Fall/Holiday 2020 A message from Sister Rosemary Connelly FALL/HOLIDAY 2020 (continued on page 2) Some photos in this issue were taken prior to COVID-19. Dear Family and Friends, What a year 2020 has turned out to be! Whoever would have thought back in March – when we were trying to decide if we should have our annual St. Patrick’s Day Post Parade Party – that we would still be in the same dilemma eight months later with no end in sight! Over and over our resolve has been tested and over and over – we have come through thanks to the wonderful support of our families and friends. How grateful I am for your loving support! More than any time before, God has placed the right people in the right place at the right time for Misericordia. In this time of fear and uncertainty we have been able to confidently move forward. Things have been different, but our compassionate, caring and creative staff has made sure our resi- dents are loved, engaged and happy. Under the guidance and supervision of our Executive Team, espe- cially Mary Pat O’Brien, and our Administrators a daily routine has been established and our residents are thriving. Like the rest of the world, everyone has had to be very flexible, but it is working. I have never doubted the quality of our staff, but now – more than ever – they shine. I am so proud and honored these fine individuals have chosen to walk this journey as part of our Misericordia staff. Their profes- sionalism and devotion to our residents and our mission is truly a sight to behold. Our fundraising has been challenging. We have had to delve into the “virtual world,” which is very different than how we normally do things, but being surrounded by such capable, creative and knowl- edgeable people has made all the difference. I have so many to thank for the success of the Heart Links, BUMS and Womens’ Golf Outings, the Siblings’ Artist in All, and of course our most recent Women’s Board Heart of Mercy Virtual Ball. I am afraid to name one lest I miss someone. Everyone who worked on each event gave all they had to ensure a wonderful experience. At this time I do want to acknowledge our Misericordia Team of Lois Gates, Father Jack Clair, Kevin Connelly, Julie O’Sullivan, Hugh Con- nolly and all of our Development Team, and the IT Team for bringing the virtual world to life. Just one year ago so much of what we have accomplished would have seemed impossible!
Transcript
Fall/Holiday 2020A message from Sister Rosemary Connelly
FALL/HOLIDAY 2020
(continued on page 2)
Some photos in this issue were taken prior to COVID-19.
Dear Family and Friends,What a year 2020 has turned out to be! Whoever would have thought back in March – when we were
trying to decide if we should have our annual St. Patrick’s Day Post Parade Party – that we would still be in the same dilemma eight months later with no end in sight! Over and over our resolve has been tested and over and over – we have come through thanks to the wonderful support of our families and friends. How grateful I am for your loving support! More than any time before, God has placed the right people in the right place at the right time for Misericordia. In this time of fear and uncertainty we have been able to confidently move forward.
Things have been different, but our compassionate, caring and creative staff has made sure our resi-dents are loved, engaged and happy. Under the guidance and supervision of our Executive Team, espe-cially Mary Pat O’Brien, and our Administrators a daily routine has been established and our residents are thriving. Like the rest of the world, everyone has had to be very flexible, but it is working. I have never doubted the quality of our staff, but now – more than ever – they shine. I am so proud and honored these fine individuals have chosen to walk this journey as part of our Misericordia staff. Their profes-sionalism and devotion to our residents and our mission is truly a sight to behold.
Our fundraising has been challenging. We have had to delve into the “virtual world,” which is very different than how we normally do things, but being surrounded by such capable, creative and knowl-edgeable people has made all the difference. I have so many to thank for the success of the Heart Links, BUMS and Womens’ Golf Outings, the Siblings’ Artist in All, and of course our most recent Women’s Board Heart of Mercy Virtual Ball. I am afraid to name one lest I miss someone. Everyone who worked on each event gave all they had to ensure a wonderful experience. At this time I do want to acknowledge our Misericordia Team of Lois Gates, Father Jack Clair, Kevin Connelly, Julie O’Sullivan, Hugh Con-nolly and all of our Development Team, and the IT Team for bringing the virtual world to life. Just one year ago so much of what we have accomplished would have seemed impossible!
