JULY
2015
Garden Center Services
The View From My Chair A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Pat & Gerry
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE VIEW FROM MY CHAIR Page 1 GCS 2015 FORMAL Page 2 2015 SUPER SUNNY EVENT Page 3 DONOR RECOGNITION Page 4
Thick red paint will continue to flow from Paul’s brush as he creates his next masterpiece; Kelly Jo’s nimble fingers will continue to weave her next choice of colored yarn into the table top loom; Chris’ new sculptured item will still need time to dry; the chatting and laughter and the helping one another that defines community will be ongoing; but all these activities will not be happening at the Garden Gallery & Studio as Tuesday, June 30th is the last day that we will be offering day program services at our Tinley Park location. Due to the ongoing inadequacy of the state’s funding, and the threat of additional cuts to social services this coming fiscal year, we have decided to move the creative arts program
to space available in our Burbank day program location. We are committed to continuing the development of artistic skills and the production of unique products by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but need to do this in a way that is financially responsible and uses our resources in the most effective way.
“Obviously Illinois’ dire financial situation has to be addressed, but it took years to create the current situation, and it must take mindful, collaborative, and deliberative steps to correct it.” Obviously there is sadness with the decision to close the gallery, but I find myself proud and thankful for all the wonderful experiences enjoyed by our participants through the incredible efforts of our staff and the awesome volunteers that came by to help them. I would be remiss if I did not recognize two specific employees that worked so hard to create and sustain
the studio/gallery: Ms. Beth Kopf, whose vision and creative energy became the foundation of the gallery and Ms. Anne McFerron, that tirelessly focused her skills to do what was necessary to develop and maintain positive relationships with the village of Tinley Park and many others in the area. I know we have created long lasting friends and supporters in the Tinley area, and am confident that many people now have a better understanding regarding the lives of and contributions made by persons with developmental disabilities. It appears that some of our own legislators, funders, and government officials do not have an understanding and appreciation for how much our consumers have to offer, and the support that it takes to assist them with the lives they deserve. Obviously Illinois’ dire financial situation has to be addressed, but it took years to create the current situation, and it must take mindful, collaborative, and deliberative steps to correct it. We will keep you apprised of the budget negotiations going on in Springfield, and ways that we may need your help in the coming days. As always, thank you.
GARDEN CENTER FAMILY GCS 2015 FORMAL... CARRIED AWAY On June 11th, we got all spiffed up and headed over to St. Laurence High School for the GCS 2015 formal. The theme was “Carried Away”. Attendees entered the event through a corridor of cheering admirers including St. Laurence teachers, students, GCS families, and staff who worked through the day to decorate the space for the big event.
at time! ving a gre a h n e b u R Lisa and
In addition to the dancing, there were event photos in front of a specially-themed backdrop, snacks, drinks, and lots of fun. The group danced the night away and are already making plans for next year.
Bob & Kathy enter to a cheering crowd
Thank you to St. Laurence High School students and teachers who made this a night to remember!
Cherell and Maureen have a quick snack to refuel
Linda, Nicole, Sue, Inday smile for the camera
G C S
B U S I N E S S
Mary shows off her great dress!
C O R N E R
SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE WANTS YOU! If you are looking for a way to make a difference while having a great time doing it, we are looking for you! The Thrift Shoppe is in need of regular volunteers to help with many activities at the shoppe including: sorting donations, tagging, creating displays, and working the register. If you think this might be a good match for you, stop by the shoppe and see Mary. Second Chance is located at 44 Stephen Street in Lemont.
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Do good when you shop... COFFEE Co.
. Tastes Good. Does Good. Feels Good
Have fun & help Garden Center!
did you know?
2015 SUPER SUNNY 5K AND WALK ‘N ROLL-A-THON Last month, GCS held our annual Super Sunny 5k & Walk ‘n Roll-a-Thon. We were fortunate to have another beautiful day for this amazing event. Donations for the walk increased from last year and registrations for the 5k portion of the day more than doubled. During this financially challenging time, the funds raised at this event make an enormous impact for the individuals Garden Center serves.
July 26th is the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Thank you to all who came out to run, walk or roll for Garden Center. We would like to offer a special thank you to the Knights of Columbus #14553 for again cooking up the tasty food for our post-race cookout, Cub Scout Troops #3665 and #3634, the City of Burbank, and the Burbank Park District for helping make this event a huge success.
