Childerguild to Recognize Jim Roolf and Dr. Reno Caneva at Annual Ball Nov. 23
Childerguild will host its 91st annual Ball Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. This year’s theme is “Mad Hatter” – a tribute to Disney’s beloved “Alice in Wonderland” film. The evening’s festivities will include music by Maggie Speaks and the Talk of the Town Big Band and the presentation of the Silver Cross Sehring Medal of Excellence for Healthcare to Jim Roolf and the Silver Cross Sangmeister Medal of Excellence for Community Service to retired podiatrist Dr. Reno Caneva.
The Childerguild Ball will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m., presentation of awards at 7 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing. Tickets are $250 per person and include an open bar. There are also sponsorships and a “reverse raffle.” Raffle tickets are $100 each with the last ticket drawn winning $3,000. Black-tie attire is optional, and hats are not required but encouraged at the Ball. The proceeds from the event will benefit women’s and children’s programs and services at Silver Cross Hospital. Call the Silver Cross Foundation at (815) 300-7105 to make reservations.
For over 100 years, Childerguild has served Silver Cross Hospital by raising funds to support and serve women and children. The annual tradition of the Childerguild Ball began in 1928 as a fundraiser for the Obstetrics and Pediatrics departments at Silver Cross Hospital, and keeps going strong thanks to the commitment of the members of Childerguild and to the many friends of the hospital who contribute to make this event a great success year after year. This year’s Ball Committee includes Sheryl Chapman (Chair), Karen Eckert, Robin Hartney, Barb Giegerich, Susan Frangella, Verna Kitchen and Kay Langlois.
Sehring Medal of Excellence Honoring Dr. Reno Caneva
The Silver Cross Sehring Medal of Excellence, honoring the memory of George H. Sehring, M.D.—a dedicated physician who served the community for more than 40 years, recognizes the accomplishments of an outstanding individual for service to the health care profession.
Past recipients include Fred Alexander, M.D.; Mary Brenczewski, RN; Bun Siu Co, M.D.; Mark Danielson, M.D.; Samuel Goldhaber, M.D.; Daniel Gutierrez, M.D.; Joseph Karcavich, M.D.; Lora McGuire, R.N.; Paul Morimoto, M.D.; Wylie Mullen, M.D.; Keyton Nixon; Paul Pawlak; Dr. Al and Kay Ray; Salvador Rinella, M.D.; Irving “Bill” Rudman, M.D.; Tom Streitz, D.D.S.; Ernesto “Ernie” Tan, M.D.; and Richard Tarizzo, M.D.
This year’s recipient is Reno Caneva, D.P.M, retired podiatrist. Dr. Caneva was the first of three generations to graduate from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (now known as Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago) in 1959. He studied on his own and with colleagues for 16 years to gain hospital surgical privileges before joining the Silver Cross Medical Staff in 1966.
Dr. Caneva was a leader in the profession, working alongside the Illinois Hospital Association to allow podiatrists to serve on the medical staff at hospitals throughout Illinois. Between 1960 and 2005, Dr. Caneva opened offices in Lockport, Joliet, Morris, and Ottawa. A leader is his field, he served as president of the Illinois Podiatric Medical Society and on the board of Scholl School of Podiatric Medicine.
Born and raised in Lockport, Dr. Caneva continues to be extremely active in his community. He is the founder of Lockport Area Genealogical and Historical Society, the Lockport Professional Association and the Lockport Chamber of Commerce in addition to volunteering his time with the Lockport Township Park District, Lockport Township Library District, Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, Kelvin Grove School District 9, and Old Canal Days.
“Dr. Caneva’s commitment to advancing the treatment of foot disorders at Silver Cross and surrounding hospitals along with his unwavering dedication to the community makes him a deserving recipient of the Silver Cross Sehring Medal of Excellence Award,” said Tracy Simons, Executive Director of the Silver Cross Hospital Foundation. “For his perseverance and passion, we are truly grateful.”
Sangmeister Medal of Excellence Honoring Jim Roolf
The Silver Cross Sangmeister Medal of Excellence will also be awarded at the Childerguild Ball. This Medal of Excellence is named after the late U.S. Congressman George E. Sangmeister, the medal’s first recipient, and is awarded to a leading citizen recognized for competence, service and dedication in a field other than healthcare that contributes to the common good.
The recipient exemplifies the values of caring service that is the cornerstone of Silver Cross Hospital. Past recipients include LaVerne and Dorothy Brown; Debra Condotti; Edward Czerkies; Terry D’Arcy; James “Jim” Fagan; Gladys Fox; Br. James Gaffney; Pam Heavens; Doug Hutchison; John Leach, Frank Margaron; Dr. Cheryl McCarthy, FSC; Val Rand; Bob Rogina; J.D. Ross; Rev. Isaac Singelton Sr.; Russ Slinkard; and Frank Turk, Jr.
This year’s recipient is Jim Roolf, president of First Midwest Bank - Joliet Banking Center, where he has worked for nearly 45 years. Roolf’s strong leadership and community involvement has brought businesses, economic development, and infrastructure including the I-355 Tollway to the region over the past 35 years.
He has helped to raise over $25 million in capital project funds throughout the county, including $9 million for the Silver Cross Hospital Replacement Hospital, which opened in 2012 when he was Chairman of the Hospital’s Board of Directors. Roolf is a staunch supporter of the United Way of Will County and has chaired its annual campaign three times.
Over the past three decades, Roolf has served on several boards of directors and received numerous recognitions for the work he’s done for Will County. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Chicago Regional Growth Corporation and has served on the Boards of the American Red Cross, Illinois Bankers Association, Joliet Catholic Academy, Housing Foundation of Will County, Will County Center for Economic Development, and United Way.
Among his many recognitions and awards, Roolf received the Frank Turk Business and Community Achievement Award from the Will County CED, the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Rainbow Council Boys Scouts of America, and Joliet Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Rabbi Morris Hershman Community Service Award. He was also honored with the Contractors Association of Will and Grundy Counties We Build Will County Award, University of St. Francis President’s Medal for Community Service, and Big Brothers and Big Sister’s first National Award as “Big Citizen of the Year.”
“Jim Roolf is an exceptional role model of service to the community,” comments Simons. “His intense passion to make Will County an even better place to live, work, and play has made a meaningful impact for years to come, and I know he is far from done.”
Childerguild’s Long Tradition of Supporting Silver Cross
Founded in 1910 by 13 benevolent women who had no children of their own, Childerguild was formed to benefit the obstetrics and pediatrics departments at Silver Cross Hospital. Today, Childerguild raises funds by hosting their annual ball and by operating the hospital’s gift shop. The Childerguild Gift Shop, located in the main lobby at Silver Cross Hospital is open daily. Customers are offered a unique selection of gift and novelty items such as jewelry, handbags, home décor, toys, books and baby clothes. For more information, call (815) 300-7472.