Now as the holiday season approaches once again, we will have to do things “differently.” This is especially sad for me – as most know I come from a family known for its hospitality – and I do so love to entertain guests here at Misericordia for our holiday events. Lois and her team are currently working on a few virtual holiday events that will soon be made public. Be sure to watch for details in the near future. There will still be many ways to support Misericordia and get some shopping done! Please visit www.misericordia.com for details regarding our online shop, bakery and Christmas card orders under the “Shop and Dine” tab. Our Glenview SweetShop is still open for carryout treats and gifts. I ask you to please share this with your friends and family.
Because of you, our family and friends, we are blessed with confidence to move toward our future. Our building plans are still in motion. Although Covid-19 makes it difficult, we do hope to have the drive-through bakery and coffee shop opened in the summer of 2021. Development of the property across the street on Thome is moving ahead as well. These projects are so neces-sary in order for us to reach out to the many families in need on our wait list. Since we are classified as a long-term care facility, we do need to follow more stringent and very specific rules regarding visitors, but we have every intention of getting our volun-teers back and the restaurant open as soon as we are allowed. Our volunteers are so important to us – and we miss you all! But this is dependent on how our country, the state of Illinois and Chicago get through and done with this virus. I look forward to the day I can again share a meal and visit in our Greenhouse Inn.
Please continue to pray for the safety and health of our residents and staff. I feel God is answering our prayers. All here at Misericordia are very grateful. Know you have a special place in our hearts. We are doing God’s Work. We must “keep Misericordia strong.” I know together we can do it.
I ask God’s Blessings to keep you healthy and safe this Christ-mas and Holiday Season. May the miracle of the Christ Child bring you the calm and peace we are so in need of during this chal-lenging time. The Lord is with us and there is so much for which to be thankful. Be joyful.
God’s Blessings on you and yours.
Lovingly,
Sister RosemarySister Rosemary Connelly, RSM Executive Director
(continued from page 1)
A message from Sister Rosemary Connelly Fall/Holiday
Christmas 2019
Please Help Us Reach our Challenge Grant Goal!
A very kind and generous couple has challenged Misericordia’s friends and supporters.
Every gift we receive by end of this year will be matched dollar for dollar
up to a specified amount.By sending in your gift today, it can double in value!
Thank you for your generous support.
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday… It’s Giving Tuesday! December 1, 2020
We would be so grateful if you would consider sup-porting this year’s Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is an important day for us and many charities across the country, and gifts at every level are greatly appreciated.
In addition, every gift (on or offline) we receive of $225 or more on Giving Tuesday, December 1, 2020, will receive a $225 match from our friends at the Coleman Foundation, up to $12,500 cumulatively.
Be sure to spread the word to family and friends who would like to support Misericordia.
Start the season of giving with a gift to Misericordia Heart of Mercy.
Thank you!
C H A L L E N G E G R A N T
Giving Opportunities
Inset: Site of Hearts & Flour Drive-Thru Bakery before construction began, and (above) current progress. The bakery will open in the summer of 2021.
Misericordia Future Plans in Progress
Hearts & Flour Bakery Drive-Thru update Ground has been broken and construction is underway on the much-anticipated Hearts & Flour Drive-Thru Bakery and Coffee Shop just two blocks south of Misericordia. The three- story building will feature a café, bake shop, drive-thru and ample space for programming and job training areas.
We have also cleared the three acres of land directly south of campus on Thome Avenue and will soon begin construction on the new homes, which will serve many families on our wait list.
Some photos taken prior to COVID-19.If you would like to learn more about our programs – and
how you can help – please contact us at: Misericordia Heart of Mercy | 6300 Ridge Ave., Chicago
IL 60660 | 773-973-6300 | www.misericordia.org
Have you remembered Misericordia in your estate plan?
Bequests and other planned gifts are 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
Joyce & Willy VeldmanMijo Vodopic/McArthur Foundation
$5,000 + SponsorsDr. Silverio & Teresita Agujar
The Arundel FamilyBauman/Gianni FamilyTim Boehm & Family
Bernadette & Joseph BoyleCatie Brashears Family
Barb & Mark Cabin
Amy and Paul CarboneIn Honor of Delia Collins/
Maryclaire CollinsCom Ed, an Exelon Company ($7,500)
Harry E. CruseMark & Margaret Dillon
Susan DitzlerDeborah & Scott Early
John Giampoli/Giampoli Family Foundation
The Grano & Semla FamiliesThomas J. Higgins Company
JJK FinancialBob & Jean Koziol/Joe & Carol
NawrockiFamily of David Marshall
Midwest MechanicalMissionary Sister Servants of the Holy
SpiritDavid Mittelman, M.D.
