35th Annual Family Fest
Transcription
35th Annual Family Fest
Heart of Mercy Summer 2015 35th Annual Family Fest Sept. 13, 2015 Chicago’s perfect summer finale is set to unfold on September 13 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Misericordia’s beautiful campus. Family Fest is Misericordia’s largest one-day fundraising event of the year—bringing families, friends and neighbors together for a day of great food, live entertainment and fun! In the face of an uncertain economy, Misericordia has continued to look forward with faith in the future, to ensure a continuum of services and high quality care to the over 600 residents who call “Mis” their home! It all begins with you! To volunteer or inquire about tickets or sponsorship opportunities call 773-973-6300 or visit our website at www.misericordia.com. The Million Dollar Quartet to perform at Fest! Misericordia is excited to present the cast from ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ who will perform on Fest’s main stage at noon! Come and listen to songs from the Tony Award-winning hit musical about the greatest jam session in the history of rock ‘n’ roll! The show will be playing through the end of the year at the Apollo Theater, and any purchases made using the promo code “Misericordia” will have 20% of the ticket price donated back to Mis! tions—as diverse as the population we represent—is available to all. There will be speakers and lively conversations on these timely topics: State of the Nation and Your State: Accessing and Tackling the Data The True Meaning of Olmstead, Ligas and ADA: Legal Perspectives and Semantics Together For Choice: A National Conference to Unite Our Voices • October 21– 23, 2015 • Misericordia Campus Sister Rosemary Connelly and the Misericordia staff are inviting service providers to join together for a national dialogue in support of free choice for all individuals with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the conference is to create a united voice to advocate for the rights of families and individu- als with intellectual disabilities to have free choice in the types of communities which best serve their needs and aspirations, while ensuring quality services and support for all. Our goal, rather than dictating that one size fits all, is to work together to ensure that a spectrum of quality op- When Regulations Collide with Choice: Changing Policy through Advocacy Building Community through Social Media Sharing and Promoting Great Models and Best Practices Contact Geana Connelly for more information and registration: geanac@misericordia.com or 773-273-3297 Dear Friends, At our June 2014 Family Association Benefit, I announced that I had a “bucket list.” At the top of the list was our desire to have a dental clinic. Watching families carrying their family members with severe disabilities to their cars to bring them to their own dentists was the motivation behind this wish. Through the generosity of many, at our June 2015 Family Benefit we were able to announce that the Thomas and Vita Donovan Dental Clinic is in operation. Presently it consists of two part-time dentists from Illinois Masonic Clinic, a full-time hygienist, and a full-time office staff. We have many dentists who offered to volunteer their services and we are evaluating how they can be integrated into the program. Many thanks to Dr. John Lynch and Mary Pat O’Brien, who coordinated this wonderful addition to Misericordia’s “quality of life” efforts. We were blessed to be able to announce that our 10th house in the neighborhood, the Walsh Slattery Home, was dedicated in June. Eight of our men are now enjoying this beautiful home because of the generosity of Matt and Joyce Walsh. In September we will be dedicating the Marie & George Quinlan Terrace which will consist of four lovely homes for our aging people. As most of you are aware, Marie and George Quinlan’s last legacy gave us the courage to begin this project. Prior to this gift, the uncertainty of government funding made us hesitant to take on such an expensive construction project as well as the continuous operating expenses involved. Hundreds of families and friends will be honored within these homes. These contributions have made it possible not only to furnish the interior of each of the four new homes, but also to provide a beautifully planted streetscape which greatly enhances the handsome exteriors. The highlight of the new Quinlan Terrace exterior is the interconnected walled courtyard that each house backs up to, offering an “outdoor room” where our aging population can safely enjoy fresh air. The Quinlan Terrace project will enable us to provide lifetime care for more residents in need. Our aging population is growing rapidly, and it will not be possible for us to give this security of lifetime care to every person now at Misericordia. But this new addition certainly will provide more opportunities for Misericordia to be there for families who have walked this journey with us so generously. In October, Misericordia will host a gathering of agencies from across the country that hold that the national trend which states that every person, no matter how disabled they are, belongs in isolated houses in the neighborhoods, is unfair and unfounded as the only option for individuals with disabilities. Families know what their most vulnerable member needs