Continuing our extensive coverage of charities who are premiering Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith on May 12 in 10 cities across the United States to raise critical funds and awareness for issues affecting children and families, here's a closer look at one of the participating charities in Chicago: Children's Memorial Hospital.

"Children's Memorial Hospital is the place where kids come first," Affiliated Organizations and Events Coordinator Molly Keating says. "We are Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for kids. We offer the newest technologies, provide kid-focused experiences and dedicate ourselves to the health and well-being of all children."

The organization's history begins in 1882, when Julia Porter transformed the loss of her 13-year-old son Maurice into a gift for other sick children, turning an eight-bed cottage at Chicago's Halsted Street and Belden Avenue into the Maurice Porter Memorial Hospital. Dedicated to the free care and treatment of children, the hospital soon saw local demand outweigh available space. Mrs. Porter's next move was to arrange for construction of a second building at Lincoln and Orchard Avenues that added 20 new beds. By 1890, a professional staff of six was caring for 68 patients. Over the years, the reputation of the dedicated facility focusing on the complete care of children and their families continued to grow. Today, Children's Memorial is a multi-building campus, with 265 licensed beds and more than 1,100 physicians on staff, providing care at numerous Chicago-area locations.

In addition to the premiere movie screening of Revenge of the Sith, the foundation has planned a high-profile event attended by local political leaders and celebrities.

"We are planning a red carpet premiere of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith to take place on May 12 at the AMC River East 21," Keating explains. "This will be a high profile event for corporations, local leaders and local celebrities. Prior to the premiere screening at AMC River East 21, there will be a Star Wars themed cocktail party featuring the Midwest Garrison 501st Legion Stormtroopers along with other costumed characters. The goal is to theme the event as an 'Entering the Galaxy' at a location that features views of Chicago."

Fans around the world often turn to the messages taught in the Star Wars saga for both entertainment and inspiration, and so partnering with Lucasfilm seemed like a perfect fit.

"At Children's Memorial Hospital, miracles of medicine occur everyday," Keating explains. "The concept of the 'Force' is one that I have witnessed by each patient of Children's Memorial Hospital. Each of these young patients strives to overcome their personal battles by using their individual 'Force' or strength to persevere. In addition, Star Wars inspires the minds of young and old, instilling hope and possibility through the use of the imagination. Our patients are inspirations for one another and everyone they encounter. Every patient is proof of what is possible."

The funds raised from this Star Wars event will benefit the unrestricted funds which help to support the programs, facilities, technology and staff required to keep the institution in the front rank of America's pediatric centers of excellence. In past years, these funds have offset such things as the costs of their family services and advocacy programs, which are not supported through patient revenue and depend solely on philanthropy.

"Children's Memorial Hospital is guided by the belief that all children need to grow up in a protective and nurturing environment, where each child is given the opportunity to reach his or her potential," Keating says. "We believe this vision can provide a brighter future for all children."

Fans who cannot attend this special charity event, but who still want to help Children's Memorial Hospital, can help by donating their time and efforts through their volunteer program.

"Individuals and groups can also choose to hold fundraisers for Children's Memorial Hospital, which can vary from a golf outing for adults or many school children like to hold dance-a-thons," Keating adds. "The opportunities are endless!"

Star Wars fans can also choose to make a monetary donation or an in-kind donation. For more information on Children's Memorial Hospital, please visit their official website here. If your organization would like to support the Star Wars premiere, please contact Molly Keating at 773.880.3913 or send her an email at Mkeating@childrensmemorial.org.

For a complete list of the other participating charities, click here.