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.
The event sold out once again, drawing over 100 Hallmark movie enthusiasts for a night of bingo, delicious food, seasonal drinks, and cool prizes.
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.
Despite the busy production schedule, participant bakers also provided a tempting selection of goodies from our 2024-25 holiday catalog.
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!
(Continued
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
President & CEO Kathy Buresch with participants Pat and Alan
President & CEO Kathy Buresch with participants Debbie and Laura
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Hannah Brummer and participant Brayanna were invited to WGN’s Spotlight Chicago to talk about Hannah’s Hallmark Bingo!
Participant baker Dave and Marian bake another batch of Famous Butter Cookies
Superivsor Deanna and Ann ready to celebrate at the Holiday Party
Magnolia Cafe Manager Elaine and participants Jenny and Ric at Breakfast with Santa
Ruthie gets ready to decorate her gingerbread man
Participants Sari and Tom on their way to the dance floor
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.
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.
Participants Debbie, Joe and Bruce starred in the 2024 Giving Tuesday video!
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 & 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!
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 Cafe & Bakery at 847.362.5050 to secure your spot!
A Henning barnyard painting was the star of the Antiques Appraisal Breakfast this year, valued at a minimum of $80,000 by licensed appraiser Karl Gates!
If you are interested in volunteering?
Among other impressive antiques to be appraised was a Rembrandt painting.
Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Angela Ramert at asr@lambsfarm.org.
Fashionable farm cat Finch
Did you know you can also order a custom animal painting? Joseph is quite the artist!
Steph and Julie hope you will join us for these celebrations!
We hosted our annual Valentines with the Animals treat fundraiser
All the animals had fun celebrating and got lots of extra love Crick enjoys the sunset
Participant Happenings
Here’s a look at what our participants have been up to lately!
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!
Athletes and staff the snowshoeing competition at Hoffman Estates
Mary created this beautiful pour painted snowflake at LF Studios
Manoj has been learning to make all kinds of new soup recipes in his cooking Quest class
Jerry loves puppy therapy
The Rams basketball team poses with their bronze medals
Josh drives the net to get a basket for The Stampede
Ann and Ben during their morning workouts
Participants and LFA athletes after their game
Josh and Sarah were all smiles after the snowshoeing competition
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
Tributes and Memorials
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gabuzzi
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gallagher
Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Geraci
Gescheidle Charitable Fund at The Community Foundation Martin - St. Lucie
Rich Green
Mr. & Mrs. H. Donald Hanson
Mr. Keith Hickman
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Holstein
Bob & Dot Hurley
Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim
Kingsbury Fund
Mr. Michael L. Kirk
David C Kleiman
Charitable Giving Fund
Cardinal Stritch
Knights of Columbus 3674
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler
Mary Ann Koncz
Mr. William Kovacich
Mrs. Caryl Lasko
Ms. Janice L. Leclerc
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.
Mr. & Mrs. Jerre L. Stead
Laurie & Bruce Tait
Ms. Eiko Terao
Mrs. Suzanne B. Tobin
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Weitekamper
Ms. Jessye R. Wright
Mr. Sheldon O. Zisook
Bequests
Mr. John Burrus
Allen B. Frake Trust
Jerry Korr Revocable Trust
Estate of Suzanne McKinley Tice
Facebook Fundraisers
Jason Belgin
Matt Edmondson
Colt Kahl
Sandy Nape-Chlopek
Jesse Nelson, Jr.
Della Stiles
Janet Strandberg
Lisa Hendrickson Theis
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
Upcoming Events
Bunny Brunch
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.
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.
Mother’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. 14245 W. Rockland
Celebrating the Spirit
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.
Lambs on the Run 5K/2 Mile Walk
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.
Father’s Day Brunch
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.
