Hope Arrives for Port Ministries Through Local Support at 115 Bourbon Street Sunday

The Port Ministries Fall Harvest of Hope at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park Sunday, September 27 from noon until 4 p.m. helps strengthen the resolve of the volunteer medical staff and practitioners who provide primary and urgent care to underserved and uninsured residents of Chicago's South side.

"Our Fall Harvest of Hope is more than an annual fundraiser for The Port Ministries," said Executive Director Jesús A. Palafox Valdovinos, who returned to lead organization that was once part of bolstering his own childhood experience after arriving in Chicago from Mexico.

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"It is one of the most important moments of the year for the organization—bringing together friends, donors, volunteers, and community partners around the work The Port carries out every day, rooted in Chicago's Back of the Yards community.

"For a small organization like The Port, the support generated through one event can have an extraordinary impact."

The family event includes music, food, beverages, raffles and games.

Beverly's own Dr. Robert Dolehide and his wife, Eileen, were long-time supporters of Port Ministries, helping the nonprofit organization with hands-on medical care, while others provided meals, GED and English classes, as well as a free health clinic.

Dr. Kevin Dolehide carries the family torch as board president of Port Ministries.

"My dad started providing care in the 1980s," said Kevin.

Other Dolehides jumped in with matriarch Eileen and Kevin's wife, Corky "babysitting" while Hispanic mothers learned English. Kate and Ellie Dolehide worked in the After School Programs. Kevin's brother Bob of Beverly has provided electrical resources to improve lighting at the center.

Inspired by St. Francis and the Franciscan Charism, The Port Ministries mission is to provide the fundamental needs of the mind, body, and spirit.

Financially, the Harvest event helps continue work throughout the year. Funds raised help sustain the Bread Truck and food programs, the free community health clinic, after-school programming, and the basic operations necessary to keep The Port present and accessible to the people it serves.

"Still, the Fall Harvest of Hope is about more than raising money," said Valdovinos. "It is also a celebration of community and of the belief that we have a responsibility to one another."

That belief is rooted in The Port's Catholic and Franciscan tradition and Catholic social messaging that "every person possesses an inherent dignity and that all are called to stand in solidarity with one another, particularly with those experiencing poverty or exclusion."

In the Franciscan tradition, that calling is lived not only through words, but also through presence—meeting people where they are, sharing what we have, and recognizing Christ in one another.

A return to where it all began for Valdovinos has lifted many a spirit, including his own.

"There is something incredibly meaningful about coming back to a place that was there for me when I was young, and now having the responsibility of making sure it is here for the next generation. I know what it means for a child and a family to have a place like The Port in their community because I was one of those kids.

"Fall Harvest of Hope isn't simply about raising money—it's about making sure that door stays open for the next child, the next family, and the next generation.

"The money we raise becomes meals, fresh food for families, medical care for someone who might otherwise go without it, and a place where a child knows they are welcomed and cared for."

"For me, there is something beautiful about the idea of a harvest. We are benefiting today from seeds that other people planted years ago.

"I am one of those seeds. People invested in this community and in kids like me without knowing where our lives would take us. Now I have the privilege of coming back and helping plant those seeds for somebody else."

Fall Harvest of Hope will take place September 27, 2026 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 West 115th Street in Merrionette Park from noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets: $50 Adults / $25 Children 6 to 20:At the door: $60 Adults; Children 5 and under enter free.

Funds raised support The Port Ministries and its continued work alongside children, families, and neighbors, with deep roots in Chicago's Back of the Yards community.For more information or donations contact Jesus Palafox at 773-280- theportchicago.org 6267. For tickets: theportchicago.org