Stars In Town To Help Raise Funds For Alicia's House Food Pantry

When Juan and Stella Hernandez began helping in their church food pantry, their young granddaughter Alicia would beg them to come with. Alicia would always make sure she would put candy in each families bag for a bit of comfort during rough times. tragically Alicia was killed in a home accident. Her sweetness continues on today! 
Speaking with Hernandez, he looks around a table of friends that have helped Alicia's House for 11 years. " These people started out just helping a food pantry, now they all have become my friends'" Hernandez says.  Stella, his wife shows a plug for the pantry,from singer Debbie Gibson on her phone. Stars and even a President has supported Alicia's House Food Pantry in South Chicago Heights in some way. " This year we have a lot of memorabilia, including boots donated by Debbie Gibson." Juan talks about the need for additional food as his client list grows. " Times are still not good, we fed over one thousand kids this Summer in South Chicago Heights. My friends such as Milt Pappas ( former pitcher from the Cubs) and Scott Schwartz have supported me from day one."
Schwartz, who played Bruiser in Oceans 11 explains why he comes back every year to help Alicia's House." There are people that have lost their jobs, they have no control over what happened. Then you hear stories of kids coming home and not eating when they are supposed to be eating. That's not right. How do we solve that problem ? Solving that problem is through Alicia's House. Juan can't deal with people from fifty states but he deals a lot for people in this area...he does a good job at it." During his stay in the Chicago area, Schwartz along with his wife Misty visit paitents at Children's Hospital in Chicago, Lutheran General Hospital and Manteno Home for Veterans. Along with the visits he and Milt Pappas are trying to find corporate sponsorships for Alicia's House. " We're still looking for the big guy. The one who would pay off the golf tournament and dinner," says the legendary pitcher. Pappas has helped Alicia's House as well for the last 11 years. " Juan is one heck of a guy, he adds I do whatever I can to help him."  
As the evening winds down, Schwartz finishes his pizza at Aurelio's in Crete. " Three things I do in Chicago when i'm here, eat eat and eat. I always choose Aurelio's, Luke and Paula are great friends. I will continue to help Alicia's House. helping as many people as I can and not get into any fistfights with any motorists."  At 6 foot eight and three hundred pounds , there won't be too many people dealing with The Ultimate Bad Guy. 
To meet Schwartz, Pappas, The Butcher and more, tickets are still available for Saturday, Sept. 14th at 4:30pm at Lincolnshire Country Club, 390 E. Richton Road in Crete. All funds raised will go to Alicia's House Food Pantry in South Chicago Heights. For additional information contact Juan or Stella at 708-946-3002.