Mercy Home for Boys & Girls announces winner of “Show Us Your Shamrock Smile” Contest
Chicagoan Christopher Festa Wins a Float for Family and Friends in the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Â                                                                                                                                                                   |
| Chicago, IL —The luck of the Irish is with Chicagoan Christopher Festa, winner of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls’ “Show Us Your Shamrock Smile†contest. By garnering the most votes for his photo submission, Festa has won the unique opportunity to ride on a float with up to 14 family members and friends in Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 12.   The contest asked entrants to visit Mercy Home’s Facebook page (facebook.com/mercyhome) to upload a picture with their best Shamrock Smile. Participants then used the power of liking and sharing on the social networking site to garner the most votes. With the most votes at the close of the contest on March 8, Festa was declared the winner. Known for his enthusiasm for Chicago, numerous friends encouraged Festa to enter the contest. Festa shares his civic pride with others through his business Great to Be Here, which produces geographic-themed fashion t-shirts. He also owns event production company Festa Parties. He is looking forward to putting his Chicago spirit on display as his float rides along with Mercy Home during the St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Shamrocks for Kids The contest is part of Mercy Home’s annual Shamrocks for Kids program. Throughout the month of March, Shamrocks for Kids features family-friendly, Irish-themed activities and events while raising funds and awareness to help abused, neglected and at-risk children. Shamrocks for Kids is named for Mercy Home’s distinctive green shamrock lapel pin and ribbon. As they do every year this month, volunteers will hit the streets, distributing shamrock pins for donations to Mercy Home at Chicago-area St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations. For a complete listing of events and how you can support Shamrocks for Kids, visit mercyhome.org/shamrocksforkids.  Mercy Home for Boys & Girls Mercy Home for Boys & Girls has been a solution for kids in crisis since 1887. Its residential, aftercare, and mentoring programs provide a safe home and life-changing opportunities for more than 600 kids every year. Visit mercyhome.org to learn more.   |
