Lambs Tales 2025 Volume 1 2025

2025 Volume 1 Winter

inside: page 2: Letter from the President & CEO page 4: Project Updates page 5: Farmyard News page 6: Winter at Lambs Farm

our mission: Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all www.lambsfarm.org

Moving Forward at Lambs Farm Winter at Lambs Farm was full of festive fun, and the holiday season flew by in no time! We started the celebrations with our second annual Hannah’s Hallmark Bingo.

Despite the busy production schedule, participant bakers also provided a tempting selection of goodies from our 2024-25 holiday catalog.

The event sold out once again, drawing over 100 Hallmark movie enthusiasts for a night of bingo, delicious food, seasonal drinks, and cool prizes.

Speaking of the holiday catalog, from October to January, the Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery team made over 3,600 jars of homemade jam, 6,500 pounds of buttery cookies, and 8,400 pounds of decadent chocolates. Thanks to their hard work, the incredible efforts of the shipping department and our dedicated volunteers, we had another record-breaking season!

Guests also had the chance to shop for holiday gifts, as participant artists at LF Studios created a beautiful selection of vibrant paintings, vases, pots and more.

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Remembering Robbie Levensbaum It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend, Robbie Levensbaum.

For nearly four decades, Robbie was a steadfast supporter of Lambs Farm, playing a pivotal role in bringing our Bunny Brunch and Breakfast with Santa events to life. His infectious laughter, kindness, and warmth made a lasting impression on our participants, staff, and everyone who attended these beloved traditions.

Robbie’s jokes, heartwarming stories, and quick wit brought constant joy, and he became so much more than a volunteer – he was truly family. We are deeply grateful for the time we shared with him and the countless memories he gave us. His spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

Celebrating Growth and Gratitude As a new year begins, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for all that we’ve achieved together. This past winter has been a season of connection, celebration, and growth. It’s been truly inspiring to see our community come together in such meaningful ways.

The holiday season was full of festive events at Lambs Farm, making the season especially bright for our residents and participants. These moments of joy, made possible by the dedication of our staff and the generosity of our donors and volunteers, are a reminder of the strong bonds we’ve built together.

Lambs Farm also wrapped up a very successful catalog season, showcasing the talent, creativity, and hard work of our participants. The support of our customers and everyone who supported our businesses during the holiday season furthered our mission and expanded our impact. Thank you!

I’m excited to share with you that our new Clubhouse is officially open. Thanks to a generous donor, we were able to create a hub for participants to relax and have fun. It’s already become a vibrant gathering place for our residents!

Our LF Studios project continues to progress, bringing new opportunities for creative expression and collaboration. If you have visited Lambs Farm this winter, then you know our big news -- the Greenhouse is up! We are busy with plans for opening this spring, so stay tuned for news about our newest retail business and employment training site.

As Lambs Farm steps into 2025, I look forward to continuing this journey of joyful growth and partnership. Thank you for your unwavering support. I wish you a wonderful year ahead.

With heartfelt thanks,

Kathy Buresch President & CEO

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President & CEO Kathy Buresch with participants Debbie and Laura

President & CEO Kathy Buresch with participants Pat and Alan at the 32nd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Parrty

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The spirit of teamwork spread to the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery and Visitors Center, as staff welcomed hundreds of guests to our holly jolly Breakfast with Santa events. It was two weekends of fun and festive cheer, and we’re already looking forward to making more memories together this year.

We welcomed the new year together in style at the 32nd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Party, another cherished tradition hosted by Board member Karen Lieberman. The afternoon was filled with fun as everyone lit up the dance floor and enjoyed lively conversations about the exciting things to come in 2025.

In the days leading up to the holiday break, participants had a blast baking gingerbread cookies, decorating houses, going to light shows, and exploring Long Grove.

For those who love to sing, the holiday magic came to life as they caroled at Equestrian Connection and Lake Shore Harley-Davidson.

Their performances brought smiles to everyone’s faces, and participants were proud to celebrate their success while making an impact in the community.

