2026 is off to a great start at Lambs Farm! We’re celebrating 65 years of service, and we kicked off the fun with puppies and our favorite tradition—the annual Lambs Farm Holiday Party!
This event is a favorite for all, and thanks to Board Member Karen Lieberman, it has been a highlight for 33 years and counting. Participants, families, and staff love coming together to reflect on our accomplishments and see what’s ahead in 2026.
With anniversary celebrations, new events, the Farmyard reopening this spring, and our gala
in the fall, we certainly have a lot to look forward to! We invite you to follow along with us by visiting our website and connecting with us on social media.
Before ringing in the new year, we wrapped up another busy and exciting holiday season. Hannah’s Hallmark Bingo sold out for the third year in a row, and our much-loved Breakfast with Santa event was a big hit. Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch, holiday crafts, and the chance to meet Santa himself in our beautiful Greenhouse, which was transformed into a winter wonderland.
A Season to Celebrate, A Year to Look Forward To Puppy Events to Kick off
65 Years!
Since we began as a pet shop on State Street in 1961, it’s only fitting that we kicked off our 65th anniversary celebrations with puppies!
In January, we partnered with Club Pilates to host two sold-out sessions featuring adorable new arrivals, raffles, and the launch of our 65th Anniversary dog treats— now available at the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center.
The fun continued with a new event, Cookies & Canines, where guests spoiled their pups by decorating dog treats with pup-safe frosting and sprinkles, while also shopping for new items throughout the store.
We have several Puppy Painting Parties on the calendar, along with even more Pet Center events coming soon. Be sure to visit our website to view our adoption list and inquire about our popular private puppy parties!
So much puppy love!
As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on the season we just shared — one filled with joy, connection, and the unmistakable spirit that makes Lambs Farm such a special place. Our winter celebrations brought so many moments to treasure: the energy of our Holiday Party, the excitement of catalog season, the laughter at Breakfast with Santa, and the early buzz surrounding our 65th anniversary. Each one reminded me how deeply our mission is woven into the lives of the people we serve and the families, friends, and supporters who stand with us.
This milestone year gives us a chance not only to celebrate our history, but to honor the people who shaped it—and those who continue to shape our future. You’ll see that throughout this issue, from participant stories and Quest class highlights to a first look at our upcoming LF Studios painting event in March. These moments reflect the creativity, growth, and pride that define our community every day.
I’m also deeply grateful for the generosity that carried us through the end of the year. Our Giving Tuesday supporters helped launch a new fishing pier and shoreline improvements — a space our residents will use to relax, connect, and enjoy the beauty around them for years to come.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your belief in our mission, your kindness, and your continued support make everything we do possible. I’m excited for what this year will bring and grateful to be sharing it with you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Buresch President & CEO
President & CEO Kathy Buresch with Lambs Farm participant Jenny at the 33rd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Parrty
President & CEO Kathy Buresch with husband Eric and Lambs Farm participant Tom
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Participant artists at LF Studios also introduced their holiday ornaments and other festive products, which made amazing gifts. They have big plans for the year ahead as they continue to expand their offerings, so be sure to visit our businesses to see and purchase their latest work.
Speaking of gifts, the Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery staff had another record-breaking season! Participant bakers worked together to bake, decorate, package, and ship our delicious cookies, chocolates, and gift assortments across the country. Between October and December, our small but mighty shipping team of four sent more than 6,000 packages. It’s a perfect example of our motto: teamwork makes the dream work! We’re grateful to our dedicated staff and generous volunteers for helping us power through and have fun during our busiest time of year.
Participants across the Farm also had a blast putting on a fashion show, visiting reindeer farms, and hosting Secret Santa parties. From Quest classes and sports competitions to job exploration and new skill-building opportunities, there’s a wide variety of choices as participants set goals and plan for the year ahead. There truly is something for everyone at Lambs Farm, and we hope you’ll join us at an upcoming event or stop by our businesses to experience the magic for yourself!
LF Studios
Paint & Sip
With all the snow and frigid temperatures lingering, we are more than ready to welcome spring!
LF Studios is helping us do just that with their first event. Join us on Tuesday, March 10 at 5pm for a Paint & Sip at the studio. Unwind, get creative, and toast to brighter days ahead.
Guests can also purchase one-of-a-kind pieces made by our talented participant artists!
Limited spots are available, so be sure to reserve your spots now!
Participant models at their fashion now
Oliver showing off his dance moves at the 33rd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Party
Shipping team getting ready to package more orders
Cameron with the beautiful resin snowflake ornaments he made
The Strohmayer family continued the tradition of hosting a wonderful party for participants
The painting guests will be creating!
Scan to sign up!
You will be able to purchase these beautiful spring candles made by our artists!
In
Loving
Memory of Mary McGonigel
We are deeply saddened to share the loss of Mary McGonigel, Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives.
