About Us
History
Children's Chain of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, as we know it today, began in 1958 as a support group for the Rehabilitation Center of Children's Hospital. Like so many good things associated with CHLA, it was conceived as a result of the foresight and vision of Mary Duque.
Mrs. Duque, while Doll Fair Chairman, had been working for several years with a group of volunteers to raise funds to purchase apartments and bungalows near the hospital as housing for young doctors. In one year alone, she raised $179,000.00 for this project.
After the successful completion of this venture, Mrs. Duque was determined to keep this dedicated and congenial group of women together to continue their efforts. Two groups were formed: The Peninsula Commitee and Children's Chain.
The idea for Children's Chain was to encourage enthusiasm among the volunteers by having volunteers choose, plan and execute their own fundraising projects. Mrs. Duque encouraged women to work alone or with friends on any event of their choosing. The chairman of each event was called a “Captain” because of her special role in this unique volunteer group. What united these women, with their varying interests, was their determination to see Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center prosper. When funding was completed for the Center, Children's Chain joined with the other Associate and Affiliate groups to support CHLA’s current designated project.
The annual Children's Chain Dinner Dance originally was held to honor the Children's Chain volunteers who had given so much of themselves to CHLA and also to thank their friends for supporting supporting Chain fundraising events throughout the year. Today, the annual Dinner Dance is Children's Chain’s most significant fundraising event.
Fifty years later, the traditions of Children's Chain continue because of the commitment and dedication of the Active, Associate and Provisional members who believe in the important work being done at CHLA. As volunteers, the members of Children's Chain strive to continue the level of dedication inspired by the late Mary Duque.