Stay tuned as we will continue to share updates about the many projects happening at Lambs Farm throughout the year. In the meantime, we invite you to visit our campus businesses—The Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, Dogwood Garden & Pet Center, Farmyard, Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, and Sugar Maple Country Store. Be sure to check out our upcoming events and stay connected with us on social media.

Puppy Fun at Lambs Farm We started the year with a whole lot of puppy love!

Puppy Yoga events have returned to Lambs Farm, and we kicked things off with a sold-out session in the Visitors Center.

Yoga instructor Sarah led the class, guiding guests through a relaxing yet playful experience.

Attendees had the chance to connect with our sweet rescue puppies, all while supporting the mission of Lambs Farm. To view upcoming sessions, visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Did you know we also offer Private Puppy Parties?

While these events don’t include yoga, they’re packed with endless cuddles and laughs as guests enjoy time playing and socializing with our adorable puppies.

Hannah Brummer and participant Brayanna were invited to WGN’s Spotlight Chicago to talk about Hannah’s Hallmark Bingo!

Superivsor Deanna and Ann ready to celebrate at the Holiday Party

Participants Sari and Tom on their way to the dance floor

Whether it’s for a birthday, team-building, or just a fun get-together with friends, it’s the perfect way to add some puppy love to any occasion!

For more information, contact Pet Center Manager Jenna at (847) 990-3850 or at jlarsen@lambsfarm.org.

The Serviss family had the first private puppy party of 2025!

Magnolia Cafe Manager Elaine Participant baker Dave and participants Jenny and Ric at and Marian bake another Breakfast with Santa batch of Famous Butter Cookies

Ruthie gets ready to decorate her gingerbread man

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Celebrating the Spirit May 16, 2025 Lambs Farm will Celebrate the Spirit on May 16 at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens. We hope you will join us for an evening of fun and frolic to support the remarkable men and women of Lambs Farm.

The event will feature fine food, a golden ticket raffle, live and silent auctions, and dancing to the music of the Not for Profit Band. Those who are unable to join us will still be able to participate in our silent auction through mobile bidding. Participants will be sharing sneak peeks of all of the great items on our social media pages leading up to the big event.

If you would like to donate an item, service or experience to our silent or live auction, please contact Kathy McMeins at 847.990.3703 or at kmcmeins@lambsfarm.org.

We have several levels of sponsorships available if you are interested in supporting Lambs Farm while also increasing your brand recognition. Please contact Director of Development, Mary McGonigel at 847.990.3733 or mmcgonigel@lambsfarm.org.

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Participants Debbie, Joe and Bruce starred in the 2024 Giving Tuesday video!

Giving Tuesday: Lambs Park

For Giving Tuesday, we set out to raise $42,000 to bring Lambs Park to life— an inclusive fitness space where people of all abilities can connect, exercise, and have fun. Thanks to our generous supporters, we not only met our goal but exceeded it!

This incredible support means we’re now able to purchase innovative, disability accessible and senior-friendly fitness equipment for our participants. We’re one step closer to making Lambs Park a reality, and we can’t wait to get started soon!

More Exciting Updates If you’ve visited Lambs Farm recently, you may have noticed some exciting changes! The greenhouse installation was completed in late fall, and more progress will be made once the weather warms up. The Dogwood Garden & Pet Center and Cedar Chest Thrift Shop have also been refreshed with a new coat of paint, giving them a sleek, modern look to complement the other updates.

Before & after shots of the painted barn

Bunny Brunch & Easter Brunch Hop on over to our Bunny Brunch! Join us at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery and Visitors Center on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19 for a fun-filled day.

Enjoy a tasty brunch buffet, then head to the Bunny Patch in the Visitors Center for crafts, gifts, and a special visit with the Easter Bunny!

Did you know you can also order a custom animal painting? Joseph is quite the artist!

2025 Farmyard Season

We know everyone misses our furry, feathered and scaly creatures, but the 2025 Farmyard season will be here before you know it! Opening Day is set for Saturday, March 22.

