Family House, Peoria’s “home away from home” for families of hospital patients, will present their eighth annual “Christmas Magic” event on Friday, November 27, at the Hotel Pere Marquette, immediately after the Santa Claus Parade downtown.
“Christmas Magic is a special holiday event for children and adults,” says Family House executive director Peg Murphy. “It’s an enchanting luncheon that is highlighted by a visit from Santa himself and includes many more entertaining activities,” she said.
Family House, a stately red brick Victorian mansion near Interstate 74 and just blocks from Peoria’s major medical facilities, is the city’s only hospitality house for families of patients. This not-for-profit facility fills an important need by providing affordable lodging and a safe, caring environment for more than 1,000 families annually, and the welcome mat is out 365 days a year.
An annual fundraising event to benefit Family House and its mission of service, Christmas Magic will feature the following entertainment and activities this year:
• The arrival of Santa Claus
• Lighting of the 12-foot Christmas tree
• An entertaining magic show
• Excerpts from “The Nutcracker” by the Peoria Ballet
• Appearance of the Christmas Wish Fairies
• Visits by characters from the Santa Parade
• Photos with Santa ($5 each)
• A fabulous Silent Auction of donated items
Like Peoria’s legendary Santa Parade, Christmas Magic ushers in the holiday season with its spirit of giving and builds long-cherished memories. The cost, which includes lunch, is $15 for children and $20 for adults.
For tickets or more information about Christmas Magic, to donate a Silent Auction item, or to become a sponsor, visit www.familyhousepeoria.org, e-mail directorpeg@familyhouse.org, or call Peg Murphy at (309) 685-5300.