heart of mercy fall 2014 family fest 2014 — a day of
TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2014HEART OF MERCY
Abundant sunshine, great food, live music, and laughter ruled the day on September 7 when over 14,000 family and friends gathered for Misericordia’s 34th annual Family Fest. Th e location of the “main tent” changed the foot-print but not the generous spirit of the Fest as the grounds team led by John Tortorello seamlessly managed the changes on our campus.
Th e emerging construction of Quinlan Terrace is a testament to the thousands of volunteers, donors, fami-lies and friends who continue to bless and believe in the mission of Miseri-cordia. A successful Fest is so very important in helping to raise over 15 million dollars needed each year to cover essential and life-giving programsnot funded by the state.
Th ank you to everyone who made Family Fest 2014 such an extraordinaryday! See you next year!
Congratulations to all Family Fest Raffle Winners!
Special Thanks to: Our wonderful Pauline Greco for her dedicated commitment 34 years and counting, and to John Tortorello for his tireless work directing set-up of Fest grounds!
Family Fest 2014 — a day of celebration and support!
$50,000SUE KVASNICKA-
MCNULTY$15,000
BECKY KINZEL-BOB BIRKINEUR
$10,000JEFF SCHORSCH &
BRYAN SECKELMANN
$ 5,000SALLY WARD
$ 2,500MIKE OMASTIAK
$ 1,500SETH PALATNIK
$ 1,000PEG & MICKEY BRENNAN
*MAGGIE GILL
$ 1,000 contd.ED & CAROL HENDRICKS
SYLVIA & ALLEN/ORSENO SALON
Car Raffl e Winners:2015 KIA OPTIMA
*ANONYMOUS
$ 3,000ANGELA CRUDELE
$ 2,000CLARE CONNER
Our gratitude to Andy Francis of Evergreen KIA for donating a 2015 KIA Optima for our car raffl e.
*DONATED WINNINGS BACK TO MISERICORDIA - THANK YOU!
Our September Festival was a huge success in every way. God blessed us with a beautiful sunny day fi lled with thousands of family members and friends. Everyone seemed happy to be with us and as usual, the food was outstanding. Since our four under construction homes for the aging in our Quinlan Terrace occupy the space formerly used by our largest entertainment tent, our physical planning committee under the leadership of John Tortorello and the Resch brothers was especially chal-lenged. And they came through with fl ying colors. How blessed we are!
Every event Misericordia held during 2014 has been fi nancially successful as well as a wonderful public relations event. Th ousands of family members and friends have been involved: all giving of themselves generously and graciously.
Although we stand in contradiction to the national trend which wants every person no matter how developmentally disabled or physically challenged to live in isolated houses in the neighborhoods, we would expect that our success would make a very public and strong statement that one size does not fi t all!
Misericordia holds strongly there is never only one way to serve people with disabilities. We believe in houses in the neighborhoods, but generally for persons who are higher functioning. Our ten houses in the neighborhoods are lovely homes and work very well because the residents have our great Campus to complement their lives.
Th e persons with more involved developmental disabilities need and deserve residential services within a full continuum of care. Misericordia is blessed to be able to off er residential services from a skilled nursing home to homes in the neighborhoods. Within that continuum of care are twenty other residential services geared to the unique and diff erent needs of each individual.
Yes, these homes are located on our beautiful campus which enables residents to enjoy our aquatic and fi tness center, our gym, and our social center just to name a few resources. Th ey also attend many community events, especially sports events, because friends oft en share their tickets with us. All have work opportunities on the Campus or in outside employment. Th ey live busy and full lives and they are happy people.
What do we have to do to prove this national trend is very faulty and could create many serious scandals for the future? Families visit us from all over the country and even the world. Th ey are dissatisfi ed with this trend and want a Misericordia in their area.
When a national trend is so rigid that there is no room for diversity, one wonders where this approach comes from. We all know the state institutions of the past were big and oft en “warehoused” the residents. Today, I am not in a position to judge the quality of life provided by these institutions, for it has been years since I’ve visited them. But if they don’t provide quality lives they should be held accountable for their use of government funding, for they generally receive at least two times the operating rates that private homes like Misericordia receive. We are not an institution. We are a Community of Believers that treasures each person in our care.
