BRIDGEPORT — For the 47th straight year, volunteers from the Louis Valentine Boys and Girls Club will serve a free holiday meal to the Bridgeport neighborhood.
The event, which is open to the public, takes place 3-6 p.m. Wednesday at the club, 3400 S. Emerald Ave. More than 1,200 people are expected to attend.
The tradition has been renamed the "Tony Maurello Valentine Thanksgiving Dinner" to honor the club's late, charismatic board member who died earlier this year.
Maurello, an Evergreen Park native, ran a snow plow and truck repair business. He was, famously, a fan of harness horse racing, even having an annual race at Balmoral Park named in his honor, according to a Chicago Tribune obituary.
Maurello was also known for his generosity, handing out $2 bills to neighborhood kids and tirelessly touting the achievements of the Animal Welfare League, where he also served as a board member.
Each year since the feast started in 1967, Maurello would man the club's front door dapperly dressed in a tuxedo to greet the arriving guests.
Like years past, this year's Thanksgiving celebration is made possible by a host of donations from the club's board members, who represent local businesses and civic groups.
They include board president Kevin Boyle, board members Tom Palmisano, Stan Bochnowski and Richard Nash. Other contributions come from Michael Tadin, Dave Samber and the Chicago Park District.
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