Still reeling from the Cub’s first World Series title in 108 years, the air was light and festive Saturday (11/5) night as guests ascended the escalator up to Wintrust Grand Banking Hall for Misericordia Young Professionals Council‘s inaugural Red Heart Bash.
Misericordia was initially established in 1921 to provide help for women in need and in 1954, Misericordia Heart of Mercy began supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To continue carrying on the torch from the current guard and those before them, of ambassadorship and fundraising for this amazing organization, a group of young professionals helped form the basis of Misericordia’s Young Professionals Council. The almost 90 member strong group held their inaugural Red Heart bash Saturday (11/5) in the grand hall of Wintrust bank (who knew they had such a magnificent space) and honored Walsh Construction co-chairman and one of Misericordia’s big supporters Daniel Walsh.
Conor Gee, Lois Gates, Mrs. Walsh, Daniel Walsh, Amy Walsh, JR Snyder
Guests were treated to drinks and bites as they perused the various auction items on display that could be bidded on through Gesture.
The program portion of the night included presenting Daniel Walsh, Co-chairman of Walsh Group Ltd.(the construction giant with the big W), with the inaugural Red Heart award not only for his and his company’s support of Misericordia but also helping to get the Young Professionals Council off to a start. Misericordia’s Assistant Executive Director Lois Gates attending for Sister Rosemary Connelly, YPC President Conor Gee and VP JR Snyder addressed guests in attendance as well as thanked sponsors. While receiving his award and addressing guests, Mr. Walsh called up his daughter Amy, who helps at the Greenhouse Inn restaurant, telling those in attendance why he’s such a tireless advocate of the organization. The Misericordia Heartbreakers treated us to performance medley to rousing applause from guests.
Siobhan McDermott, Theresa McDermott, Amy Walsh, Katie Walsh
Misericordia counts many of Chicago’s top leaders as donors and benefactors not only because of what Sister Rosemary Connelly has been able to establish but also because they have created an environment where these children and adults with different levels of intellectual and developmental disabilities, can learn and thrive.
Anyone that’s either visited Misericordia or engaged with its residents can certainly share their experience enthusiastically but its one of those things where you have to feel to understand. Mine came in the form of volunteering there starting in grade school at St. Margaret Mary.
Lois Gates and Mr. Walsh urged those that have not taken a tour or dined at Greenhouse Inn restaurant to make the visit. When Sister Connelly began at Misericordia, she was in charge of a little over 120 children, now they offers a community of care to more than 600 children and adults. Its worth it, trust me. See more photos in the gallery above and on our Facebook page.
photos: Auste Kuncas/SociaLifeChicago
Want to keep up with our latest coverage plus exclusive event invites? Click here to get this and more scene worthy items delivered to your inbox.