Th e only reason Misericordia is the beautiful home it is today – where 600 children and adults are enjoying good lives, each according to their unique potential – is because we are successful raising the private dollar through fundraising. Each year we must cover a defi cit (the diff erence between what the government pays us and what it costs us to operate) of $15 million. Because we are successful with fundraising we have a beautiful environment, hundreds of life-giving programs and almost a thousand competent and compassionate staff . We also have a fi ne outreach program for children and adults who are living at home.
I do believe God is using Misericordia to witness to the world that there are still many good and generous people who want to make our world a better place for all wounded people, but especially for those who can’t create a good world for themselves – our children and adults. But I also know when our children and adults live in a loving environment appropriate to their needs, they become the gift givers. What a joy they are to all of us.
Your continuous support and strong belief in our eff orts give us the courage to continue growing and expanding to reach out to more of the hundreds of people on our waiting list. If you weren’t there for us it would be an entirely diff erent story.
Th ank you for believing in us. God’s blessings on you and yours. Gratefully,
Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM
Misericordia is all about celebrating life and what better way than a birthday party! Stephanie D. and long-time resident Terry M. celebrate their birthdays with Sister Rosemary.
Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM
Members of both political parties came to meet and greet the Misericordia Community during Family Fest! Pictured above, from left: Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator and candidate for re-election; State Rep. and candidate for Illinois State Treasurer, Tom Cross; Pat Quinn, governor of Illinois and candi-date for re-election; U.S. Senator Mark Kirk; and Bruce Rauner, candidate for governor. Not pictured but in attendance were Jim Oberweis, candidate for U.S. Senate, and State Sen. Mike Frerichs, candidate for Illinois State Treasurer.
Candidates and VIPs turn out for Family Fest
Culver’s partnership with Mis still going strong!Misericordia’s partnership with Culver’s restaurants continues to be an exciting one! Culver’s was a big hit at Family Fest, with thousands of delight-ed patrons enjoying scoops of their fresh frozen custard!
On September 23, participating Chicagoland Culver’s restaurants of-fered $2 short pumpkin shakes and donated $1 back to our organization for each item sold.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with Culver’s, and would like to extend a big thank you to them and to all who visited their local res-taurant for supporting Misericordia.
pictured above: Jim DiVerde, of Culver’s Bolingbrook and Shakena Sampson, Culver’s Tinley Park, with Governor Pat Quinn. Many thanks to Jim DiVerde, Alberto del Hoyo and Tony Struzynski of Culver’s for their contin-ued dedication to Misericordia!
Family Fest Fun above left: Lin Brehmer from WXRT gets the auction started.
above right: the always entertaining Lou Manfredini, aka Mr. Fix-It.
middle left: The Jesse White Tumblers fly near the Quinlan construction site on campus.
lower left: A group from Fest sponsor ABN-AMRO Clearing was on hand to help at the fest. Thanks to our hard-working sponsor and all sponsors of Family Fest 2014.
