Childerguild Gives $350,000 for Silver Cross Hospital Women & Infant Services

Childerguild donated $350,000 to the Silver Cross Foundation – the 501c3 fundraising arm of Silver Cross Hospital, to invest in women and infant services.  The funds will be used to:

• Establish a new 24 bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to care for babies born earlier than 30 weeks or weighing more than 2 lbs., 12 oz.  The NICU will open in 2022.
• Build three more labor, delivery and recovery rooms (LDRs) bringing the total to 15 LDRs and 30 postpartum rooms. The new Birthing Suites equipped with all the current amenities and laboring tub will be ready this spring just in time for the baby boom brought on by the COVID-19 lockdown.  More babies are born at Silver Cross Hospital than any other hospital in Will County. 
• Purchase two birthing beds for the Birthing Center’s Triage area. 
• Buy a portable fetal monitor cart that can be used to care for pregnant patients anywhere in the hospital – the ED, ICU, Imaging, etc.  The unit monitors both mom and baby’s heart rate to ensure a safe experience for both.

“We have 54 active members and it takes each and every one of us to raise the $350,000 we were able to donate this year,” said Pam Resutko, Childerguild President.  “We are so appreciative to those who patronized the Childerguild Gift Shop and the many generous donations in lieu of our annual Ball so so that we can continue our mission of supporting women, children and infant services at Silver Cross.” We are very proud to be able to donate this money to our mission of supporting women, children and infant services at Silver Cross.”

“Childerguild has always been there for us in our time of need and this past year has been no exception,” said Tracy Simons, Executive Director of Silver Cross Hospital’s Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to the members of Childerguild for rallying support so Silver Cross can continue to provide advanced services for moms and babies.” 

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 by sewing layettes and dolls for Silver Cross pediatric patients.  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. They also provide continuing educational scholarships for Silver Cross nurses and other caregivers.   

Over the past 110 years, Childerguild has donated more than $4.5 million to the Silver Cross Foundation – the 501c3 charitable fundraising arm for Silver Cross Hospital. Childerguild continues their mission today by operating the hospital’s gift shop 7 days a week.  Patients and visitors can find many unique items including jewelry, clothing, handbags, fresh flowers, cards, toys, books, candy, and baby clothes.  The ladies’ auxiliary also raises funds by hosting the annual Childerguild Ball, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park.   For more information, call (815) 300-7472.  

2021 Childerguild Officers

In addition to the check presentation at the annual meeting on Feb. 19, Childerguild installed new officers. They include: President Nicole Long (New Lenox resident); Vice President (Verna Kitchen); 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 Treasurers Lynda McShane (Channahon resident).