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:
[email protected]
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
[email protected] or Geana Connelly at [email protected].
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
[email protected]
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/
[email protected].
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
[email protected].
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected]
Save the date
August 31 | Women’s Golf Outing
[email protected]
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
[email protected].
October 11 | Bank of America
Chicago Marathon
[email protected]
or call 773-273-4163
October 21-23 | Together for Choice Conference
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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 [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
"
"
"
"