Day 62: Chicago's Money Families-The Rices

     As you might remember from our previous entry on this topic, there are quite a few families in Chicago that have not only been blessed with extraordinary riches, but who have also paid it forward and given to various organizations throughout the city.  This time around, we'll be focusing on the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation, established by Daniel Rice and his wife Ada, so as to give back some of their monies to their city.

     Daniel Rice went to the Chicago Public Schools, and then to DePaul and Notre Dame.  Upon graduation, he went on to found a commodity brokerage that was successful for over 35 years, until it merged with another company in 1960.  Aside from that, the Rices became involved in the world of Thoroughbred racing, purchasing a horse farm in Wheaton in 1929.  This farm also included a stable with capacity for 25 horses, as well as a training area for the horses.  Later on, a tunnel was built under the road so that the horses could get from their stables to the training area.  Daniel Rice was also on the board of the Arlington Race Track, as well as being a part owner of the Los Angeles Dons of the All-American Football Conference.

     In 1947, the Rices set up their charitable foundation, which still exists to this day.  Some of the places they have left their name have been:

• The Rice Foundation Amphitheater at the Shedd Aquarium
• The Rice Gallery at the Field Museum
• The Rice Building at the Art Institute
• The Rice Grand Foyer at the Lyric Opera
• The Rice Pavilion in front of the Chicago History Museum
• The Rice Plant Resource Center at the Chicago Botanic Gardens
• The Rice Solarium and cafeteria at the Adler Planetarium
• And many more throughout the metropolitan area.