The Misericordia Women's League will take its annual fundraiser off the March Madness court for a coun- try-music inspired fete with a goal to raise nearly a half a million dollars to help children and adults with intellec- tual and developmental disabilities.
For Hinsdale resident and Misericordia Women's League President Nancy Jacob, the storied Chicago-based Misericordia/Heart of Mercy home has been hugely import- ant to her family. Nancy's young adult daughter, Maggie, has special needs and has benefited tremendously from the nonprofit.
"Misericordia is a Godsend for fami- lies who have loved ones with intellec- tual and developmental disabilities," Jacob said. "The outreach program offers classes, summer and work-re- lated camps. Young adults who have aged out of the school system, like
my daughter Maggie, can take part
in Misericordia's adult enrichment program that offers work experience, health and wellness programs, and social and recreational activities."
To continue to provide services and programs to the more than 600 chil- dren and adults who receive care at
Misericordia, the Women's League overall must raise more than $19 million annu- ally to address "the shortfall that government funding" does not provide, added Jacob.
More than 450 people are expected to attend this year's "Heart of Gold with a Touch of Country" fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb 28, at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort.
"Every dollar raised at this event will be donated to Misericordia to offer an environment that fosters each person's spirituality, dignity, respect and qual- ity of life," Jacob added. Last year, the event raised $450,000.
At the event, the Ryan sisters of Hinsdale will receive the "Heart Of Gold" award in recognition of their long-standing commitment to the organization. Mary Ryan Buddig, Donna Ryan Coffey, Therese Ryan Rooney and Eileen Ryan Seyfarth will be rewarded for their 25 years of volun- teerism, fundraising and service to the organization.
"We had a little sister, Jean Marie Ryan, number eight of eight kids, who was born with sev- eral issues, one being Down syndrome," said Donna Ryan Coffey, who along with her sisters helped to estab- lish the Women's League in the western suburbs. "My mom happened to find Misericordia South one
day by chance and walked
in to meet Sister Rosemary Connolly, a saint in our hum- ble opinion. Jean went to Misericordia soon after that chance meeting and lived there for the next year or so ... before she passed away. So we have always had Misericordia in our hearts."
Guests will enjoy dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions.
Tickets are $225 each. Visit https:// http://www.events.org/cPage.aspx?e=131350.
Hats off to 15 Years
The Hinsdale Historical Society Women's Board annual luncheon, "Hats Off to 15 Years," will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook.
Guests will have an opportunity to shop and view the latest runway fash- ions while enjoying lunch. Select guests will have the chance to be the subject of their own custom illustration, drawn live at the event by nationally-pub- lished artist Rosemary Fanti.
Hats are optional, but encouraged, and WGN's Micah Materre will emcee the event.
Tickets are $85 a person and available at https://www.flipcause. com/hosted_widget/event_step2/ NzE3NTQ=/63518
Light up the Night
Infant Welfare Society Auxiliary's Clarendon Hills Chapter will host its annual dinner-dance fundraiser, "Light Up The Night," from 6 p.m. to mid- night Saturday, Jan. 25, at Butterfield Country Club.
Proceeds benefit the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago.
Tickets are $175 per person. Visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/6EF/.
- Alexis Braden of Hinsdale is the paper's society columnist. Readers can email her at news@thehinsdalean. com.
