by Lisa Paradis
The Misericordia Siblings Organization has done it again! The Artist in All was an amazing success and continues to be a Top Five Fundraiser for Misericordia, raising $950k this year. It takes an army of volunteers, our talented Art Instructors led by Julie O’Sullivan, generous Sponsors and the stunning Artwork our brothers and sisters have on display for an evening at a world-class venue, the Art Institute of Chicago..
Caitlin Deptula led the event as the Chairwoman with the support of Megan Biggam, SIBS Board President, in addition to Lois Gates, Anne Mills, Julie O’Sullivan, and the entire SIBS Board. Over 1,000 attended a mid-summer night at the Art Institute of Chicago. With 246 pieces of artwork and 235 residents participating, our brothers and sisters continue to outdo themselves, with the guidance of their talented art teachers. The artwork alone raised more than $125K this year.
On Thursday, September 7, Dr. Mark and the Sutures put on a special concert for Misericordia residents.
Click -> to watch the video and join the fun!
Many thanks to the MFA volunteers who helped make the event a big success:
Lisa Masucci & John Butler, MFA Volunteer Coordinators
by Kathryn and John Moery
On a beautiful August afternoon, 25 CILA families made their journey to visit CILA homes operated by Misericordia. These families had chosen to tour up to four houses of the nine houses participating in the inaugural CILA Open House event on August 13. The houses on the tour were open for three hours, and the families were scheduled in advance to tour in one of the four time blocks offered. Invitations for the event were sent out electronically in late June, and families RSVP’d with their house selections and the timeframes in which they preferred to visit. As the MFA CILA Site Representatives, we coordinated this event, with the support of Joe Ferrara, the CILA Administrator, and Diane Carpenter, MFA IT Support. Lead families, QIDPs and DSPs were instrumental in preparing and facilitating this event in each of the houses.
The Open House concept was inspired by our quarterly virtual meetings with the CILA families over the past two years, and borne from the frustration of finding a way to stage an in-person family gathering during the pandemic. CILAs, Community Integrated Living Arrangements, are homes in surrounding neighborhoods, licensed by the state Department of Human Services. It was a challenge to conceive of a way to get 82 residents and their families living in 14 homes within five miles of campus together after the pandemic restrictions had been lifted last spring.
See this years' Benefit photos and blasts from the past!! Click on the year links below to view and download fabulous photos from the Benefits in 2018, 2019 and 2023.
Mon, Sept. 11 – Fri., Sept. 15
Let’s show our appreciation for the more than 500 direct care staff. The DSPs/CNAs/Therapy Aides are the “backbone” of Misericordia. Their appreciation week will include a food truck, themed dress-up days, raffles and bakery and ice cream treats.
Volunteers are needed for the food truck on Wednesday, September 13th. Duties include greeting staff/thanking them for their service, collecting tickets, helping guide the food line and keeping the area clean. The shifts are: 9:30 am – 12 pm; 12 – 2 pm; 6:30 – 9:30 pm; and 10:45 – 11:30 pm.
Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-thecheesies1
The Arlington Heights Knights of Columbus are hosting their annual Tootsie Roll fundraiser on Friday, 9/15 and Saturday, 9/16. This event has been happening for years and, in part, supports Misericordia. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in supporting this annual event.
More info and space to signup for a volunteer shift can be found at this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4caeac23a2f49-knights#/
The 63rd Annual Misericordia Family Association Benefit is in the books!
Congratulations to the Benefit Chairs, Deb Brashears and Sue Ziesemer, for a spectacular night to remember! They had the help of many wonderful volunteers who created a magical atmosphere of illumination and love.
Huge thanks to our EMCEE EXTRAORDINAIRE, Lou Manfredini! And, the Misericordia Heartbreakers & Heartzingers, of course, brought the house down!
Even though the evening is over, there are still opportunities to be part of this special event, see below!
Fund a Need: The Health and Fitness Center
Misericordia is committed to promoting health and wellness for the residents. The Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center is pivotal in ensuring the residents have the means to do so. The pool is available 7 days a week, and the fitness center has equipment for residents to choose from, including treadmills, bikes, and wheelchair accessible equipment and weights.
Picture a new studio space that is connected to the Moore Aquatic and Fitness Center. It would be, of course, open to all residents across campus. The vision is a studio space that would allow the residents more area for activities like: indoor biking, sensory activities, movement to music sessions, Special Olympics practices, and more! An expanded studio will offer more options for more residents to continue their health and wellness journey at Misericordia. As Sr. Rosemary has said, "We are always looking to fulfill an unmet need."
And, you have through Labor Day to donate! Click here to donate the Health and Fitness Center.
The Giving Tree is full of wishes that you can help make happen. It is a wonderful way to help purchase much-needed items for Misericordia’s programs and residences, as well as for special projects and activities that benefit and enrich our residents’ lives. You can donate through Labor Day! Click here to donate to the Giving Tree.
On Thursday, September 7th, Misericordia is hosting an outdoor concert for all residents. Misericordia parent, Dr. Mark Hill, and his band - Dr. Mark and the Sutures - have graciously agreed to play for the residents from 2 – 3:30 p.m. under the main tent on the Family Fest grounds. Ten volunteers are needed to help staff take residents to and from the concert and assist during the concert.
Please volunteer at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-misericordia2
Volunteers needed for Family Fest! Please consider signing up for a shift, and help us spread the word by sharing widely with your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors!
Volunteer opportunities before the Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4caeac23a2f49-20231#/
Volunteer opportunities at the Fest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4caeac23a2f49-2023#/
During August, Misericordia is recognizing the hard work and dedication of the Supervisors. On August 24th, there will be catered meals, staff gifts and raffles.
While the Supervisors’ roles vary depending on the residential area, the Supervisors manage the day-to-day routines of the residents, staff and programming and the communication with families. Some areas have a Supervisor on-site 24/7 while others have AM and PM Supervisors. Supervisors are an integral part of the care Misericordia provides to its residents.
We need three volunteers to help set-up, greet the staff and clean-up at the August 24th luncheon. For more details and to sign-up, please go to this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-supervisors
In addition, we are asking that families write notes of thanks and appreciation to the Supervisors and email them to us at
Thank you,
Lisa Masucci & John Butler
MFA’s Staff Appreciation Coordinators
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