A true advocate for Lambs Farm, Mary used her gifts and leadership to open doors, strengthen our organization, and create lasting change. She cared deeply for our participants, believed passionately in our mission, and led the Family Advisory Council with dedication and heart.
Mary’s contributions leave a lasting legacy at Lambs Farm, and she will forever remain a part of our family.
Giving Tuesday Results
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Giving Tuesday donors, an exciting transformation is coming to one of Lambs Farm’s most beloved spaces.
Our lakeshore has long been a favorite place for participants to cast their lines, unwind, and enjoy the calming beauty of nature. At the heart of that experience is the fishing pier, and thanks to our amazing donors, it will soon receive much-needed renovations that will make it easier and more accessible for everyone to enjoy fishing, scenic views, and time outdoors with friends.
In addition to the pier renovation, Giving Tuesday funds will allow us to update the nearby storage building, add a decorative safety fence, and enhance the shoreline with native plants, seating, and sensoryfriendly features. These thoughtful improvements will create a welcoming environment that encourages reflection, connection, and independence.
We are excited to transform the aging shoreline into a vibrant and beautiful space for our participants. Planning begins this spring, and we look forward to sharing updates as the project moves forward. We cannot wait to see what they will reel in once the project is complete. For now, enjoy photos from some of their recent fishing outings below.
Ruth is one of the many participants who will love the new shoreline!
Daniel with a nice bluegill
Kevin with possibly one of the biggest bass caught at Lambs Lake
Barb and Liz reeled one in together
Mary (right) with her wonderful friend and co-worker Darlene
Mary was key in making the Greenhouse and Farmyard renovation projects come to life
Recreation Updates
After months of training in the snow, participants started the year competing in muddy conditions at Special Olympics snowshoeing. They stayed determined, maintained positive attitudes, had fun, and proudly brought home five first-place medals!
The season continued with FUNdamentals training and basketball district competitions, where both the Rams and the Stampede earned fourthplace finishes. Participants then challenged staff to a basketball game and left it all on the court, securing a victory! Now, athletes are diving into swim practices as they prepare to compete in March.
The Recreation Department has also been busy planning fun dances, activities, and competitions to help everyone stay active and engaged throughout the winter months.
In Loving Memory of John Durbin
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of Board Member and beloved Lambs Farm family member, John Durbin.
John’s brother, Tom, is a participant at Lambs Farm, and the entire Durbin family have been long standing supporters, serving as trusted advisors, active volunteers, and generous donors who give endlessly of their time, talent, and resources for both Tom and the organization as a whole.
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!
Among other impressive antiques to be appraised was a Rembrandt painting.
John, along with his brother Doug, co-founded Exclusive Woodworking and nuHaus and were mainstays at Lambs Farm events, large and small. Together, they led remarkable renovations of our campus homes and set a new standard for future work in our residential spaces. John was known for his kindness, humility, and genuine care for others, and we are profoundly grateful for his commitment, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support. He will be deeply and forever missed.
Following a delicious breakfast at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, 70 attendees heard from Karl Gates
The staff vs. participant basketball game is a highlight of the year for everyone!
John (right) with his brother Tom at our Celebrating the Spirit gala
A beautiful shot at practice before the freezing temperatures hit
Maribeth playing some tough defense at districts Lori competing at FUNdamentals
Josh won first place at snowshoeing
Bunny Brunch & Easter Brunch
Hop on over to our Bunny Brunch! Join us at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4 for a fun-filled day.
Enjoy a tasty brunch buffet, then head to the Bunny Patch in the Visitors Center and Greenhouse 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 5. Take a break from cooking and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones while supporting our mission.
Easter Brunch Seatings: 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Please call the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery at 847.362.5050 to secure your spot!
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Angela Ramert at asr@lambsfarm.org.
Farmyard Update
Since breaking ground last fall, the construction team has been hard at work, braving the Midwest winter! The progress is amazing, and we can’t wait for you to see it. Check out the photos below and start imagining a wonderful spring at our newly refreshed space. Be sure check out our Facebook and Instagram for updates and re-opening details coming in the next few months!
Our Farmyard friends miss our guests, but Joseph is having a great wnter, and is getting fed lots of beets and carrots!
A cool shot of the progress so far. Next up is the roof!
This was Squirt the donkey and Levi the American miniature horse’s reaaction when we told them their new home would be completed soon!
Albie enjoying the winter snow
More recent progress as the roof starts to take shape
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 2025 - December 2025.
$50,000 and Above
Anonymous
$25,000 to $49,999
FunFund
Order of Malta, Federal Association, U.S.A.