and this trend is depriving families of their right of choice. We hope this conference will provide a forum to share ideas and unify groups with the opinion that there should be more than one option for care. If you would like more information on the “Together for Choice” Conference, please contact Mary Pat O’Brien at marypo@misericordia.com or Geana Connelly at geanac@misericordia.com. The planning has begun for our Family Festival on September 13. It is always a fun day for families and friends to gather together to celebrate “life.” We look forward to welcoming you to this celebration. On September 20th we’ll have the dedication of our Quinlan Terrace. In our next newsletter you’ll hear more about this event. As most of you know, Misericordia is a very busy place. The only reason we can offer the highest quality of life for every individual, no matter the disability, is because God has blessed us through the loving friendship and generous support of so many of you, our family and friends. I do believe God is using Misericordia to “shout” to our society that in spite of what the media reports, there are still compassionate and giving people who want to make a difference and many have found their way to Misericordia. How blessed we are. Enjoy the summer and God’s blessings on you and yours. Gratefully, Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM Executive Director Walsh Slattery CILA joins the neighborhood! A new CILA home is now open, providing off-campus living for 8 male residents of Misericordia! The dedication was held in May and marked the tenth community integrated home for Misericordia. CILA home residents reside within the larger community while enjoying all of the social and vocational supports of the Misericordia campus! This beautiful home is available thanks to the generosity of Joyce and Matthew Walsh. Their very generous gift will benefit so many! above: Joyce Slattery Walsh and Matthew Walsh celebrate with Sister Rosemary at the dedication of the new CILA. left: The Walsh Slattery home. Sister Rosemary Connelly delivered the commencement address at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN on May 16. Sister was recognized with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities for her 46 years of leadership at Misericordia. Congratulations to all! pictured above: Dr. Carol Mooney, President, Sr. Rosemary Connelly, and Mary L. Burke, Board of Trustees at St. Mary’s College. The Misericordia Family Alumni group offers support A new group has formed to offer support to one another following the loss of a loved one who had once lived at Misericordia, and also to stay connected to the Misericordia family. The group would like to reach out to others that are facing a similar loss. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sherry Scouffas at scouffas@hotmail.com first row: Renee Tesmer, Mary Pat O’Brien, Sister Rosemary, Sherry Scouffas, and Larry Barkley. second row: Marilyn and Ted Tesmer, Nick Scouffas, Ellen and Alan Magit, and Tom Clark. Prom night! An enchanted evening at Misericordia Congrats to Prom King Paul! Katie and Mark strike a pose for the camera. Ready for the big night—the Prom “Party Squad” pictured with Jacob Green (top row, right) of the Recreation and Leisure Department. It’s all smiles for Michael! Beautiful smiles and elegant attire were in order as the residents of Misericordia attended an enchanting prom night in May. Thank you to the Recreation and Leisure department for their hard work to make this festive event possible! A Great Day for the Bums The 41st Annual BUMS Golf Outing for Misericordia was held at Olympia Fields and Flossmoor Country Clubs on June 8. Congratulations to James Connolly and Charles LoVerde III of the Laborers’ District Council Charitable Foundation who were presented with the Brian O. Shannon “BUM of the Year” Award for their commitment to the Outing and to Misericordia. Thanks to all of our sponsors and golfers and the BUMS committee for their continued support! above: “BUMS of the Year” James Connolly and Charles LoVerde III with John Scully. right: Father and Son, Charles and Dominic LoVerde. MFA celebrates the blessings of family Families and friends of Misericordia celebrated at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on Saturday, June 27, 2015 for the Misericordia Family Association Dinner Dance! From the first dance to the last, almost 2,000 people could relax and unwind at the event. Highlights of the evening included a sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, dancing, entertainment by the Heartzingers and Heartbreakers, and a beautiful presentation by Sister Rosemary above: Pete Castellarin, Michelle Castellarin, John Crinion, and Tom McGrath. Dillon as well as to all who donated or volunteered for making this night so special for the residents and families of Misericordia. Dinner Dance Sponsors $30,000 Legacy Sponsor: Jim & Carol Palmer $20,000 Legacy Sponsors: Mark and Margaret Dillon followed by a Paddle Raise. A special thank you and congratulations to chairs Mark and Margaret The Calabrese Restaurant Family GCM Grosvenor Steven & Janis Hersh $15,000 Heartfelt Hero Sponsor: The Veldman Family $10,000 Sponsors: Wintrust Financial James & Cheri Rafferty PLANNED GIVING Have you remembered Misericordia in your estate plan? Bequests and other planned gifts have been