The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
A S p e c i a l Th a n k Yo u t o O u r A m a z i n g E ve n t S p o n s o r s Martin Whalen Office Solutions Special Needs Tax Consulting The Horton Group Citizens for Viverito Pete’s Service Center Law Offices of Jonathan T. Georgis Coyle & Herr Essential Chiropractic Village of Bridgeview
Mark your calendar...
GCS’ 39th Annual Fashion Show Sunday, November 8th
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Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Meat Market Whittingham Meats Andy’s Frozen Custard Baron Shoes COPCO Durbin’s Pizza Lion’s Club of Beverly Allstate Insurance: Jack Hallberg, Sr. Abide in Me
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Private Bank Chuck’s Southern Comfort Cafe’ Dr. Michael Kowalik Friends of Harry Klein Amber Mechanics PepsiCo Duke’s Drive-in Catholic Holy Family Society Skinny Pop Popcorn
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Independence Day
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ility Disab e Day nc ende rsary p e d e In Anniv 25th the ADA of
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Second Chance Super Sale 12pm to 4pm 44 Stephen St. in Lemont
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Growing dignity and independence 8333 S. Austin Ave. Burbank, IL 60459 10444 S. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60655 phone 773-941-4151 email info@gardencenterservices.org web www.GardenCenterServices.org
FRIENDS OF GARDEN CENTER MARCH-MAY 2015
*general non-event donations
$5,000 - $1,000 •
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SECOND CHANCE THRIFT DONORS
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Deborah Borucki
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Strainis
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WEISMAN ROBBINS FAMILY FUND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President
Dr. Jenny Wojcik
1st Vice President
Annmarie Caulfield
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Treasurer
George Sterba
Secretary
Florence Head
Members:
Caroline Connors Mary Beth Herr Representative Fran Hurley Sean O’Shea Dave Rauen Tom Beemesterboer
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Garden Center Services is committed to supporting and empowering persons with developmental disabilities through innovative and person-centered services. Our commitment to the excellence of our programs is surpassed only by our devotion to the people we serve and the communities in which they live.
Dorothy Ballis
GARDEN GALLERY DONORS Erika Dely
Bob & Donna Willoughby John Kunkes *
TAKE 1/2 OFF EVERYTHING STOREWIDE!
KRAFT FOODS FOUNDATION Deborah Conway Jenny Wojcik
Sharon Duncan *
Ann McGrath-Harty
UNITED WAY OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO
“I wish I could do more.”
iGIVE SHOPPERS
Theresa Malkowski
Up to $99 •
Karen Schaefer
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Brian & Elizabeth Wojak *
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OUR MISSION
SUNDAY, July 26th 12pm to 4pm
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Paul Krutulis
EDISON INTERNATIONAL
$100 - $499 •
2nd Vice President
Rita Jurkiewicz
$999- $500 •
SECOND CHANCE SUPER SALE
PULLIAM FINANCIAL SERVICES George & Algi Sterba *
IN HONOR OF RICHIE PRAPUOLENIS
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Hokinson Family *
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Jose’ Medina
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EXELON
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IN HONOR OF NANCY MILLER
Carol Petersen
Cianain & Johanna Rickard
CLOROX CO FOUNDATION EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMP Donna Navickas Laura Sparks
Linda Sherwood Lora Konecki
Mary Ann Green Patricia Ripaldi
Sherry L. Van Kuren John Chesniak Barbara Clark
Carrie Siemek
Chestra Dohm
Edward Crowe
Frances Mientus John Mientus
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Marjorie Sullivan Lee
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Mary Scalise
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That’s the comment we often hear from friends of Garden Center when they make a gift to assist in our programs.
Brain Rotroff *
Thaun!k yo
Myrtis Winter
* Indicates member of GCS’ monthly giving club, The Giving Tree.
What if it were possible to make a gift of great significance that truly made a difference, ensuring a level of support that magnifies Garden Center’s ability to fulfill our mission of supporting adults with intellectual disabilities? Strange as it may sound, this kind of significant gift often can be made at very low cost. It’s just a matter of planning WHAT to give, HOW to give and WHEN to give. Contact Jennifer Georgis to learn how you can make a significant impact on those Garden Center serves at a very low cost to you. Jennifer Georgis jGeorgis@GardenCenterServices.org 773-941-4151 Ext. 218