It’s never too early to purchase a season membership. Your membership not only includes unlimited entrance to the Farmyard and Discovery Center, but it also gives you admission to Members Only Nights on Friday, June 13 and Friday, July 18 from 5pm-7pm. These exclusive events offer a behind-the-scenes experience, allowing you to interact with our animals, ask questions, and enjoy a fun evening with fellow members!

Not ready to wait until April to see our animals? Follow us on Facebook for #FarmyardFriday updates and join the Farmyard Friends of Lambs Farm group for weekly animal insights and adorable photos. Plus, get ready to vote in our virtual Farmyard Madness event this March and help choose the next Cutest Animal at the Farmyard!

Scan the QR code to purchase your season membership and to view all the other fun Farmyard happenings!

Bunny Brunch Seatings: 9am, 10am, & 12pm We’re also hosting our traditional Easter Brunch at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery on Sunday, April 20.

Take a break from cooking and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones while supporting our mission.

Easter Brunch Seatings: 10am, 12pm, and 2pm Please call the Magnolia A Henning barnyard Cafe & Bakery at painting was the star of the Antiques 847.362.5050 to secure Appraisal Breakfast this your spot!

year, valued at a minimum of $80,000 licensed appraiser If you areby interested in Karl Gates!

volunteering?

Please Amongcontact other impressive Volunteer antiques toCoordinator be appraised was a Angela Ramert at Rembrandt painting. asr@lambsfarm.org.

Fashionable farm cat Finch

Steph and Julie hope you will join us for these celebrations!

Crick enjoys the sunset

We hosted our annual Valentines with the Animals treat fundraiser

All the animals had fun celebrating and got lots of extra love

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Participant Happenings Here’s a look at what our participants have been up to lately!

Athletes and staff the snowshoeing competition at Hoffman Estates

Mary created this beautiful pour painted snowflake at LF Studios

Winter Fun & Fitness

From engaging new programs and classes to sports and fun outings, winter is shaping up to be busy time for our participants!

The first Special Olympics competition of the year was a success, with athletes bringing their A-game to the snowshoeing event!️ The fresh blanket of snow set the stage for some amazing performances, and five athletes brought home gold medals.

The momentum continued into basketball districts, as the Rams and Stampede both secured bronze medals. Their hard work, teamwork, and enthusiasm on the court made us all proud.

Even as winter temperatures dip, participants in the Healthy Lambs exercise program are staying active. With their eyes set on fitness goals, they triumphed in the staff vs. participant basketball game and enjoyed some friendly competition shooting hoops with student athletes from Lake Forest Academy. With more outings and events on the calendar, we will be sure to keep you updated!

Manoj has been learning to make all kinds of new soup recipes in his cooking Quest class

Josh and Sarah were all smiles after the snowshoeing competition

Participants and LFA athletes after their game

Josh drives the net to get a basket for The Stampede

Jerry loves puppy therapy

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The Rams basketball team poses with their bronze medals

Ann and Ben during their morning workouts

Donor Salute

Lambs Farm is grateful for the support we receive from our many friends. Listed below are the names of those especially generous individuals, foundations and corporations whose gifts of $1,000 or more were received from September 2024 - December 2024. $50,000 and Above Anonymous FunFund Gerald & Olivia Shapiro Family Foundation Mr. James F. Hynan

$25,000 to $49,999

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rogan The Trustmark Foundation Vernon Township Ms. Alice P. White

$10,000 to $24,999

Adreani Foundation Anonymous Fred J. Brunner Foundation The Buchanan Family Foundation Andrew Campbell Klaff Family Foundation Marvin and Kay Lichtman Foundation Mrs. Karen Lieberman Lori Smith & Mitch Horwitz Mr. & Mrs. David Sorenson Mr. Daniel L. Ushman Walker Group W. P. & H. B. White Foundation

$5,000 to $9,999

AbbVie Don & Elaine Berki Cisco Mr. Thomas D. Creigh Mr. & Mrs. Dale A. Dellutri George M. Eisenberg Foundation for Charities Mrs. Joan Fuller Generations of Giving Foundation Inc. Mrs. Joan J. Golder Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Harer Dorine & Seymour Levine Libertyville Township New Trier Township

