Childerguild Raises Over $340,000 for Silver Cross at Annual Ball
rd Annual Childerguild Ball held at The Odyssey in Tinley Park on November 19Over 500 friends of Silver Cross Hospital attended the 93rd Annual Childerguild Ball on November 19 at The Odyssey in Tinley Park and enjoyed wonderful food and dancing. The premiere event of the holiday season raised over $340,000 to benefit women’s and children’s services at Silver Cross Hospital including the new Amy, Matthew & Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which opened in August to care for Will County’s tiniest and sickest babies.
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 many generous donors who contribute to make this event a great success.
As a prelude to the dinner, Silver Cross Hospital awarded Medals of Excellence to prominent community service and healthcare-minded individuals.
The 2022 Silver Cross Sehring Medal of Excellence for Excellence in Healthcare was awarded to Dr. Atul Gupta, infectious disease physician with Southwest Infectious Disease Associates in Joliet. As the Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Silver Cross Hospital, Dr. Gupta has been a constant source of calm and reassurance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic guiding Silver Cross through one of the most turbulent times in its 126-year history. Watch Video.
“He dedicated his time, attended meeting after meeting, helping me and other members of the executive team try and make the best decisions,” said Ruth Colby, President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. “He interpreted the confusing and often contradictory information that was being hurled at us daily – and he did so in a calming way that instilled confidence and respect. Already known as a strong partner by our nursing staff, he took the time to listen, respond to questions, allay fears and sometimes just held their hands.”
Silver Cross also honored Tom and Michele Vana with the 2022 Silver Cross Sangmeister Medal of Excellence for Community Service. The Vanas are local humanitarians and business leaders who have been tireless in their service to those in need through their expertise, energy and support. Watch Video .
“Over the past 40 years, the couple has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals and families - be it professionally or through their charitable endeavors with important organizations,” said John Phelan, Chairman of the Silver Cross Hospital Board of Directors. “They lead by example. And get involved serving on volunteer boards, heading up committees and inviting others to join them in making a significant difference in our community.
Photos from the 93rd Annual Childerguild Ball can be found on the Silver Cross Hospital Facebook page.
The Silver Cross Foundation is accepting nominations through Jan. 31, 2023, for the 2023 Silver Cross Medals of Excellence. The 2023 Childerguild Ball will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. For more information, call (815) 300-7113.
