Heart of Mercy
Winter 2016
The Blessings of Community Connection:
Everyone feels good
with friends like these!
The Chicago Blackhawks’
Jonathan Toews and The Feel
Good Project’s Lindsey
Vecchione delivered smiles
all around during their recent visits to
Misericordia. When the Blackhawks
captain strode into the Ryan Center
hoisting the Stanley Cup, residents
erupted with cheers for their hero and
friend. Last month, Lindsey Vecchione
and her friends from The Feel Good
Project (www.thefeelgoodproject.org)
Far left and above: Jonathan
Toews and the Cup come to Mis!
Left: Trish and Lindsey love her
new look!
came to Misericordia for the day to
make residents feel and look great!
This included haircuts, manicures and
makeup by professional hair stylists,
manicurists and makeup artists. Thank
you to the Blackhawks organization,
The Feel Good Project, Jonathan and
Lindsey, and all of those who helped
make these days so special!
Be a part of Candy Days
Weekend, April 29-30
Join thousands of volunteers from every
walk of life across Chicagoland on April
29 and 30, distributing Jelly Belly jelly
beans in exchange for donations that
support the programs so important to
our more than 600 children and adults!
Bill Kelley and the Jelly Belly Candy
Company have once again generously
donated 1.2 million sample
bags of their delicious
jelly beans for Candy Days
weekend!
Raising nearly $20 million in 2016 to cover the
gap between the actual cost
of operating Misericordia and those
funds that are provided by the state of
Illinois is difficult, but we know that we
can count on you to help. Come out and
join the fun!
Set up an account at www.firstgiving.
com/misericordia_candy_days
where your friends and family can
donate to Misericordia.
Post it on your Facebook page and
ask your friends to become a FAN of
Misericordia! Many companies will
offer a corporate match for your
charitable contributions.
Volunteer! Contact 773-273-2768,
email [email protected],
or visit misericordia.org to sign up.
n
n
n
The Feel Good Project volunteers pose with Misericordia administrators (from left, back
row): Mary Pat O’Brien, Denise Tigges and residents who participated in the “spa day.”
Thank you for your incredible sense of friendship and generosity!
Dear Friends,
May we begin 2016 with a prayer from Romans 15:13. “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
In this New Year of 2016, most of us, especially in America, do live in a city and a world where the joy and peace of the God
of Hope are ours. Yet, there are others within our own city and those throughout our world where extreme “fear” replaces any
semblance of “hope.” They are victims of religious and national persecution and, here in Chicago, trapped in the culture of poverty where violence, hatred and disillusionment seem to be the powerful, evil forces dominating our brothers’ and sisters’ lives.
When I look at the world that our children and adults at Misericordia enjoy, I am overwhelmed at God’s goodness to us
through the loving friendship and generous support of you, our family members, our staff, our friends and supporters. You
believe our residents not only have a right to life, but to one worth living. And, you believe enough to share the responsibility
of creating and maintaining such a world for God’s most vulnerable people. For you know, they can’t create a good world for
themselves, but once it is theirs, they become the gift givers. No one needs to “pity” them, for most of them are the happiest
people I know. Their worries are small, and for many of them, they have only known love. Many come from loving and protective families, and then they enter the caring and compassionate world of Misericordia. They are truly blessed people!
I do believe this is especially true of those children and adults who comprise 20 percent of our population. These very special
and loved individuals either have no involved families or come from extreme poverty. When I “imagine” the world some of
their siblings have as theirs, I often think how blessed our residents are – in spite of their disabilities, or perhaps because of
them! And they bring great joy to all here at Misericordia.
There is a mystery about Misericordia. It is needed in our world because of suffering. No one wants their child, any child, to be
born or to become developmentally disabled and/or physically challenged. But from this suffering comes “new life.” A life different than one expected, one that calls you forth to learn to live with mystery, knowing that for some happenings in life there
are no answers, but there are answering people – who are the incarnation of God’s Presence in our world today. Within this
new life, one must also recognize and accept the limitations of the human condition. No one or no situation will ever perfectly
satisfy one’s hopes. It surely helps if you can regard all of life’s happenings in the perspective of an Eternity basking in God’s love.
