Philadelphia, PA (December 2000)-- Keeping with a long-held tradition, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital will again brighten the season for its patients and their families with a festive Holiday Party. The party will take place on Sunday, December 17, 2000 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hospital, located at 16th and Race Streets, in center-city Philadelphia.

Patients and their guests will be treated to a full array of the sights, sounds and merriment of the season. Festivities will include carolers and a piano player, Mummers, catered foods and holiday treats--all presented under the decorative colors of the season. Santa also promises to be on the scene, arriving with sacks full of gifts and giveaways for the patients and their families.

The Holiday Party is again sponsored by Mark Chilutti and his family. In 1996, Mark was a patient at Magee during the holidays, undergoing rehabilitation after being shot by one of the robbers of the jewelry store he owned. Being hospitalized over the holidays was understandably depressing, and since then, Mark and his family have had a special empathy with patients in the same circumstances. Chilutti explains, "There are usually about 90 patients in the hospital, working hard to regain their independence after suffering a life-changing illness or injury. Being in the hospital during the holidays is especially difficult and challenging. Our goal is for all the patients and their families to have cards and gifts to open, and to have a special party of their own as they celebrate the season together."