Childerguild Donates $555,000 to Support Women & Children Services at Silver Cross

Thanks to Childerguild’s recent $555,000 donation to the Silver Cross Foundation (the 501c3 fundraising arm of Silver Cross Hospital), several new additions—not just babies—will arrive at Silver Cross this year. For the past 124 years, the ladies’ auxiliary has donated over $6.3 million to support women and children services at Silver Cross Hospital.  

Their recent donation will purchase the following equipment and technology:

• 2 Neonatal Ventilators, 5 Feeding Pumps, 10 Breast Pumps, and SENSE Development Program for the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• 35 Bassinet Swivel Sleepers, 2 Jaundice Meters, 2 Billisoft Photo Therapy Machines and Premature Annie Training Simulator for the Birthing Center
• 3D Mammography Machine for the  Center for Women’s Health
• X-ray Chair for Pediatric Patients and Peds/Neonatal Ultrasound Simulator for the Outpatient Testing Center

“I am proud of Childerguild members for their dedication and donations to Silver Cross Hospital Women and Children Services,” said Peggy Maruszak, Childerguild President. “These funds and purchases benefit our entire community. Silver Cross serves a wide radius of southern Chicago suburbs.” 

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 teas, card parties and tag days. 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 education 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. They also raise funds by hosting the annual Childerguild Ball, which is scheduled for Nov. 23, 2024, at The Odyssey in Tinley Park. For more information, call Stacy Murphy at (815) 505-5674. 

In addition to the check presentation at the annual meeting on Feb. 21, the organization installed new officers. They include: President Pat Crowley; Vice President Rita Larsen; Secretaries Marylynn Tyler and Diane Haberkamp; Club Treasurer Marcia Obman-Gray; and Gift Shop Treasurer Lynda McShane.