For many of our families, Misericordia is surely an answering “home” for their most special family member. Here they have
found the “hope,” which has brought them the joy and peace of the Lord.
Yes, here at Misericordia we live in a world of loving hope. We know we are doing God’s work, and the Lord continues to touch
the hearts of you, His believers. You have never disappointed us, and this Christmas was witness to the thousands of friends who
not only remembered us financially but gave of themselves so generously. We thank you with all our hearts.
In 2016, we will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the beginning of Misericordia North, Heart
of Mercy Center. We began with 39 children under the age of 12 and 35 staff.
Today, we share life with 600 children and adults and 1,000 staff.
I do believe the growth and development of this “home” is witness to God’s desire to bring more compassion and mercy into
our world through His generous and involved believers. You’ll
hear more about how we plan to celebrate this joyful occasion in
our next newsletter.
May the peace of the God of Hope be yours. (Let us not forget those
who have no hope in our own city and in our world.) Here at Misericordia, words are inadequate to express our gratitude to you and all
who believe in us so generously.
Blessed New Year to you and yours.
Lovingly,
Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM
Executive Director
The Original House of Pancakes
celebrates with Misericordia
Misericordia residents were excited to share in the 50th
anniversary celebration of the famous Original Pancake
House in Beverly! Owner Dick Harrigan hosted the party,
which included a “cook-off ” between Mayor Rahm Emanuel
and acclaimed chef Graham Elliot. The Harrigan family made
a generous donation to Misericordia to mark the festive day.
Thank you and Congratulations!
Guests at the breakfast, from left, Sister Rosemary Connelly, Alderman
Matt O’Shea, Tommy Kerrigan, Chuck LoVerde, Giana LoVerde, Mayor
Rahm Emanuel, State Representative Fran Hurley, Tommy Arundel, Allie
Elliot, Tom Arundel, Dick Harrigan and Graham Elliot.
Thank you to our friends at AT&T for presenting a check to Misericordia for
$35,000 and spending the day volunteering in the Hearts and Flour Bakery.
Pictured center, Alderman Pat O’Connor, Sister Rosemary Connelly and
AT&T President Paul La Schiazza, surrounded by AT&T executive employees.
Top Right photo: State Representative Barbara Wheeler (second from
right) joined Father Jack Clair, parent Sharon Rickerson and Sister Rosemary Connelly for a first-hand look at the programs and residences on
Misericordia’s campus.
Right photo: State Representative Anna Moeller (from far left), State
Senator Laura Murphy, State Representative Michelle Mussman, State
Representative Fran Hurley, State Senator Terry Link and State Senator Julie
Morrison joined Sister Rosemary Connelly and Father Jack Clair for a tour
while at Misericordia for a Special Needs Caucus meeting.
Honors From the Community
Misericordia is proud of the honors our leadership has received
this year! Congratulations to our
very own Kevin Connelly, recipient of the 5th Annual Chicago
CFO of the Year Award. Financial
Executives International Chicago Chapter presented Kevin
with the award for epitomizing
the performance, leadership and
integrity of the most exemplary
financial executives. We are so
proud of Kevin and the work he
does for Misericordia.
Sister Rosemary Connelly was
inducted into the Mother
McAuley Hall of Fame in November. Congratulations for such a
well-deserved accomplishment.
Heart of Mercy Ball, a night of elegance and inspiration
November 13 was an inspiring
evening of style and generosity
at the Women’s Board Heart of
Mercy Ball, as this year’s leaders
with exemplary service to Misericordia were honored. Held at
the Fairmont Chicago, the benefit
raised more than $650,000 for the
600 children and adults with
developmental disabilities at
Misericordia.
Special thanks to Women’s Board
President Anne Marie McGee, Chair
Sharon Taylor and Co-Chair Eileen
Sethna for a wonderful evening!
The Heart of Mercy Award
Thomas and Vita Donovan
The Sister Rosemary Connelly
Service Medallion
Mary Beth and Lou Manfredini
The Pillars of the Community
John W. and Kathy Estey
S&C Electric Company
Geana and Kevin Connelly
Left to right: Father Jack Clair; President, Anne Marie McGee; Chair, Sharon Taylor; Sister Rosemary
Connelly; Co-chair, Eileen Sethna; and Lois Gates.