Susan and Bob Morrison & FamilyThe Andrew Myers Family
NordstromsIn Honor of John H. and Margaret M
PittroffSteve & Gail SchmidtSonnenschein Family
SSIPScott & Paula TomasikWilkin Insulation Co.York Utility Services
$2,500 + SponsorsAmina Grace Memorial Fund ($3,000)
Rich & Margaret BabjakThe Dana Beaty Family
Phil & Joan Berman
Bigane Paving Co.John & Denise Bohn
The Marianne Buckley FamilyThe Calabrese FamilyCarpenter’s Local #58
Dan & Ann Cohen & Family ($2,520)Devon Bank
Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Pat DietzThe Ellis Family for Marianne Buckley
First Financial Credit UnionFortune Restoration
Dr. Dennis & Lois GatesMr. & Mrs. Donald Geller
Robert F. Girgis DDSGordon Family
The Kathy Green FamilyDr. David Hegg
Jennings Chevrolet/Jennings VolkswagenJohn Kofler
Madden Funds ManagementThe Martin Family
Timothy McDonough M.D.Misericordia SIBS ($3,000)
John M, Molloy & Assoc. + AOH Div. #32
Rick & Connie Nash FamilyBrian & Carol Ofenloch
Oliva, Inc ($3,000)Carl T. Olson & Son, Inc.
Hon. Daniel J. PierceLorrie R. ($3,000)
The Ronald Ramirez FamilyMaureen Durkin Roy/Family of Michael
& Margaret Durkin
Chester & Heidi Trocha
BUMS take a mulligan and move to October
During this global health crisis, Misericordia has remained strong — offering our residents a beautiful and safe environment filled with dignity, meaningful activities, education and excellent care. Thank you for helping us to fulfill our commitment to provide them a quality of “Life Worth Living!”
Above: The BUMS came out to enjoy the fresh air and raise funds for Misericordia. Congratulations — we are so grateful for your friendship all these years!
Above: Kate Boyle and John Scully.
Right: David Gates and Dennis Gates with Nick Hysell and Eric Boockford. What a fearsome foursome!
We thank our dedicated BUMS Committee for organizing a most successful 46th annual Misericordia BUMS Golf Outing at Olympia Fields, Flossmoor and Edgewood Valley. It was a perfect fall day and we are so grateful to our devoted BUMS Committee, generous sponsors, and loyal BUMS golfers who have generously supported this event throughout the years. We hope to see you next year on June 14.
Glenn & Elyse CabinVictor & Charlotte Cacciatore Family
Shin Yew & Mei Ying ChenChicago Area LECET
Chicago Regional Council of CarpentersChicago Select
Children’s Care & Development CenterRon & Jen Cortina
Ernie & Judy CostaThe Cullen Ali Family
Donovan Food BrokerageLeota M. Egger
Jeff Giovannetti/ In Memory of Teri Corcoran ($2,000)
Wendy and Tim GranoRichard & Christine Guzior
Steven Hersh M.D.The Dan Houlihan FamilyDr. & Mrs. Arthur P. HurterIn Memory of Mary Joyce
Lambrecht’s JewelersThe Lombard Company
Mahoney Crowe Goldrick & Cannon, P.C.Manders Decorating Company
John & Lola McDermott Dr. Timothy McDonough
Martin R. T.+ Mary Beth Mersch ClanSheila & William Michels Family
Midwest Lighting Inc.Jean and Everett Miller
Wade MiquelonIn Memory of John and Peg Moriarty
Christopher Mullen/Mullen Law OfficesNeil & Cathy Murphy
My Food GuyAdele O’Donnell
Para – Daly Foundation, Inc.The Anne Peterhans Family
Premier Produce, Inc.Family of P. J. Rafferty
In Honor of Megan RooneySisters of Mercy West Midwest Community
Mary Smith & FamilyFamily of Pam Stiefel
In Honor of Wayne TaveggiaThe Viswanathan Family
Suzan Wells ($1,200)Stephen & Kelly Wetoska
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Winslow J. Nelson Wood
In Honor of Carly ZiesemerJoseph Zuercher Jr.