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rogan
The Trustmark Foundation
Ms. Alice P. White
$10,000 to $24,999
Adreani Foundation
Anonymous
Barnes Foundation
Grace A. Bersted Foundation
Fred J. Brunner Foundation
The Buchanan Family Foundation
Andrew Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Durbin
Golder Family Foundation
Lori Smith & Mitch Horwitz
Marvin and Kay Lichtman Foundation
Mrs. Karen Lieberman
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Liner
Ms. Gale Zemel & Mr. David Mausner
Ms. Susan Rancourt
Walker Group
W. P. & H. B. White Foundation
$5,000 to $9,999
Mr. & Mrs. Dale A. Dellutri
Exclusive Woodworking
Mrs. Joan J. Golder
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gruebnau
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Harer
Dr. Richard A. Hirth and Dr. JoAnn S. Hirth
Libertyville Township
Ms. Margaret Martinek
McCortney Foundation
New Trier Township nuHaus
Mr. Greg Polan
Tim Qualheim
The Reichert Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Reilly
Dr. & Mrs. Stuart M. Schwartz
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Seymour
Mrs. Gertrude Smutney
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Wiegand, Jr.
Ms. Janet L. Winter
Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Zaun
$2,500 to $4,999
AbbVie
Mr. & Mrs. Paul J. Andrews
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bebber
Mrs. Virginia Cleary
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Czaja
Gerald & Olivia Shapiro
Family Foundation
Michele Hallee
Mr. & Mrs. Craig W. Hoffman
William & Susan Jacobs
Ms. Alice Kim
Mary E. Lane
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Moyer
Dr. Ujjvala Nadkarni
Nutrien
Packaging Corporation of America
Mr. John Piccione
Prince Charitable Trusts
RCNP Family Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert O. Schmeisser
Ms. Susan Siebers
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill
$1,000 to $2,499
Abbott Laboratories
Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo L. Acuna
Toby & Michael Alexander
Clyde & Becky Anderson
Anonymous
Tributes and Memorials
Mrs. Laurie Asbeck-Hickman
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barbakoff
Mr. Jeffery K. Benham
Mrs. Martha M. Boudewyns
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bronski
Kenneth & Roberta Brown
Bujak Family Fund
Mrs. Nancy Casanova
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Condon
Craft Productions, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. John Craychee
Debbie & John Creigh
James Dempski
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Dunbar
Mr. & Mrs. John Durbin
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Edwards
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Elder
Richard & Willo Falstein
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Fick
First Nation Group
Joannie & Mike Foley
Mr. & Mrs. Albert D. Fox
Mr. Brian Gallagher
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gallagher
Mr. & Mrs. David Grady
Rich Green
Mrs. Marilee Hanson
Fleurette Hershman
Mr. Keith Hickman
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Holstein
Bob & Dot Hurley
Doris B. Jacobson
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Karpek
Dr. Melvin P. Katz
Kingsbury Fund
Mr. Michael L. Kirk
Cardinal Stritch Knights of Columbus 3674
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler
Mary Ann Koncz
Debbie Kraft-Ramsey
Mr. Ken Landauer
Mrs. Caryl Lasko
Ms. Janice L. Leclerc
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Levin
Mrs. Martha A. Lynch-Biasi
Mr. Paul M. Mandell
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Marlowe
Medline Foundation Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation
Bernard A. Mikrut
Mints Family
Mr. & Mrs. James H. Norem
Ms. Patricia O’Donnell
Mr. Chaitanya Patel
Ms. Rosalie Piazza
Miss Margaret Schaefer
Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Seberger
Ms. Barbara Sloan
The Horowitz Steel Family
Charitable Account
Lindi & Steve Strobel
Mrs. Marcia Sturm
Mrs. Suzanne B. Tobin
Heidi Waltner-Pepper
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix
Mrs. Holly Witek
Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zils
Mr. Sheldon O. Zisook
Robert Zorc
Bequests
Robert D. Austen Trust
Estate of John Bremer
Allen B. Frake Trust
Margaret O. Kehoe Trust
Estate of Donna C. King
Ruth Kurnick Trust
Wittenberg Trust
Facebook Fundraisers
Maggie Madole
Chuck Spillner
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 2025 - December 2025.
