Event Description

The national nonprofit, Phil’s Friends, proudly announces the grand opening of its newest Hope Center in Kankakee on September 20, 2025. As a celebration of hope and compassion, this opening marks a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment of providing Christ-centered support to those battling cancer.

The Kankakee Hope Center will be a dedicated space where volunteers can make a difference for a cancer patient by decorating Care Package boxes, coloring Cards of Hope, and assembling Care Packages. Our Care Packages are tangible reminders to these individuals that they are not alone, that there are people who care about them and will walk alongside them through their dark days.

Founder Phil Zielke will begin the festivities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 am, at 240 S. Dearborn. The day will include tours of the new facility, free refreshments, and service opportunities for families. Attendees will also be able to enjoy many hands-on activities, such as coloring Cards of Hope, decorating Care Package boxes and journals, and tying fleece blankets—all of which will go into our Care Packages to deserving cancer patients.