$25,000 + Grand SponsorAT&TCovariaGary & Sue GarrabrantThe Hartemayer FamilyIllinois State Wireless Association In Honor of Sister RosemaryLaborers’ District Council Charitable FoundationThe Niciforo FamilyFred B. Snite FoundationWalgreensThe Walsh GroupWetoska Packaging
$10,000 + SponsorAonFred Barbara InvestmentsBruno’s Lounge ($10,200)ComEd/An Exelon CompanyPhilip H. Corboy Foundation ($15,000)Rosemary DeMorePhilip A. Doran FamilyJohn Marshall Family FoundationThe Marymont Family ($15,000)Mat Leasing/Marina CartageMcGrath LexusThe Mortensen FamilyNorth Shore Classic/Ram Racing ($12,700)The Palmer FamilyThe Peterman Family ($20,000)Dr. Kathryn RezekMijo Vodopic/MacArthur FoundationWaste Management ($12,000)
$5,000 + SponsorABN-AMRO ClearingSilverio Agujar, Teresita AgujarAir Duct CleanersAlcatel LucentAmerican AirlinesAshley Furniture HomeStore ($6,000)Augie’s on Wrightwood ($5,100)The Boeing CompanyEdmund & Bernadette BoyleAmy & Paul CarboneCatholic Daughters of the AmericasChicago Bulls & Joe O’NeilChicago ShowChicagoland Truck RentalClover – LG - SaturnCummins AllisonThe Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead TrustThe Family of Michael & Margaret Durkin
The Early FamilyFlood Brothers Disposal/RecyclingThe Geraghty FamilyThe John & Renee Glotzbach FamilyGo BananasGonnella BakingGreenSignsHBK EngineeringThomas J. Higgins Co.Huen ElectricPatrick Kearney
The Lasch/Crane Families & OuterwallM & O InsulationMazzetta CompanyMisericordia Family AssociationMPM Food Equipment GroupThe Peloquin FamilyThe Family of John H. & Margaret M. PittroffSimms Family FoundationJames SullivanWilkin InsulationXTTRIUM Laboratories, Inc.
$2,500 + SponsorsRichard E. AleksyAnderson/Lanigan Families ($3,000)Anheuser Busch/City Beverages ($3,000)The Tom Arundel FamilyHeidi Bauman FamilyThe Beaty Family
Bigane Paving William Blair & Company Marianne Buckley Family Glenn & Elyse Cabin ($3,000)Chicago Paper Tube & CanSydney Choslovsky M.D.The Howard Gilbert FamilyRobert F. Girgis D.D.S.Glenview State BankGary Goodyear Emergency Assistance ($3,000)Gleneagles Country ClubHKM Architects & PlannersHP ProductsMadden FundsMahoney, Goldrick & CroweThe Martin FamilyDr. Timothy McDonoughMcGrath City HondaMisericordia SIBSDavid Mittelman, M.D. ($3,000)The Para FamilyLorrie RMicheline & Reg Rabjohns ($3,000)Donald SeefeldtRonald Silver M.D.SSIPSteve & Gail SchmidtUS FoodsThe Walter Zegers Family ($3,000)
$1,000 + SponsorsThe Abbey ResortJB AlbertosAmerican GirlAncient Order of HiberniansAngelo Caputo’s Fresh MarketAzteca FoodsRich & Margaret BabjakWilliam Barrett/In Memory of Carol & Tom BarrettCharles Bidwell ($2,000)Marvin Bloom –Attorney at LawDr. Michele BogackiBorchardt Family FoundationBob BourkeThe Catie Brashears FamilyBredemann Auto GroupBrookfi eld ZooC & C PowerC&K TruckingCalabrese FamilyWilliam H. CampbellCharles Carey
Thank You for your gift!Illinois State Wireless Association
Bigane Paving William Blair & Company Marianne Buckley Family Glenn & Elyse Cabin ($3,000)Chicago Paper Tube & CanSydney Choslovsky M.D.
