Photos: Giving Others a Reason To Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, mounds of turkey with all the fixings piled on to a table surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. However, there are those, for a myriad of reasons, who are unable to celebrate the holiday with the customary mountain of food most Americans are accustomed to.

For those in need of a little help, both on Thanksgiving and on any other day of the year, there is the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

On Thanksgiving, the Phil Skilnik Foundation, in conjunction with 115 Bourbon Street, took a step towards helping those the depository helps through Chicago Bands Together. The fund raiser, which featured six bands, raffles and more, aimed to raise as much money as possible for the depository through a Thanksgiving night party with a $25 entry fee.

“You know, $25 to walk in the door and see six bands at this venue is really great,” Sean Skilnik, Phil's son and chairman of the event said. “Plus, the $25 is going right to the depository. That $25 is going to create 68 meals for people in need.”

The goal of continuing on his father's work, along with the help of his sister, brother and the many other people who helped oragnaize the event and the foundation was the driving force behind Chicago Bands Together Skilnik said.

“You know, my dad was a man who spent a lot of time just trying to help out others,” Sean said. “I just want to keep his memory alive and continue to help out those who need it.”