Left: (pictured Left to right)
Jackie Kissane, Dennis Redmond, Joan McInerney and
Keith Kissane.
Cindy and Mike Diaz
Tom, Beth, and Fiona Parsons
Right: (pictured Left to right) Lee
Johler, Mary Pat O’Brien, Tom Hart
and Kay Golden.
ARTIST IN ALL EVENT MAY 25
Looking toward spring
and the Artist in All
Join the Misericordia Sibling Association
(SIBS) for the 19th Annual Artist in
All at the Modern Wing of the worldfamous Art Institute of Chicago on
Wednesday, May 25, 2016. Misericordia’s resident-centered event welcomes
1,500 guests for an art exhibition and
silent auction featuring more than 250
pieces of art by Misericordia residentartists. Guests will also enjoy an evening of delicious food and drink, while
celebrating the accomplishments of the
Misericordia art studios.
Misericordia’s resident-artists are
already hard at work with their instructors, art therapists and volunteers to ensure a great showcase. Tickets are $135
per person and are available at misericordia.org beginning in April. Special
thanks to SIBS President, Kara Allen,
and dedicated event Chair, Megan Biggam, along with co-chairs Jackie Miller
and Lisa Paradis for their leadership.
Please contact Lois Gates at
[email protected] for
2016 Sponsorship
Opportunities.
Betsy Capraro, along with parents Jim and
Pam, enjoy the Red Carpet celebration before
the 2015 Artist in All.
Heartracers have strong finish in 2015
March Madness
for Misericordia
March 18, 2016
The Heartracers took on the Chicago Marathon this
year and finished with an amazing donation of $143,000
in support of Misericordia.
Thank you and congratulations to all of the runners
and others involved in this worthy effort! If you are interested in running next fall or donating to the Heartracers
efforts, we would love to have you! Registration for next
year’s marathon will begin soon! Check our website for
details and be a part of the Heartracers!
For more information,
please contact Therese Loftus at
(773) 273-4163
or [email protected].
The Women’s League
invites you to join them
at their Spring Benefit for
a casual and fun evening
featuring live and silent
auctions, great food and
entertainment! This year’s
theme is all things basketball – there are plenty
of great auction items to
bid on. Don’t miss it!
For more information, please contact Cathy Hofmann at:
[email protected]
March 18, 2016
7:00 PM
Tickets: $200
Women’s League member Dana Battle, President Gretchen McCarty and Benefit Co-Chair
JoMarie Ferro enjoy the festivities at last
year’s event.
Hilton Oak Brook
Hills Resort
3500 Midwest Road
Oak Brook , IL
C onnection ★ Q u ality of L ife ★ R esponsibility ★ S pirit u ality
The Employee Service Award is given
to five of Misericordia’s finest each year.
Nominated by their co-workers, winners receive a financial bonus. Congratulations to Chrissy Davis, DSP, Holbrook; Donna Zaidi, Nursing; Mary
Ann Zielke-Allen, Pool and Fitness;
Emad Garibovic, Laundry; and Dara
Talbot, CNA, McAuley.
These five individuals embody the
spirit of Misericordia and live the core
values of Connection, Quality of Life,
Responsibility and Spirituality. Congratulations on such great work!
Employee Service Awards
Living the Values
of Misericordia
‘‘The compassionate work that Chrissy puts
forth is amazing....she puts her energy into
making sure the residents have the best quality
of life possible.’’
‘‘Donna works to ensure that families and staff
who come to nursing receive the support that
they need. She is consistent, compassionate
and professional.’’
‘‘Mary Ann is a wonderful role model and
supervisor....understands the needs of the
residents and uses her role to provide quality
programs that support their health and wellbeing.’’
‘‘Emad connects with his positive attitude and
takes the time to listen when needed. He takes
pride in his department, and always jumps in
to get the job done.’’
Pictured above, from left: Chrissy Davis, Donna Zaidi, Mary Ann Zielke-Allen, Emad Garibovic
and Dara Talbot.
Save the Date
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
March 12
www.misericordia.com
‘‘Dara’s positivity is felt by the residents and
staff at McAuley....she treats every person
with kindness and compassion...she is an
example to us on how we should approach
each day.’’