$1,000 + Sponsors contd.Carl BuddigCarpenter’s Local Union #58Carpenter’s Local Union #80Mike and Liz Cavanaugh & FamilyChicago Area LECETChicago CubsChicago Lawn SertomaChicago White SoxChildren’s Care & DevelopmentClassic Party RentalTom & Dawn ClewettColumbus Foods ($2,000)Construction by Camco, Inc.Corfu Foods/Chris MemmosRichard CortesiDaniel P. CoughlinCroation Catholic Mission/Blessed Alojzije StepinacDiamond Family Foundation/ In Honor of Nikki WeilSarah Dillon’s FamilyDonovan Food BrokerageFirst Bank & TrustEdward J. FlynnMarcus Flynn Golf Outing ($1,100)Frega AssociatesFriends of the Mandel Family ($2,000)Fullerton Engineering DesignBill Gallaher/State Farm InsuranceDan & Mary GarrisonDr. Dennis GatesBarbara GleasonJeff & Teri GiovannettiGoldman Sachs/Ron Cortina/Rob Sarazen ($1,500)Joe & Joanne GranoWendy & Tim GranoChris & Dennis HaakJanis & Steven HershHoly Spirit Missionary SistersHome Run Inn ($1,500)H P Products ($1,500)Arthur HurterILIASIU ($1,790)
Illinois Sports Facility AuthorityJ. B. MehlJennings ChevroletCraig JohnsonJuniperKeywell FoundationJohn Kofl erKronosLakeshore BeverageLeyden ElectricLipkin & Higgins
Lizzie McNeill’s Irish PubLoftus Family FoundationLoomis Federal Savings & LoanLunkes FamilyJoe Maher ($2,000)MASTECDanny McCarthy 9-5-69 to 9-5-2001McMahon FoodsJoseph V. Messer M.D. ($1,500)Craig Miller’s FamilyMiniat, Inc.Mobile IronMoher Public House ($1,200)In Memory of John & Peg Moriarty Mullen Law Offi cesIn Honor of Andrew Myers
Nash Brothers ConstructionCharlotte NashNational Wireless Ventures LLCLarry & Carrie NicholsonPatrick Nimrod/Merrill LynchMaxine & Jack NoonanBrian & Carol OfenlochOliva, Inc.Osco, Inc.Palmer HouseTom & Ann ParsonsLouis PeterhansPharmacy AlternativesMark PorterPremier Produce Co.Print Post ($2,000)Priority PrintingProjex LLC/ Althoff FamilyBarbara QuiltyRamirez FamilyDonald RenderRiggio’s PizzaIn Honor of Megan Rooney ($2,000)Runge PaperSamatha’s PremiumSchultz Inc.Kim Scodro InteriorsSheppardMullinShoreline SightseeingMary C. SmithKenneth SoudanStandard ProvisionsState Senator Heather SteansIn Honor of Wayne TaveggiaTel Rep Midwest, Inc.Vienna BeefViswanathan FamilyIn Honor of Andrea WeberWilliam WesterbekeWhitney Foods, Inc.World Wide FittingsW. R. MaintenanceGeorge Zervas ($1,500)Zia’s Catering ($2,000)
Golf and friendship at the Heart Links OpenThe 13th Annual Heart Links Golf outing was a huge success this year, raising over $250,000! The beautiful courses of Shoreacres in Lake Bluff and Onwentsia in Lake Forest hosted a day of golf, friendship and fundraising. Guests enjoyed dinner and cocktails at Shoreacres, overlooking Lake Michigan. Remarks by Sister Rosemary were followed by live and silent auctions.
Thank you to our Grand Sponsor R.J. O’Brien and committee pairs; the Connollys, the Moores, the Morys, the Fahrenbachs, and the Prices for making this event happen!
Pictured from left: Rick and Janice Price, Hugh Connolly, David Moore, Sister Rosemary, Carrie Connolly, Linda and Greg Fahrenbach, Jeff Mory, Hannah Mory, and Cari Mory. Not pictured: Sue Moore.
Fall Festival Golf OutingAvid golfers and friends of Misericordia spent a late September day at beautiful Evanston Golf Club in Skokie for the 5th Annual Fall Festival Golf Outing.
Guests enjoyed lunch and dinner along with a live and silent auction and raffle! Organized by the Corcoran Fam-ily Foundation, the outing raised more than $100,000 for the children and adults of Misericordia!
Special thanks to Gerry and Maureen Corcoran, RJ O’Brien & Associates, Lulu Wirtz and all of the participants for making this such a suc-cessful and memorable day!