an important source of funds to assure the continuation and growth of Misericordia. If you want to learn more about ways to include Misericordia in your estate plan please call or email Bob Bourke at 773-273-4173/ robertb@misericordia.com. You can also learn more by visiting the Planned Giving page at misericordia.org. above: Mark and Margaret Dillon, Sister Rosemary Connelly, Pat and Patrick Durkin, and Deborah and Gay Villers. The Bessers pictured with the Artist in All Committee and the Misericordia Executive Team. The Misericordia Siblings Association presents a Masterpiece! The brothers and sisters of Misericordia residents hosted over 1500 guests at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago on May 20, where 235 pieces of resident-created artwork were on display. Artist Maxwell stands proud with his painting. Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (left) joins Sister Rosemary with Honorary Chairs and Grand Sponsors Charles and Rebecca Besser. THE ARTIST IN ALL The night was a huge success, raising needed funds through event sponsorship and a silent auction. SIBS president Kara Allen and her sister Lyn. Delicious food and drink were enjoyed as guests strolled the gallery, bidding on artwork created through year-round efforts by Misericordia’s resident artists and staff. This “resident centered” fundraiser is a crowd favorite, and would not be possible without the generosity of Misericordia’s friends! Sincere thanks to the Northern Trust Corporation for their loyal support and to Honorary Chairs and Grand Sponsors Charles and Rebecca Besser. Many thanks also to all of our leading sponsors, to Brian Shannon of Printpost, and our other generous printers for their belief in Misericordia. Congratulations go out to co-chairs Jen Surma and Megan Biggam and everyone on the Artist in All Committee for another fabulous year! Misericordia’s art instructors. Special Olympics Champs! Congratulations to Misericordia’s Special Olympics Team! Mark celebrates a triumphant return to the Olympics after a hiatus, winning Gold again! This year’s athletes who attended the Summer Games at Illinois State University in Bloomington, IL had a great weekend of sportsmanship and athletics! Thank you to parent volunteers Bob & Bonnie Romniak and Darlene Little, and sports volunteers Ryan Ward, Tom McGuire, Petty Jimenez, and John Dyer. Thank you also to staff Dominic Colon, resident Molly, and Daniel Vasbinder for being so helpful. All of your hard work, support and enthusiam made the weekend memorable for all! To Jennifer, Gail & Mary Ann—Thank you for making it all happen! The Women’s Auxiliary shows its style The beautiful Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago was the setting as the Misericordia Women’s Auxiliary hosted the 31st annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon. Sponsored by our great friends at Bloomingdales–Old Orchard, over 650 guests bid on raffle items, enjoyed a delectable lunch and viewed spring and summer fashions on the runway. The event was incredibly successful, and a tribute to the wonderful spirit of the Women’s Auxiliary. above, l to r: Women’s Auxiliary President, Corinne Guarraia, Lois Gates, Father Jack Clair, Sister Rosemary Connelly, and Fashion Show co-chairs Laura Dunne, Kathy Dodd and Georgia Heisinger. left: The fashions were gorgeous but the Heartbreakers stole the show on the runway at the 31st annual Fashion Show and Luncheon! Heart of Mercy Ball Kickoff The Misericordia Women’s Board held their Heart of Mercy Ball Kickoff event, chaired by Beth Merlo and Jeanne Wrenn, on June 25 where this year’s honorees were announced. Save the date of Nov. 13, 2015 when chair Sharon Taylor and co-chair Eileen Madda Sethna will welcome you to the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel for an elegant evening to benefit Misericordia. This year the honorees are: Thomas and Vita Donovan, the Heart of Mercy Award; Mary Beth and Lou Manfredini, The Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion; and S&C Electric Company, the Pillars of the Community Award. Congratulations! Tom Taylor and Ball Chair Sharon Taylor, Michael McGee, and Women’s Board President Anne Marie McGee. Jonathan Keyes and Sue Keyes from S&C Electric Company pictured with Lois Gates and Kevin Connelly. Mary Beth and Lou Manfredini pictured with their family. For more information, contact Mary Doherty at 773.273.4177 Lois Gates at 773.273.4160 or visit www.heartofmercyball.org The Thomas and Vita Donovan Family pictured with Father Jack Clair and Sister Rosemary. (not pictured, Vita Donovan) Heartsquad outstanding in Ragnar Relay! from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago). The Heartsquad, made up of 12 runners, volunteer drivers and cheerleaders, came in 161st place out of 524 teams. In spite Misericordia’s Heartsquad completed of inconsistent temperatures and frethe Ragnar Relay Chicago on June 12 quent downpours, the Heartsquad placed & 13 (a 200 mile, overnight relay race 5th out of 17 teams in their category! The Heartsquad raised over $15,000 to help support the incredible work being done at Misericordia every day! Congratulations on this year’s race! Contact Joe Ferrara at joef@ misericordia. The Misericordia Heartsquad Ragnar team at the finish line! com. New this year– AM tee times! Thursday, September 24, 2015 Evanston Golf