Up to $1,000Maureen Barrett
CablconEugene G Callahan & Assoc LLC
Carpenters Local Union No 1Henry & Nell CoxBlair & Lisa Faber
Scott & Barbara GierkeHeat & Frost Insulators
& Allied Workers Local 17Christina & Bennett Lasko
McGann Plumbing, Inc.Karen & Richard Moravek
Ken & Kathy SieglColleen M. Smyrniotis
Heart Links Invitational
Hugh Connolly and Gerry Corcoran The Price family
A beautiful fall day and avid golf-ers/supporters were the perfect recipe for a successful 18th annual Heart Links Invitational at Shoreacres Golf Club. We thank our phenomenal Heart Links Com-mittee, generous sponsors, and all of the golfers in attendance for a great day out on the links and raising significant funds for our programs. We hope to see you in July 2021.
Keep Misericordia Strong Car Raffle- Cash Prize Winners!
Grand Prize Winner-$50,000 Charmaine Garcia2nd prize: $15,000
Emily Wilson
3rd prize: $5,000Anne Esterquest
4th & 5th prizes: $2,500 each
Jack Carolan,Constance Dahm,
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.MISERICORDIA.ORGThank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets, and to Andy Francis of Evergreen KIA for his friendship and generosity!
Misericordia’s Women’s Board Heart of Mercy Ball was held on October 14, 2020. Guests joined friends and celebrities vir-tually this year for a very joyful evening to raise awareness and support for the children and adults of Misericordia.
The Heart of Mercy Award was presented to honor the staff at Miseri-cordia. The dedicated staff not only take care of the residents each day, but do so with love and compassion. This has been so evident during this national health crisis.
Sincere thanks go to Board President Benetta Kelly and benefit chairs Jackie Kissane and Susan Baker and their committees. Their lead-ership made the benefit an outstanding success for Misericordia. With grateful hearts we thank our Women’s Board for their dedication to our mission.
The behind-the-scenes contributions from the Development Department, Administration Team, technical crew and MC Lou Manfredini were invalu-able. And to all sponsors, donors and supporters of the ball, THANK YOU for helping to keep Misericordia strong and thriving in this tumultuous year!
Women’s Board Heart of Mercy Ball Misericordia’s highest honor goes to our staff
Misericordia Women’s League annual fundraising event, Heart of Gold, a Night at the Races will be held virtually this year. The gala’s co-chairs Catie Lee, Ann Cohen, Diane Campion and League President Anne Weithers are already hard at work to present an evening to honor and support the residents of Misericordia.
Heart of Gold A Night at the Races
Above: Column one, top to bottom: Lois Gates, Mary Pat O’Brien, Fr. Jack Clair, Julie O’Sullivan, and Lou Man-fredini. Column two, top to bottom: Sister Rosemary Connelly, Jackie Kissane, Benetta Kelly, and Susan Baker.
Catie Lee Ann Cohen
Diane Campion Anne Weithers
For more information, visit www.heartofgoldbenefit.org
Kathy & Kevin Connor will be presented with the Heart of Gold Award for 2021.
The Administration team
Kelly (r) and Matt Mayer
Julie O’Sullivan and Lois Gates
Bill MeyerLou Manfredini
Ron MastersonBecky Li
Jim Capraro
Scott Thompson
Caitlin Deptula
Jim SnedikerBob Snediker
THE MAZZA FOUNDATIONPresenting Sponsor
The Misericordia Siblings Association hosted their annual silent auction virtually this year. The art, lives and beauty of our residents was celebrated with the happiness that Mi-sericordia’s artists feel when being engaged and productive.
Residents watched online among family or housemates to celebrate their accomplishments! (Artists were able to attend a showcase of their creations at Misericordia within a safe environment earlier in the week.)
Misericordia’s art instructors, who were working residentially during the pandemic, were able to continue to create with some residents over the summer. Thank you to each of you for your continued perseverance! Thanks also to SIBs president Kelly Mayer, Matt Mayer, event chairs Caitlin Deptula, Bob and Jim Snediker, Co-chair Sheila Canavan, Bill Meyer, Julie O’Sullivan, Lois Gates, Lou Manfredini, the Administration team, Jim Capraro, Becky Li and our tech support team. Finally, to our generous sponsors – our presenting sponsor The Mazza Foundation
– and the entire SIBs committee for your amazing efforts that made The Artist in All 2020 a resounding success!
