restaurant, the Filipino-based Jollibee, which opened its first restaurant in the Midwest this summer in the village, has formed a philanthropic partnership with the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, the franchise announced.
Jollibee executives, hospital staff, children being treated at Comer Children’s Hospital and the Jollibee mascot attended the official launching of the partnership last week in Skokie.
Jollibee not only gave a $25,000 donation to the hospital, but officials also announced the kickoff of “Jollibee Days” at Comer, a well-known and distinguished medical center delivering critical pediatric care.
Jollibee officials said the brand wanted to “express its gratitude” for such a warm welcome when Jollibee opened in Skokie some seven weeks ago.
“As a company that values families and kids, Jollibee believes the hospital to be a fitting partner that is aligned with the brand’s mission to share joy — this time to kids who are in dire need of pediatric care,” the franchise said in a released statement.
According to the hospital, the donation will go toward the Comer Children’s Child Life and Family Education unit, which it says aims to provide families with the best experience possible while they are at the hospital.
Comer Children’s Hospital is the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center on the South Side of Chicago.
“Our new partnership will enhance our opportunities to provide personalized care to our pediatric patients and their families, and improve the health of children in our community,” said Dr. John Cunningham, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago.
For “Jollibee Days,” Jollibee will provide food to the children and their families at the hospital on a regular basis, officials said.
In a released statement, Ernesto Tanmantiong, CEO of Jollibee Foods Corporation, said the franchise is “honored” to partner with the Comer Children’s Hospital.
“They are a leader in pediatric medicine and consistently make a difference in the lives of children in Chicago,” he said. “The Child Life and Family Education unit is a perfect fit for Jollibee’s family friendly mission, and we hope our contribution and continuing partnership will make a positive impact on Comer Children’s and our community.”
When Jollibee opened July 29 at 3534 W. Touhy Ave., many hundreds were waiting outside, some of whom even camped overnight. Some came from out of state.
Since then, lines regularly have been out the door and underneath an outdoor canopy. The reception has been so strong, Jollibee officials said, that another Jollibee is planned for Chicago before the end of the year.
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“The support Chicagoans have given our very first store in the Midwest is truly overwhelming and humbling at the same time,” said Jose Miñana, JFC Group President for North America and Foreign Franchise Brands in the Philippines.
The restaurant in Skokie marked the 34th Jollibee in the United States.
Jollibee restaurants are also located in California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, Virginia and now Illinois. Jollibee opened its first U.S. store in 1998 in California, officials said.
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