Club,Skokie AM - $600/golfer, $2,400/foursome per golf round PM - $625/golfer, $2,500/foursome per golf round Reservations include: Use of the practice range | golf On-the-course drinks Breakfast (AM tee time) Lunch, and/or cocktail hour (PM tee time) Dinner in the clubhouse. Not golfing? Join us for Lunch or Dinner! Lunch $50/person Dinner $100/person To get involved as a golfer or sponsor, to purchase raffle tickets or join us for lunch/ dinner, please contact: Lulu Wirtz at 312-373-5030 or lwirtz@rjobrien.com. Many thanks to Laurent Halasz, president of Fig & Olive Restaurant, Joe Taylor, regional director of Fig & Olive, and Joe & Anne Niciforo for bringing Fig & Olive to Misericordia in May. The guests had a fabulous time and were fortunate to enjoy a few of Fig & Olive’s signature dishes. We are most grateful to all for their friendship and generous support. 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. Germaine Y. Barkemeyer; Alyce Ann Bourjaily; Virginia Anne Boyle; Marlene C. Buffo; Frances Cognetto Campanile; Dorothy Roseanne Carlson; Robert F. Coleman; James Jeremiah “Jerry” Connolly; Rita E. Cornell; James P. Daly; John P. Delahanty; Vincent A. DeLuca, Jr.; Michael Patrick Durkin; William P. Glynn; Donald Granell; Gabby Greenbauer; Margaret A. Guswiler; Joyce Harris; Mary Agnes Hlavin; Jane E. Jelinek; Mary Jane Krull; Thomas Joseph Lavelle; John Homer Lemond, II; Vassiliki “Betty” Lolis; Marilyn Long; Maureen Malone; Geroma C. Markese; Ann McCann; Patricia A. McCormick; Dorothy “Twink” McNeely; Alan “Don” Mead; Michael P. Meehan; Sarah A. “Sally” Michon; Pauline Miniat; Mary Frances “Honey” Mulcahy; Margaret “Peg” Nocita; Thomas L. O’Driscoll Jr.; Elizabeth A. Oldham; Marcella A. Purcell; John V. “Jack” Ryan; Brigid Mary Short; Catherine M. Smrcina; Alex A. Strelec; Frank J. Tenerello; Helen A. Tentler; Rose Tremmel; Caryl Joyce Wall; Jean White; Mary Ann Wilborn; Lydia Zatorski Thanks to Rick Erickson and our friends from AT&T for hosting the 39th Annual golf outing to benefit Misericordia at the Gleneagles Country Club in Lemont, IL. Federal employees nationwide can pledge donations to Misericordia! Our CFC code is 43851. Holiday Brunches THIS A N D T HAT.. . Reservations are being accepted for Christmas Brunches in the Jean Marie Ryan Center and the Lois Gates Courtyard Sundays, Dec. 6 & 13 Lois Gates Courtyard Seatings: 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Jean Marie Ryan Seatings: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Thanks to the ladies from Queen of All Saints Parish, who held their 3rd Annual Bridge Luncheon at Misericordia. above: Mary Erickson, Mary Kelly, Kris McDonell, Sue Divane, and Mary Asnis. Adults: $60 Children 6-12: $15 The Annual Sip, Shop, and Splurge event on June 10th was a customer’s dream! Highlights included a trunk show by Sara Campbell, Stacy Ditka’s “Ditka Kids” clothing line and beautiful items from Misericordia’s gift shops and bakery. Thanks to Marcy Twardak for hosting the evening! Our winter event will be announced in the fall for your holiday shopping needs. The Hogan Room is open for private family/business gatherings for brunch at 1 p.m. - December 6. For reservations: 773-273-4738 or christmasbrunch@misericordia.com above: Marcy Twardak, center, and friends. The 2015 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is Sunday, October 11. above: Members of Misericordia’s Heartracers team attend a gathering in June. 64 runners are running for Misericordia this year! Be a part of our team’s fundraising efforts for the coming year; we would love to hear from you! Contact Therese Loftus at (773) 273-4163 or tloftus@misericordia.com Save the date August 31 | Women’s Golf Outing tloftus@misericordia.com or call 773-273-4163 September 13 | Family Fest www.misericordia.com September 24 | Fall Festival Golf Outing Lulu Wirtz at 312-373-5030 or lwirtz@rjobrien.com. October 11 | Bank of America Chicago Marathon tloftus@misericordia.com or call 773-273-4163 October 21-23 | Together for Choice Conference geanac@misericordia.com or 773-273-3297 November 13 | Heart of Mercy Ball tickets available mid-September call 773.273.4177 or 773.273.4160 or visit www.heartofmercyball.org A Winning Combination! Our friend Jonathan Toews is winner of this year’s Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, “in recognition of his commitment and service to charities in his community.” Thanks to Jonathan for his continued support of Misericordia and our residents. Congratulations on this well-deserved award and on the Blackhawks’ third Stanley Cup win! Monday, August 31, Oak Park Country Club 8:30 am Shotgun Cost: $400 per person includes continental breakfast, lunch and golf. Event is limited to 120 golfers Contact: Therese Loftus at tloftus@misericordia.com or call 773-273-4163 Please join us! Sponsorship opportunities are available. 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-profit 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 find Misericordia on the Internet at misericordia.org or misericordia.com. The Misericordia Newsletter is published quarterly. Please send any comments about the newsletter to kathyw@misericordia.com 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 tessag@misericordia.com. MISERICORDIA | 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 | 773-973-6300 | misericordia.org " " " "