Eric F. Dreylon R.
Mark B.
MISERICORDIA | 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 | 773-973-6300 | misericordia.org
Misericordia is a residential facility serving children and adults with intellectual, 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.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 Peter Behle at 773-273-2768 or [email protected].
First Look for CharityWhether it’s live or virtual, Misericordia’s First Look for Charity 2021 event will be one for the history books! As part of the festivities, the Misericordia Women’s Auxiliary is pulling out
all the stops to offer a fabulous silent auction. A range of sponsorship opportunities is available, with multiple chan-nels of recognition on social media, in the event program and much more. Thank you to Auxiliary president Anne Waris and event chairs Beth Bruns, Laura Tillotson and Vanja St. Clair-Karlson for taking the lead for the event!
For additional information, please contact: Vanja St. Clair at [email protected] or 312-213-7999,
Due to COVID-19 the Misericordia Young Professionals Council’s (MYPC) 5th annual Red Heart Bash was canceled.
However, the members of MYPC were not going to let that stop them from raising funds and awareness for their favorite people - the residents of Misericordia!!!
In October MYPC members pledged to walk/run a specific number of miles to fundraise through the MYPC #MilesforMis FirstGiving page. To date, the MYPC has raised over $12,000 and counting!
Congratulations to chairs Ally Wojick and Katie Jennings, President Elizabeth Foran, Kate Snyder - marketing, and all participants!
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.
Helen Assimos; Sheila M. Austin; Pamela Baumgartner; William L. Baxter; Dorothy L. Beemsterboer; Bernard Brady; Theresa Buckley; Jane Byerwalter; Margaret K. Callahan; Jacquelyn L. Carducci; Rosalie Clark; Kathryn L. Clemens; Ann Connelly; Darlene R. Corbett; Margaret W. Donahue; Mary L. Donlin; Philip A. Doran, Sr. ; Julia M. Dowdle; Ellen R. Downes; Patrick J. Fahey; Frances D. Fanning; Irene Figliulo; Mary Ann Ford; Angie Forte; Frances J. Freza; Sylvia Gaddini; Fr. Matthew Gamber; Ken J. Gaseor; Wil-liam “Billy” Glynn; Thomas L. Graham; Richard P. Griffin; Patricia Gudgeon; Kathleen C. Halpin; Martha L. Hanssen; Raymond Heilmann; David A. Hemmerling; Susan M. Hen-kel; Patrick C. Holland; Suzanne Howell; Bridget C. Huane; Shirley M. Huening; Cameron H. Ivey; Mary Lou Kaczmarek; James H. Kallianis; Rita C. Kay; James Keehan; Patricia M. Kehoe; Anita W. Kelly; Patrick D. Kelly; Catherine Kennelly; James C. Kerrigan; Lorraine Klinkenberg; Anne Kotowski; Elizabeth L. La Douceur; Joseph M. Lison; James M. Long; George A. Mack; Ann L. Mandel; Marilyn V. Markiewicz; Arthur J. McGinnis; Mary C. McKenna; Marguerite A. McMahon; Joan T. McNamara; Thomas Minnick; Frances A. Molloy; Frances Mondo; William E. Navolio; Eileen Nelson; James Nicholson; Michael J. O’Rourke; Margaret E. O’Connell; Kenneth M. Orth; Robert D. Panice; Rita A. Polek; Peter A. Pomnitz; Joseph A. Price; Edward R. Pufunt; Joe Quinn; Eileen Quinlan; Daniel M. Randolph; Joseph Ricciuti; Margaret A. Ruane; Patricia D. Savage; Daniel J. Shannon; Nora Short; Jayne E. Simonini; Donald Skonicki; Sarah Smyth; John E. Softcheck; William R. Stanley; Paul Storino; Cecilia T. Tabor; Jerome Toigo; John Van Zeyl; William A. Vanderberg; Dorothy T. Wegmann; John H. Weithers; William L. Wortel; Kenneth Zak
“I am so grateful to the members of the MYPC for their determination to remain committed to residents of Misericordia!”