The practice of asking for donations to a favorite charity to commemorate the death of a loved one is very thoughtful. In the past few months, such requests have resulted in donations that benefit Misericordia. We thank those benefactors and their families, and respectfully ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
Judith L. Anderson; Mary A. Becker; Edward J. Bobit; Daniel J. Campbell; Ray L. Ciger; Stephen Considine; Maureen H. Cooney; Edward Corcoran; Mary R. Cullicott; Thomas Cusack; Loretta D. DaLuga; Peggy M. Doherty; Theresa V. Eisen; Erma Jean Figliola; Connie E. Gagliardo; Wanda Girard; Lois I. Gonser; Patricia A. Grogan; Mary C. Healy; Creighton Robert Helms; LaVerne Kalfas; Walter W. Little; Eileen Loye; Stella M. Lynge; Lucille M. McArthur; Catherine B. McDermott; Stephenie M. Miszkowski; Barrett J. Moran, Jr.; Vincent P. Nally; Robert Neal; Robert Nield; Claire Ann O’Connor; Marietta O’Hara; Michael S.Peterson; Dolores L. Pike; Dorothy J. Pohl; Alice Prendergast; Mary E. Regan; Mary H.Ripley; Paul Schulze; Patrick J. Shanahan; Robert J. Soldat; Stephen A. Story; John M. Straley; Robert L. Taraba; Georgene K. Wohlhaupter; James F. Woodward
First Look coming soon! Please join us for the Misericordia Women’s Auxiliary’s First Look for Charity event on February 13, 2015. Friday the 13th just might be your lucky
day! The black tie gala at McCormick Place previews the Chicago Auto Show before it opens to the public. Enjoy champagne, wine, soft drinks, delicious hors d’oeuvres and desserts, all while strolling the show. Each attendee will
have a chance to WIN a 2015 Ford Explorer or a 2015 Ford Fusion! For more infor- mation please visit our website at www.misericordia.org.
left: Shea M. and Catie B. admire the First Look cars with Lois Gates and Sister Rosemary.
Good friends Gerry Corcoran and John Healy enjoy the day at the Fall Festival Golf Outing.
Make the switch to an electronic version of this news-letter and save postage AND the environment! Please email your request to [email protected]. Include your name, address, and zip code or the 5 or 6 digit ID number located to the right of your address on this newsletter.
Th e Bank of America Chicago Marathon was Sunday, October 12 and once again Misericordia’s team was leading the pack!
Over 75 runners including parents, siblings and staff mem-bers signed on to join this year’s Heartracer team.
Each runner made a commitment to raise $1000/$1500 each on Miseri-cordia’s behalf. An amazing $75,000 had been raised at press time! Th ank you for supporting Misericordia! You are champions in every way!
For more information or to make a do-nation to the Marathon team visit our website at www.misericordia.com.
Heartstrings gi� shop Find a gift for someone special! Our Christmas Shop opens in early November.
Hearts&Flour Bakery Goodies are a great gift option! For more info, please call 773-273-4759, email [email protected] or visit our website!
Amaryllis Kits Our gardeners and artists team up to create Amaryllis Kits! Kits include one Amaryllis bulb, soil pellets, a hand-painted pot and care instructions. Willgladly package and ship from our home to yours!
Holiday Cards from paintings by resident artists: Order from our website, call 773-273-4711 or email [email protected].
Co� ee from the heart! Misericordia coffee and tea can be purchased online or at the Greenhouse Inn restaurant.
above: Members of the Heartracers Squad pictured with event coordinator Therese Loftus (second from right) at a pre-event gathering in August.
December 7 and 1410am and 1pm
Jean Marie Ryan Center 10:30am and 1:30pmLois Gates Courtyard
$55 for adults$15 for children 6-12yrs.
Th e Hogan Room is available for a private party of 25-50 Dec. 7 at 10am and 1pm.
Please call our Christmas brunch hotline at 773-273-4738 or email
[email protected] for reservations.
Heartracers conquer the Marathon
Women’s Shopping Events!Cocktail Party-November 17, 6-9pm
contact Nancy Turry at gi� [email protected]
or 773-814-4189Bridge Party-Nov. 19
Shopping 1:30-3pm Bridge 3-6pm contact Susan Doyle
painted pot and care instructions. Willgladly package and ship from our home to yours!
create Amaryllis Kits! Kits include one
painted pot and care instructions. Will
create Amaryllis Kits! Kits include one
painted pot and care instructions. Will
Women’s Shopping Events!
