Childerguild Gives $365,000 for Silver Cross Women’s and Children’s Services
Childerguild recently presented Silver Cross in New Lenox with $365,000 to invest in women’s and children’s services - including the hospital’s new structural heart surgical program and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). For over a century, the local charitable organization has donated more than $4.4 million to support women’s and children’s services at Silver Cross Hospital. In recent years, Childerguild’s donations have been used to purchase equipment for a 3D mammography unit, breast ultrasound technology, cardiac monitors and respiratory equipment for newborns, and sexual assault photography equipment for the emergency department. In addition, Childerguild funds support continuing education for nurses and other caregivers.
Childerguild presented Silver Cross Hospital with a check for $365,000 on Feb. 19, to help fund services for women and children including a new structural heart surgical program and neonatal intensive care unit.
“We have 64 active members and it takes each and every one of us to raise the $365,000 we were able to donate this year,” said Childerguild President Barb Steffes. “Our gift shop had sales this year of $485,000 which is amazing. And the Childerguild Ball raised a record-breaking amount of money, also. We are very proud to be able to donate this money to our mission of supporting women’s and children’s services at Silver Cross.”
Long tradition of Support
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.
In the early years, Childerguild raised funds through private donations and by hosting card parties. The members took a hands-on approach to this organization by sewing layettes and clown dolls for the pediatric patients at Silver Cross. During the war years, members knitted sweaters for the military and gave financial support to the American Red Cross, Navy League and the Salvation Army. As ardent supporters of the children in our community, Childerguild also made contributions to the Herald News’ free milk fund and the local community chest.
Today, Childerguild raises funds for women’s and children’s services by operating the hospital’s gift shop and by hosting their annual Ball , which is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. For more information, call (815) 300-7472. The Childerguild Gift Shop is open 7 days a week and is located in the main lobby at Silver Cross Hospital, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Customers are offered many unique items including jewelry, clothing, handbags, fresh flowers, cards, toys, books, candy, and baby clothes, among other items.
In addition to the check presentation, at the annual meeting on Feb. 19, the organization installed new officers. They include: President Pam Resutko (New Lenox resident); Vice President Nicole Long (New Lenox resident); Secretary Norma Thompson (Plainfield resident); Events Co-Vice Presidents Kay Langlois (New Lenox resident) and Karen Eckert (New Lenox resident); Club Treasurer Peggy Maruszak (New Lenox resident); and Gift Shop Treasurer Lynda McShane (Channahon resident).
