Caring in Action: Misericordia benefit helps people with developmental disabilities live independent lives
Last year, the Misericordia Women's League reached a momentous milestone, celebrating 25 years of helping Misericordia raise funds.
And while their virtual gala was a huge success, this year they are looking forward to celebrating with hundreds of their closest friends.
The annual Heart of Gold Benefit, the largest fundraiser for the League, will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook.
According to the League, last year's event pulled in $780,000, a huge amount considering it was virtual due to the ongoing pandemic.
"We are so thrilled to have an opportunity to celebrate safely together again," said Lisa Cruse, president of the Misericordia Women's League, in an email.
"It will truly be a celebration of every person who has helped make this event possible over the past 25 years. Between our hardworking League members and supporters from near and far, we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us further the mission of Misericordia."
Proceeds from the benefit fund Misericordia's housing and other programs that help people with mild to profound developmental disabilities live their best lives as independently as possible.
Lois Gates, executive director of the Misericordia Foundation, talks about the organization and the upcoming Heart of Gold Benefit.
Q: What is Misericordia? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: The mission of Misericordia is to provide a continuum of care and support for children and adults of all faiths and cultures who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We provide the highest quality of care designed to meet each person's changing needs and maximize his/her independence, self-determination, interpersonal relationships, and engagement in the community.
The mission extends beyond the residents, as we offer peace of mind to families. Through Catholic values and traditions, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community of acceptance, respect, dignity, spirituality, and quality of life for us all.
Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?
A: Misericordia hosts around one major fundraising event per month. We are so blessed to have a loyal base of friends and family who believe in our mission and support us through these events and give of their time, talents and resources. Misericordia must raise more than $25 million annually to cover the deficit between government subsidies and our operational costs.
Q: How many people per year do you serve?
A: There are 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who call Misericordia home, as well as almost 200 Outreach Program participants from the community.
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: As part of Misericordia's continuum of care, we offer a range of housing opportunities, both on the main campus, located on the north side of Chicago at 6300 N. Ridge Ave., and in local neighborhoods, which are located within a 2- to 5-mile radius of the campus.
Residential options on campus include independent living settings, apartments designed to provide any necessary assistance, homes designed for non-ambulatory persons, and the Mother McAuley Skilled Nursing Residence.
In 2016, Misericordia opened Quinlan Terrace, four homes created to specifically serve the needs of our aging population. Through Community Integrated Living Arrangements, Misericordia is able to extend campus programs to persons living in neighboring communities.
Misericordia's residential services provide a wide range of choices for individuals to thrive in an environment they choose that allows them to live as independently as possible. Each residential option is supported and connected through Misericordia's campus.
Misericordia's programs offer its residents and Outreach participants a variety of experiences. From the Art Studio Workshops and Aquatics and Fitness Center to jobs across the Chicago area at schools and universities, movie theaters, restaurants, and grocery stores, each resident is given the opportunity to live as fulfilled, meaningful and independent a life as possible.
Q: Tell us about the Misericordia Heart of Gold Benefit.
A: The Misericordia Women's League was established in 1996 by four women in the Western suburbs devoted to Misericordia's mission of providing a community of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Now, more than 100 members strong, the League contributes yearlong to the lives of Misericordia residents through volunteering and fundraising, with efforts culminating annually at the Heart of Gold Benefit.
Since its inception, the Misericordia Women's League has come together every year to support the residents of Misericordia at our Heart of Gold Benefit.
We are celebrating our 25th anniversary of the Heart of Gold Benefit and will be honoring longtime Women's League member Gretchen and her husband Tim McCarty this year.
Q: How can people participate?
A: Tickets are $250 per person, with tables of 10 and 12 available for purchase. There will be live and silent auctions, raffles, evening entertainment and dancing featuring the band Strawdawg.
We ask that all guests attending our benefit show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Visit www.heartofgoldbenefit.org for sponsorship opportunities, to purchase event tickets, raffle tickets and other donation options. If you have questions, email mwlheartofgold@gmail.com.
Q: How can readers help if they can't participate in the event?
A: If you are unable to join us in person, please know we value your support tremendously and hope you will listen to our presentations by livestream at heartofgoldbenefit.org from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Please continue to check our website for the latest COVID-19 safety requirements and measures.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: On behalf of Misericordia Foundation Chairman Sister Rosemary Connelly and Misericordia Executive Director Fr. Jack Clair, we are sincerely grateful to our Women's League for making this event possible.
President Lisa Cruse and event co-chairs Stephanie Clark, Amy Allegra and Cathy Murphy have truly been the right people at the right time.
We extend a warm congratulations to our 2022 honorees, Gretchen and Tim McCarty. Thank you for your continuous belief in the mission of Misericordia!
Heart of Gold Benefit
What: Annual fundraiser for
Misericordia, an organization that provides care and support to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilitiesWhen: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25Where: Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, 3500 Midwest Road, Oak BrookTickets: $250 per person, with tables of 10 and 12 available for purchase.Details: Visit
www.heartofgoldbenefit.org for sponsorship opportunities, event tickets, raffle tickets and other donation options.