Hinsdale Woman
Mimi
Schmitz
Rocks the House How a Hinsdale mother of three finds the time to be the lead singer in a band that supports Ronald McDonald House Charities through a concert in the city each year by mike ellis
W
ith all the busyness motherhood can entail, many moms with small children have difficulty squeezing in time for social outings and personal activities. But Hinsdale resident Mimi Schmitz, a mother of three boys aged nine, seven and four, has found the time and energy to serve as the lead singer and guitarist in a band—and to help put on an annual concert Photo by Marcello Rodarte benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities Mimi Schmitz of Hinsdale sits outside the Ronald McDonald (RMHC). Mimi has always had an interest in music, House near Loyola Medical Center in Hines. and about 15 years ago, organized a band called nothing stands in her way.” RepliKa with her younger brother and several RepliKa does not compose its own music, but plays familiar friends. tunes comprising a variety of musical genres and generations, “We didn’t even say we were going to start a band—it just happened,” she said. “We got together and said, ‘Hey, let’s start ranging from Bon Jovi and Heart to Katy Perry and Pink. practicing, let’s play—it’s fun.’ We started playing, and pretty soon we thought, ‘We’ve got a little arsenal of songs here that we can go out and play.’” When the band formed, Mimi was the lead singer, but did not play any instruments. Employing her dexterity and natural musical talent, about five years ago, she taught herself to play the guitar, and more recently picked up the piano as well. “She’s so unique—I’ve never met anyone like her,” said Amy Bailey of Hinsdale, who knows Mimi as a fellow Monroe School mom. “She wants to learn how to play the guitar—she teaches herself; she wants to learn how to play the piano—she teaches herself. “There’s so much talent there and so much kindness. When she wants to learn to do something or accomplish something,
McDonald’s Connection
A lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, Mimi became acquainted with RMHC at a young age, as her parents were McDonald’s franchise owners. When she visited the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago, Mimi said she was surprised by all of the accommodations that were offered to families in need at the house. During high school and college, she served as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House. “This truly is a ‘home away from home’ for people,” Mimi said. “It changes their lives—I’ve seen it first-hand, how desperate people are when their children are so critically sick. They have a place to come where they have support, a warm - Continued on the next page www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 15