To those friends who wish to help assure the continua-tion and growth of Misericordia by mentioning Miseri-cordia in your will, the following general form is sug-gested: “I give, devise, bequeath to Misericordia Home, an Illinois not-for-profi t organization located at 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago Illinois, the sum of $ _______ (or percentage, or specifi cally described property).” Contact Kevin Connelly at 773-273-4167 / [email protected] or visit the planned giving page at misericordia.org. Additionally, gift annuities will give you an opportunity to receive an annual fi xed income for the rest of your life, as well as possible tax deduction in the year the gift is made. Gift annuities require a gift of $5,000 or more and the donor must be at least 60 years of age.
Bequests and Annuities
Women’s board president Holly Jennings and Heart of Mercy Ball chair Beth Merlo are looking forward to seeing you at the ball!
Friday, November 14, 2014Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
Black Tie Optional
Chair: Beth MerloCo-chair: Eileen Madda Sethna
For Ticket information visit our website at
www.misericordia.org
� e Perfect PresentFretting over what to buy for those hard-to-please friends and family members? Make a donation to Misericordia and a beautiful card, created by residents of Misericordia, will be sent to the recipients to let them know you made a gift in their honor. Visit us online at misericordia.org or call Tessa at 773-273-2768.
Start Your Holiday Shopping at Misericordia
Misericordia is a residential facility serving children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities from diverse ethnic, religious, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. A not-for-profi t 501(C)3 organization, Misericordia is operated by the Sisters of Mercy under the auspices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Misericordia is located at 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660, 773-973-6300. You can fi nd Misericordia on the internet at misericordia.org or misericordia.com. The Misericordia Newsletter is published quarterly. Please send any comments about the newsletter to [email protected] or to 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. If you would like to add, remove or change your contact information on the newsletter mailing list, please contact Tessa Garcia at 773-273-2768 or [email protected].
MISERICORDIA | 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 | 773-973-6300 | misericordia.org
left: Misericordia residents enjoy a visit from the Glenview 4H Club.
above: Thank you to Peter Guarraia and our friends at Bain Capital. Over 30 volunteers visited the campus on August 8 and painted the fence around Misericordia’s campus.
right: Get on Board! If you want to make a difference, use leader-ship skills, and fulfill your community service requirements all while having FUN please contact [email protected]. and join Misericordia’s Junior Board!
Thanks to the great committee that organized Miseri-cordia Women’s Golf Outing September 29 at Oak Park Country Club. above, left to right: Marianne Schiavone, Mary Garrison, Therese Loftus, Marty Dwyer, Joanne Reynolds, Becky Smith, Mary Lou Noll, and Char Madden. Not pictured: Scott Early, Kim Figliulo, Pat Murlas, and Carol Whiting.
Thank you to the following sponsors of the Misericordia Family Association Dinner Dance
right: Paul Vallas pictured with Sister Rosemary after his tour. Thank you for visiting!
Start the Holiday Season with a gift for Misericordia Home. SAVE THE DATE and Donate Online Tuesday, December 2.
PLEASE NOTE: Every dollar from donors who have not previously contributed to Misericordia received ONLINE on Tuesday, December 2 only, will be matched by The Coleman Foundation, up to $15,000 in total! This is a very special opportunity and we hope you will help us spread the word to family and friends who have never donated to Misericordia before.
THANK YOU, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
FOR FIRST TIME DONORS!
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday....It’s Giving Tuesday!
Heart of Mercy Ball – November 14call 773.273.4177 or visit
www.heartofmercyball.org
Women’s Cocktail Party Nov. 17 6-9 p.m.
contact Nancy Turry at [email protected]
or 773-814-4189
Women’s Bridge Party-Nov. 19Shopping 1:30-3pm Bridge 3-6pm
contact Susan [email protected]
Holiday Brunches Dec. 7 & 14
773-273-4738 or email [email protected]
First Look for CharityFeb. 13, 2015
www.misericordia.org
Save the Date
Legacy $30,000 Sponsor:Carol & Jim Palmer
Legacy $20,000 Sponsor:Th e Calabrese Restaurant Family: Zia’s in Lakeview,
Zia’s & Café Touche in Edison Park
Heartfelt Hero $15,000 Sponsor: Janis and Steven Hersh
Heartfelt Hero $10,000 Sponsors:Cheri & Jim Raff erty, Joyce &
William Veldman, WINTRUST Community Banks