The MFA Benefit will be in person this year at an exciting new location, the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, on Sunday August 27th. The Benefit documents below are available to read/download/print as needed. The documents are also available on the MFA Benefit website under the menu item that they belong to. Please visit www.mfabenefit.org to learn more about the Benefit.
Click here for the Sponsorship and Ad Book Contribution Form 2023 - Preferred method is to submit this form through the Benefit website instead of using paper form.
Click here for the Ad Book Cover Letter 2023
Click here for the Sponsorships Opportunities Flyer 2023
Click here for the Silent Auction Wish List 2023
Click here for the Silent Auction Solicitation Letter 2023
Click here for the Item-Monetary Donation Form 2023
Click here for the Donor Receipt Form 2023
Fundraising to help support Misericordia is a major activity for family members of the Misericordia Family Association (MFA). It is, therefore, important for families to be able to track their fundraising activities and see their progress toward their annual fundraising goal. In the past, Misericordia provided families with a yearly Parent Report of their fundraising activities, but this was often not timely enough for families to thank people donating on their behalf.
Now, thanks to modern technology, this can be done in real-time using the Parent Portal, e.g., Misericordia has recently entered donations/purchases for the 2022 Artist in All event which are now available in the Parent Portal.
This past week (Thu, Jan 12 - Wed, Jan 18, 2023) the Community Transmission level was Substantial for Cook County.
Surgical masks will be required in all areas except McAuley, which will continue with N95s. In terms of visiting, unless you are taking your family member out, we ask that you continue to call, given the size of most homes and the limited number of visiting areas. We still continue to see activity on our campus, so we will proceed with caution and ask that mask usage continue for now.
*Going forward, we will only provide an update when there is a change in masking requirements.
Happy New Year, MFA Families! The Misericordia Volunteer Office is getting in touch to announce upcoming opportunities that are in need of volunteer assistance.
2023 Sunday Brunches in the Greenhouse Inn - We're in need of help on many upcoming Sundays in the Greenhouse Inn. This has historically been an area that the SIBs have taken charge of, and we would like to make a big push to have this resume in 2023. If you're a member of the SIBs, we're asking you to reach out to your network of friends and family and take on a Sunday in the restaurant. Since each shift in the Greenhouse Inn needs many people, this is a great opportunity to share the mission and community of Misericordia with friends new and old. More info about this opportunity and space to sign up for shifts can be found here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4eadac29a57-sunday2#/
Laundry Volunteers - The laundry facility at Misericordia does thousands of pounds of laundry each week, and they are open 365 days a year. Monday - Friday there are residents working here as a part of our Community Day Services and Developmental Training programs, but on the weekends our staff continue the work with volunteer assistance. If you're interested in helping in our laundry facility, you can read more about this and sign up for shifts here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4caeac23a2f49-misericordia13#/
Other upcoming volunteer needs throughout the spring and summer will be posted here, so please keep your eyes peeled for ways to stay involved with Misericordia!
pDear Families,
Thank you to those who were able to join us virtually for the MFA General Meeting (on January 15th).
However, if you were unable to make the meeting, the recording is available for your viewing.
It can be viewed on YouTube by going to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QIhlGg8R2Q
Thank you,
Pam and Jim Capraro
MFA Chairs
by Jule Ward
For thirty years, our family shared the care of two of our children, Kristin and Johnny, with Misericordia Home. Many treasured memories of our family’s time at Misericordia live in my heart, but the ones I remember best are times when its generosity of spirit lit up like a giant Christmas tree.
In 1985, when we took our son Johnny for his first visit to the school, we shared dinner with a friendly group of fellows in one of the Village Homes. At the end of dinner, one resident pushed back his chair. “I’d like to stay and have dessert with you,” he said, “but it’s my night to volunteer at the homeless shelter.” His words solidified my instinct that Johnny would find love and empathy among his new housemates.
Some years later, the students at the Learning Center engaged in a geography program which focused deeply on one nation each year. Through their studies, they became aware of hunger in the world. This realization heightened the gratitude they felt for the abundance of care they received at Misericordia and motivated them to help those less favored. With their teachers’ help, they organized an on-campus “Walk for Hunger”. Family and friends pledged funds to support the walk.
The words “Happy Thanksgiving” certainly take on a whole new meaning when you have a family member who calls Misericordia home. In spite of this unrelenting pandemic, our devoted, hardworking Misericordia staff continue to provide unparalleled care for those we love so much.
Once again, the MFA is partnering with Misericordia to recognize each and every one of our wonderful staff. Each of them helps to make Mis the home we love, and we want them to know how much we appreciate their efforts. From housekeeping to the kitchen, to the security guards, to nursing and social services, the DSPs and the Qs—we do not want to forget anyone! We are asking that MFA families show their appreciation by contributing to the MFA Holiday Staff Fund. We ask that you be as generous as your circumstances allow and encourage you to donate online. Click here to make your donation
by Kelly Burgess Mayer
The Misericordia SIBS were thrilled to return to an in-person Artist in All event! On Wednesday, November 16, 1000 artists, family and friends gathered at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute to celebrate our residential artists. Guests bid on artwork, noshed on delicious snacks and enjoyed being together with our Mis family.
Chairs Sheila Canavan, Colleen Cirulo and Kathleen Davy gracefully guided us back to the in-person event. The evening broke fundraising records: we ended the evening with $1.2 million (before expenses). The auction proceeds for the residential artwork was up $26,000 from our previous high. Guests were so excited to bid on our siblings’ artwork in person, once again!
Thanks to all the Misericordia staff for their hard work, especially Lois, Julie, Anne and the art instructors. You make our residents shine! Shout out to Mike McDonogh and Earle Atwarter who always make sure the artwork arrives safely at the Art Institute.
by Terry Baugh
Misericordia held a warm place in my heart even before I heard about the Hearts and Flour Bakery. My friends, Barb and Dave, had undertaken a long and nearly impossible search to find a nurturing place for their son, Seth, to live. When he was accepted at “Les Mis” as they fondly refer to it, the search ended, and Barb moved to Chicago to be close to Seth. Visiting Barb in Chicago and volunteering at the bakery was a great opportunity for me to catch up with my friend and spend a week working hard and feeling great about every day.
Volunteering for the bakery at Misericordia is a satisfying experience in giving back. The bakery is a hub of activity, with experienced bakers and novices, like me. I volunteered in 2019 just before the holidays. Christmas music played in the background and staff and volunteers and residents cheerily greeted each other as new people arrived for their shifts. Got a hairnet or hat? Apron? Gloves? You are ready to go.
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