Misericordia’s Young Professionals Council rings
in 2016 with New Year’s events
Women’s League Event
March Madness – March 18
Cathy Hofmann at
[email protected]
Jelly Belly Candy Days
April 29-30
Call 773-273-2768 to volunteer.
Women’s Auxiliary Spring Fashion
Show and Luncheon – May 6
Susanne Hardy
at [email protected]
The Artist in All – May 25
Lois Gates at
[email protected]
BUMS Golf Outing – June 13
Kevin Connelly at 773-273-4167
Good food and great people...What a great way to start off 2016!! Thanks to everyone who attended the Misericordia Young Professionals Council (MYPC) New Year’s Day Brunch.
The Misericordia Young Professionals
Council (MYPC) started the New Year
off right with a New Year’s Day brunch
at Pinstripes Chicago downtown.
More than 100 guests celebrated the
beginning of 2016 with great food,
amazing people, bocce ball and fun!
Many thanks to this dynamic and posi-
tive group and the support that they
give to Misericordia’s residents. Special
thanks to President Conor Gee, Vice
President JR Snyder and Auction Chair
Brendan Shannon for making the New
Year’s Day Brunch a success!
Happy New Year!
THIS A N D T HAT. . .
Thank you to the Frances Xavier Warde School for their visit with the Heartbreakers and
Heartzingers on December 2.
The Condon family pitching in at Sunday Brunch at the
Volunteers from
Greenhouse Inn in honor of and in memory of Roey.
facilities services
corporation SMS
Assist joined us at
the Hearts and Flour
Bakery on November
23. Thanks to Jacque
Kress of SMS for
organizing both the
holiday and Candy
Days help!
Holiday fun with the Outreach Program.
St. Alphonsus Knights of Columbus, Council 15158
Thanks to the Junior Board Committee and
volunteered in the bakery and presented a check to
Anne Mills for their help planning the 3rd
Annual Resident Holiday Party on December 4! Misericordia for $3,500! Thank you!
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 numerous donations that benefit Misericordia. We thank those benefactors
and their families, and respectfully ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
Lorraine M. Arnold; Anthony Barbara; George B. Berndt; Janice Bloom; Mary Collette Boland; Mary Eleanore
Bourke; Patrick J. “Pat” Casey; Anita Collura; Mary McDonough Connolly; Ann C. Cortilet; Kathleen E.
Donohue; Albert P. Dybicz; James F. “Jim” Fergus; Ryan Michael Freeman; Geraldine B. Hletko; Marcella
L. Hoffman; John Patrick Howley; Maribeth J. Johnson; Mary Teresa Joyce; Edmund A. Keefe; Mary Mignon
Kelleher; Charles T. Kenny; Lorraine Kotula; Frank H. Ladd; Dr. Richard S. Lencki; Janet E. Lowinski; Joseph
W. Madden; Concetta T. Marnell; Charmaine J. Massi; John A. McGuire; Loretta Lucille Michaels; Rosemary
Miller; Mary Kathryn Moore; Anna M. Morris; Barbara E. “Bobbie” Mullen; Albert Edward Nick; William P.
“Bill” Northey; Laurence S. O’Connell; William J. O’Donovan; Daniel P. O’Gara; Brian William O’Malley;
Mary D. Oates; Dolores P. Olson; Mary Phyllis Paulo; Eileen Bridget Perkins; Irene Peterson; Suellen McGlynn
Piggott; Winniefred E. Piorkowski; Arlene R. “Lee” Quinlan; Eileen M. Quinn; Michael J. Rekowski;
Edward R. “Bob” Riley; Leland G. Rodgers; Bridie Ryan; Ronald M. Samson; Susan Mayer Semla; Bradley
Speck; Tanya Tomaszewski; Dick Uyvari; Joyce D. Walsh; Gail Ann White; Fred J. Willey; Charles S. Wilson
Bank of America representative Susan Baker
presents a check for $25,000 in support of
Misericordia. Thanks to Bank of America for all
of their continued support!
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 contact Bob Bourke at 773-273-4173
[email protected].
You can also learn more by visiting
the Planned Giving page at
misericordia.org.
Christmas Memories 2015
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, 773-9736300. 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