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Lifestyle & arts
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
11/10-11/11/12
SUNDAY BREAKFAST HEARTFELT HELP ■
by david sweet
“To have your heart in a charity you care about is a wonderful experience,” says Sue Hartemayer, shown with husband Gregg at Caffe Buon Giorno in Winnetka.
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photography by j.Geil
The Hartemayers of Winnetka receive top award from Misericordia
hen Sue and Gregg Hartemayer were poised to move from Kansas City to Chicago in 1995, a neighbor mentioned a few words that would change their lives. “She knew we had a son with a disability. She said, ‘You’ve got to check Misericordia,’ “Sue recalled. Not only does Kirk, 27, live there now; the Hartemayers can be found there almost every week. Sue may be sending out corporate thank you notes or Christmas cards; Gregg can be found working at the development office or wearing a dirty smock and helping a resident paint. And on Friday, Nov. 9, at a gala attended by more than 650 guests, the Winnetka couple was slated to receive the Misericordia Heart of Mercy Award during the namesake event at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. Though heartened by the award, the Hartemayers also cannot measure what they have received from Misericordia — which serves more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities — over their years there. “To have your heart in a charity you care about is a wonderful experience,” says Sue. “I don’t think I have the right words to explain how important this place is.” “A disabled child does bring hardship,” Gregg says. “But I would
have missed a fantastic experience with Misericordia (without one).” The award is bestowed annually on those who have given time, talent and resources to Misericordia, which was founded in 1921 as a maternity hospital for those with meager means until it began focusing on people with developmental disabilities in 1954. The 31acre Chicago campus is a special spot for the Hartemayers. “The atmosphere is magical,” Sue says. “Everybody there is working for a common goal.” Adds Gregg, “The staff is nice and loving. What they taught us is you always put the residents first.” Even those who come in from the outside have an impact. Gregg told of a couple who attended mass at Misericordia, even though they didn’t have a relative there. They realized the mass lacked music, so they played guitar during it. Then, they created a choir called Heartzingers, where the Hartemayers’
son Kirk sings. “Kirk is great at singing,” Sue says. “Misericordia attracts the most warm-hearted people.” According to Sister Rosemary Connelly, Misericordia’s executive director, the Hartemayers are in that class. “It is an honor to present the 2012 Heart of Mercy Award in gratitude for their incomparable friendship, dedication and support,” she said. “The Hartemayers truly embody the spirit of Misericordia and give of themselves generously.” And when they have a moment away, the couple loves to get outdoors, whether on Lake Michigan or on the bike paths. For Sunday breakfast, Caffe Buon Giorno in Winnetka is their spot of choice. Though they both grew up outside of Detroit and met at the University of Michigan, the North Shore is home. “I love it here,” Sue says. And Misericordia loves having them here too. ■