Mr. & Mrs. Eric P. Olson Ms. Susan Rancourt The Reichert Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Reilly Dr. & Mrs. Stuart M. Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. Charles Seymour The Valerious Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix Ms. Janet L. Winter

$2,500 to $4,999

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Czaja Golder Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Craig W. Hoffman Mrs. Virginia C. Horsch William & Susan Jacobs Dr. Melvin P. Katz Mr. Ronald Krupp Mary E. Lane Barbara Lannon McCortney Foundation Dr. Ujjvala Nadkarni Prince Charitable Trusts RCNP Family Fund Miss Margaret Schaefer Mr. & Mrs. James Stephanak Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wegner

$1,000 to $2,499

Abbott Laboratories Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo L. Acuna Anonymous Mrs. Laurie Asbeck-Hickman Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barbakoff Mrs. Martha M. Boudewyns Ms. Susan Brandel Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bronski Mr. & Mrs. Brian Condon Shawn & David Durand Richard & Willo Falstein Mr. & Mrs. Albert D. Fox

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gabuzzi Mr. & Mrs. Jerre L. Stead Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gallagher Laurie & Bruce Tait Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Geraci Ms. Eiko Terao Gescheidle Charitable Fund at Mrs. Suzanne B. Tobin The Community Foundation Martin Mr. & Mrs. Frank Weitekamper - St. Lucie Ms. Jessye R. Wright Rich Green Mr. Sheldon O. Zisook Mr. & Mrs. H. Donald Hanson Mr. Keith Hickman Bequests Dr. & Mrs. Robert Holstein Mr. John Burrus Bob & Dot Hurley Allen B. Frake Trust Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim Jerry Korr Revocable Trust Kingsbury Fund Estate of Suzanne McKinley Tice Mr. Michael L. Kirk David C Kleiman Facebook Fundraisers Charitable Giving Fund Jason Belgin Cardinal Stritch Matt Edmondson Knights of Columbus 3674 Colt Kahl Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler Sandy Nape-Chlopek Mary Ann Koncz Jesse Nelson, Jr. Mr. William Kovacich Della Stiles Mrs. Caryl Lasko Janet Strandberg Ms. Janice L. Leclerc Lisa Hendrickson Theis Mr. & Mrs. Craig Levin Dr. & Mrs. Marshall A. Lyall Ron & Paula Mallicoat Mr. Paul M. Mandell Mr. & Mrs. Craig Marlowe Medline Foundation Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Mork Mr. & Mrs. James H. Norem Nutrien Ms. Patricia O’Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth W. Palm, Sr. Pank and Reeber Fund Mr. Chaitanya Patel Ms. Rosalie Piazza Rust-Oleum Corporation S.J. Bacik Construction Co. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sabin Mr. & Mrs. Herbert O. Schmeisser Southern California Endocrine Center Inc.

Tributes and Memorials

We are always especially honored by the decision to honor and remember friends and loved ones with a gift to Lambs Farm. Below, we

list the names of those individuals who have been honored or remembered with a gift received from September 2024 - December 2024.

In Honor Of Patricia L. Baker Stacy Barkley Jason Belgin James H. Berke Patrick Bocash The Bock Family Jessica Boyd Ashley Brownstein Lori A. Carlson Jerry Chwierut Linda Chwierut Megan Daly Jenny Durand Mary Kristin Fox Ann Fuller William Fuller Anders Gilchrist Tony Green Marita Hansen Taylor Hansen Alice Harris Michele Hendrickson Aaron Holstein Lawrence Holstein Megan Holstein Joshua Johnson Colt Kahl Alan H. Karzen Laura A. Katz Peggy Kimble Robert W. Kimble Susan Koehler Karyn Krupp Lambs Farm Lambs Farm

Participants Lambs Farm Staff Lambs Farm Volunteers Charles Leclerc Maribeth Liner Grant McCullagh Suzanne McCullagh Kat Metzger Ruth I. Moyer Bailee Myers Britt Myers Britton Myers Max Myers TL Myers Travis Myers Sandy Nape-Chlopek Robert E. Neiman Jesse Nelson, Jr. Gail Nichols Nancy Northrip Robert A. Northrip Jason O’Day Lianne Piccione Paul Pierce Diana Rau Ralph E. Rau Bruce P. Redwanc Wynn A. Rosengarten Carol A. Savoie Linda Schuh Ruth Schulien David B. Schwartz Stephanie Scialabba Jack Shannon

