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(Above) John Pryzbocki channels his inner Santa at the 28th annual holiday party for underprivileged children on Wednesday, hosted by Dick’s Last Resort at Marina City. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

15-Dec-18 – They moved to a new location in 2008 and changed ownership in 2017 but the annual party for underprivileged children has been a holiday tradition at Dick’s Last Resort for 28 years.

This year, about 55 children, selected by community volunteers, were bussed in from area schools and churches on Wednesday for a buffet, carols sung by VanderCook College of Music, and gifts.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Left) Santa with one of the 55 children who attended this year’s holiday party at Dick’s Last Resort.

Each child gets more than one gift, with the cost underwritten by Dick’s Last Resort. Over the years, the company estimates it has spent more than $100,000 on gifts for the children – while closing half of its restaurant space to accommodate the annual party.

“These are children who probably would not be getting much for Christmas, and in these challenging economic times we wanted to provide a really special afternoon,” said Mark Buehler, CEO of Nashville-based DLR Restaurants.

The Chicago Police Department is a partner in the annual event. 18th district commander Daniel O’Shea and representatives of the district’s Office of Community Policing attended the party, along with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

The event is organized by Chicago civic leader Kathy Posner, who is a member of the Community Policing Advisory Panel, which makes recommendations to CPD about how community policing is implemented.

Assisted by Shannon Johnson at left, DLR employee Douglas Lee Jones emcees the event.

Photo by Steven Dahlman

Known for its laid-back atmosphere and obnoxious servers, Dick’s started in Chicago in the River East neighborhood and in 2008 moved to its present location at Marina City. DLR Restaurants now owns all 13 of the casual dining restaurants in the United States.