CHICAGO, January 13, 2006 - On December 22nd the Chicago Bulls players took advantage of a night off and attended a Chicago Bulls and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' (DCFS) holiday party for intact families that are serviced by DCFS while their children remain in the home. Bulls stars Tyson Chandler and Chris Duhon were joined by team mascot Benny the Bull and Duhon's mother Vivian Harper at the festivities held at Chicago Park District's Fosco Park.

Along with DCFS partners McDonald's Corporation, Harlem Irving Plaza, Dominick's Finer Foods and the Chicago Bulls, DCFS organized an evening of entertainment, fine dining and gifts for the many Chicago families it services. McDonald's Corporation and Harlem Irving Plaza were honored by DCFS, for their generous donation of holiday gifts, with framed artwork created by Illinois foster children that participate in the S.O.A.R program. The DCFS program encourages children and youth to participate in arts and crafts activities.

"Like every child, the children in families that DCFS serves want to experience all that the holidays symbolize -- having fun, being in the company of those who care, and having a positive outlook for the future. We're thankful for the generosity of our corporate partners to help make these wishes a reality," said DCFS Director Bryan Samuels.

In line with its year-round commitment to give back to the city of Chicago, the Chicago Bulls participated in numerous other events to share the joy of the holiday season with Chicagoans in need.

Diane Jackson
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847