Published on May 06, 2022

Childerguild Donates $420,000 to Support Women and Children Services at Silver Cross Hospital

Several new additions—not just babies—will arrive at Silver Cross Hospital this year, thanks to Childerguild’s recent $420,000 donation to the Silver Cross Foundation (the 501c3 fundraising arm of Silver Cross Hospital) to help fund women and children services at Silver Cross. 

Childerguild Check Presentation 2022
Childerguild Past President Nicole Long (left) presents Silver Cross Hospital President & CEO Ruth Colby with a check for $420,000 at the Childerguild Annual Meeting held in February.

A portion of the donation will be used to fund a second Neighborhood in the hospital’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A Neighborhood is comprised of 12 single-family private rooms and a Nurse Care Station. Childerguild donated $250,000 last year to support the first Neighborhood and both will be named in their honor. 

 The donation will also be used to fund:

  • Education required for current hospital staff in preparation for becoming a Level 3 NICU
  • Epidural Software
  • A LigaSure instrument used in the operating room
  • 3 Mini-Telemetry Units
  • A training kit for annual nursing education
  • The Maternal/Child Services Endowment Fund (for future needs)

Over the past 111 years, the organization has donated $5.4 million to support Silver Cross Hospital. 

“Our ladies care very deeply about supporting women and children services. We are very pleased to be able to make this donation, especially during these trying times,” said Nicole Long, Childerguild President. 

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.   

Childerguild continues their mission today by operating the hospital’s gift shop seven 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 held in November at the Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park. For more information, call (815) 300-7472.  

If you’re a member of the media and need information about Silver Cross Hospital, please contact Debra Robbins, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 815-300-7562 or drobbins@silvercross.org

Parking Lot P, located on Silver Cross Boulevard, is our designated space for media and TV crews.

Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.