Fourth Annual World's Fair

On Saturday, April 21, more than 200 people gathered for a global celebration in the Springfield Warehouse. 

“Our fourth annual World’s Fair was a huge success,” said Georgia Winson, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach executive director.  “It was a great evening and chance to celebrate with so many friends and supporters of our program.”

In a departure from previous years, the 2012 World’s Fair focused specifically on the cuisine and culture of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. 

“We really wanted to highlight a particular area of the world, especially one where we have done significant outreach,” said Ms. Winson.  “Between the time I started at Mission Outreach in November and the World’s Fair, we sent 10 containers to this region of the world and many others over the course of the last 10 years.”

Food by 5Flavors Catering showcased 17 different items from countries throughout the Caribbean, and the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago provided cultural entertainment through a variety of dances and quick costume changes. 

“It was a spectacular and successful event,” said Courtney Adams, public relations and development manager.  “The World’s Fair would not have been possible without our very generous supporters, especially our Global Event Sponsor, St. John’s Hospital and Prairie Heart Institute.”

“We are already gathering ideas and making plans to ensure next year’s World’s Fair can build on the energy and success of this year’s event,” said Ms. Winson.  “Next year, we’re planning to focus on Southeast Asia & the Philippines. I already know the food and entertainment will be amazing.”

World’s Fair Global Sponsors
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach is grateful for the support of all our 2012 World’s Fair Sponsors, especially our Global Event Sponsor, St. John’s Hospital and Prairie Heart Institute.

St. John’s Hospital
“St. John’s is a regional medical center serving the Central and Southern Illinois area. St. John’s is the flagship hospital of Hospital Sisters Health System, a health care ministry with 13 hospitals and multi-specialty medical groups in Illinois and Wisconsin. St. John’s has more than 3,000 staff members and is one of the largest employers in the Springfield area. The medical staff numbers nearly 700 doctors, podiatrists and dentists. More than 15,000 surgical procedures are performed at St. John’s each year.”  

Prairie Heart Institute 
“Prairie Heart Institute at St. John's Hospital is the largest heart program in Illinois. We perform more cardiovascular procedures than any other hospital in the state ... including the Chicago area. Research shows that the more procedures a facility performs, the safer it is for the patient. We also have developed a reputation as one of the premier cardiovascular programs in the country, but it's our dedication to providing and compassion to patients and their families that makes us unique.”