Alison Shapiro Susan Siebers The Simone Family Eli Spector Robert O. Stein Della Stiles Sarita Still Elizabeth Taylor Lisa Theis Erin Thill Martha Torrence Douglas Wagner Andy Wernick Robert Zaleta Jeffrey H. Zemel Kathy Zils Rodd Zisook

In Memory Of Patsy Jo Beall Susan Blank Lois E. Bock William Bock Betsy Brake Jimmy Braun Jeffrey K. Breuer Mary Bury Richard Bury Roger A. Bury Tom Chekel Marion Crake Michael Crake Kaitlin Englehart Douglas A. Fisher Jean Flurry Allen Foster Pauline Foster Jerry Fratto Gertrude E. Fredrich Frank Froncek Irene Froncek Janie Froncek Bernard G. Gardner David Garfield Martha Gayford Howard Gottlieb Caesar J. Gridelli Carolyn R. Haas Bob Hansen Shirley Harms Jennifer Hart Trudy Levy Hattem Henry Juiris Peter Juiris

George Karahalios Janine Kipley Patti Kohler George Kovacich Helen Kovacich Betty A. Krupp Edward Lannon Bertrand N. Lascoe Kevin Levin Dolores Lewandowski Norbert Lewandowski John R. Lindquist Dan Loizzo Marjorie Loizzo Laura Lyall Leslie Lyall Virginia A. Lyall Alan Marzano Tera L. Matthies Kenneth L. Miner Marilyn D. Mints Thomas M. Mints, Jr. Ruth Moore Dorothy Murphy John “Jay” B. Murphy, Jr. John B. Murphy Katherine M. Murphy Michael F. Murphy Phillip Nuccio Paula O’Connor Dolores Oleksinski Kathleen O’Neill Richard E. O’Neill Corinne Owen Paul Plier

Julia Polacci Malcolm Poland Jeanette Pruss John Pruss Mabel Ramskill Wirt E. Ramskill Frank Redwanc Stella Redwanc Carol J. Robb Luke Rosean Jodi Rosenblatt Kathy Roubas Nancy Sauseda Jayne Hendrie Schickedanz Frank Sears Heidi Shapiro Larry Skippet Ellen Goodman Sontag Susan Stein Jack H. Stocker James M. Syler Bob Terese Mary Ruth Terese Mary E. Voigt Carol Warso-Snyder Bean Waud Bessie Waud Shelia Wexler Lita Zemel Lou Zemel Andrea Zisook

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Upcoming Events Bunny Brunch

Celebrating the Spirit

Friday, April 18 Saturday, April 19 Magnolia Cafe & Bakery & Visitors Center Join us for a delicious meal and a visit to the Bunny Patch! Kids can pick out a goody bag and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Friday, May 16 Cuneo Mansion & Gardens Join us as we celebrate the men and women of Lambs Farm! It will be a memorable evening of dining, live music, dancing and games.

Guests will also bid on exciting experiences and interesting items in both our silent and live auctions.

Easter Brunch Sunday, April 20 Magnolia Cafe & Bakery Easter Brunch at Lambs Farm features a brunch full of delicious, homemade items and a great time with family and friends. Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Lambs on the Run 5K/2 Mile Walk

Mother’s Day Brunch

Father’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 11 Magnolia Cafe & Bakery Treat mom to a wonderful brunch on her special day! Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Sunday, June 15 Magnolia Cafe & Bakery Dad can enjoy the day dedicated to him by choosing from hearty entrees or breakfast favorites at our famous buffet.

Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.

Sunday, June 8 | 9am to 12pm Lambs Farm Enjoy a brisk run or walk starting at Lambs Farm through the Old School Forest Preserve to support our participants.

14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, IL 60048

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f: 847.362.0742

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