In Honor Of
Angelika Ade
Patricia Adelberg
Brooke Aldridge
Robert Benedict & Family
James H. Berke
Christopher Breck
Lora Bush
Lori A. Carlson
Libby Creigh
Russell Dann
Grayson Deeney
Kris Fox
Fern S. Frank
Michael Frank
Analiese Gabuzzi
Jessica Gehr
Mary L. Glimco
Tony Green
Alice Harris
Michele Hendrickson
Lawrence Holstein
Holy Family Book Club
Patricia Horgan
Irene Huzenis
Doris B. Jacobson
Joshua Johnson
Carolyn Kelley
Susan Koehler
Sarah Komperda
Karyn Krupp
Lambs Farm Participants
Lambs Farm Staff
Jenna Larsen
Lazar Wagner at Lambs
Peter F. Lomonaco
Maggie Madole
Grant McCullagh
Suzanne McCullagh
Michael J. McMeins
Kat Metzger
Moyer Family
Greg Moyer
Ruth I. Moyer
Christopher Murschel
Bailee Myers
Britt Myers
Britton Myers
Travis Myers
Nancy Northrip
Robert A. Northrip
Jason O’Day
Paul O’Halloran
Halle Peace
Kirsten Petersen
Lianne Piccione
Tinley Prosser
Quest Theatre Program
Daniel Ramirez
Liz Rancourt
Diana Rau
Ralph E. Rau
David S. Schoessow
Linda Schuh
Ruth Schulien
David B. Schwartz
Stephanie Scialabba
Jack Shannon
Alison Shapiro
Oliver Smith
Eli Spector
Chuck Spillner
Robert O. Stein
Sarita Still
Daniel M. Sultan
Roberta Sultan
Carol Temkin
Orin S. Temkin
Akiko Terao
Erin Thill
Martha Torrence
Anna Van Gelder
Robert Van Gelder
Douglas Wagner
Sue Weber
Thomas R. Weber
Andrew I. Wernick
Abbey Wright
Jon Zils
In Memory Of
Graciela Andino
Scott Arnold
Gloria Benham
Lois E. Bock
William Bock
Sue Boyd
Elizabeth “Betsy” Brake
Wilma J. Bresnan
Mary Bury
Richard Bury
Roger A. Bury
Michele Cadwell
Laurie Cain Delaney
Vasiliki Dimitrakopoulou
Ernest Dite
Amy Duff
Gerald Eisenberg
Kaitlin Englehart
Shirley Fier
Gertrude E. Fredrich
Frank Froncek
Irene Froncek
Janie Froncek
Marilyn Gallagher
Mr. & Mrs. H. R. Gardner, Jr.
Marcy Gelber
Caesar J. Gridelli
Robert L. Grottke
Bob Hansen
Shirley Harms
Jennifer Hart
A. J. Hill
Kimberly Holmes
Eileen Isaacson
Peter Jones
Phyllis Jones
Barry Kaplan
Yeun Sook Kim
Janine Kipley
Jeanne Klaczek
Patti Kohler
Betty A. Krupp
Ronald Krupp
Bertrand N. Lascoe
Dolores Lewandowski
Norbert Lewandowski
Herman Liberman
John R. Lindquist
Dan Loizzo
Marjorie Loizzo
Laura Lyall
Leslie Lyall
Virginia A. Lyall
Michael C. Martino
Michael Marx
Alan Marzano
Bert W. McCleneghan
Dorothy McCleneghan
Michael Melchiorre
Marilyn D. Mints
Thomas M. Mints, Jr.
Dorothy Murphy
John “Jay” B. Murphy, Jr.
John B. Murphy
Katherine M. Murphy
Michael F. Murphy
Richard R. Murphy
James Neary
Elinor M. Newman
Howard Newman
James W. Norris
Paul Norris
Phillip Nuccio
Paula O’Connor
Kathleen O’Neill
Corinne Owen
Ray Owens
Bablo Patel
Jeanette Pruss
John Pruss
Mabel Ramskill
Maria Riccomini
James Robinson
Jodi Rosenblatt
Kathy Roubas
Kevin Schwartz
Larry Skippet
Ellen Goodman Sontag
Evelyn Stenberg
Karen Sue Stenberg
Margaret Mary Stephen
Jack Stocker
Laura L. Strohmayer
Kim Sunko
James M. Syler
Bob Terese
Mary Ruth Terese
Joyce Tesdahl
Mary Ellen Voigt
Robert Waddick
Alison Walker
Leo Wernick
Trudy Wernick
Randolph L. Witek
Annette Zaleta
Jeffrey H. Zemel
Lita Zemel
Lou Zemel
Andrea Zisook
Change service requested
Upcoming Events
Paint & Sip at LF Studios
Tuesday, March 10 | 5pm - 7pm
LF Studios
Join us for our first event at the Studio as we paint a spring piece together. Be sure to shop all the beautiful work created by participant artists!
Puppies & Pilates
Saturday, March 14
Visitors Center
Enjoy a introductory level class with our friends at Club Pilates in the company of our rescue pups!
Bunny Brunch
Friday, April 3
Saturday, April 4
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 5
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.
Potting Palooza
May 5- May 10
Greenhouse
Get your spring plants and receive expert advice while making beautiful arrangements in our Greenhouse.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 10
Magnolia Cafe & Bakery
Treat mom to a wonderful brunch on her special day! Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.
Lambs on the Run 5K/2 Mile Walk
Sunday, June 7 | 9am - 12pm
Lambs Farm
Enjoy a brisk run or walk starting at Lambs Farm through the Old School Forest Preserve to support our participants.
