page 6: Participant Updates our mission: Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all www.lambsfarm.org
(Continued on page 3) Fall
On September 9, we celebrated a milestone with the official groundbreaking for our long-awaited Farmyard renovation project. It was a day filled with excitement, pride, and gratitude as state and local officials, volunteers, staff, and supporters joined together to mark this new chapter in our story.
Their enthusiasm, combined with the generosity of key donors and the dedication of our project team, helped bring this dream to life. As President and CEO Kathy Buresch explained in in her opening remarks, the Farmyard is a place of purpose, pride, and joy for our participants and the
guests who visit each year. The first phase of the renovation focuses on building a new barn, but this barn represents much more than a structure. It marks the beginning of a remarkable transformation that will introduce features we have never had before, including bathrooms, classrooms, and new spaces designed to enhance the visitor experience and expand job opportunities for our participants.
This foundation will pave the way for future growth, with the potential to triple the number of annual visitors each year.
thousands of
Thank you to our amazing project team (left to right): Chris Madden, Krisi Fries, Ken Alridge, Ed Stuckey, Kathy Buresch, Michelle Kelly, and Rob Guarnaccio
Farmyard Renovation Updates
The Farmyard renovation is really taking shape! From digging and plumbing to soil testing and laying foundations, it’s all happening quickly! Here’s a peek at the progress so far.
Threads of Gratitude and Growth
I’m filled with gratitude for the many threads that weave our community together—creativity, celebration, service, and shared purpose. In this issue of Lambs Tales, you’ll find stories that reflect these threads: our LF Studios artists selling their work in our businesses, joyful moments from Breakfast with Santa, exciting progress in the Farmyard renovation, thoughtful selections in our Holiday Catalog, and pride-filled updates from Special Olympics and Quest.
Each piece in this newsletter is a small window into a larger whole. The artwork carried in our local storefronts reminds us how creativity opens doors and builds independence. The holiday catalog and gatherings connect family and friends while supporting our programs. The Farmyard groundbreaking—our feature story— is a new beginning, the result of many hands and hearts coming together. And our athletes and participants keep teaching us about perseverance, teamwork, and the power of possibility.
What ties these stories together is people showing up for one another. Whether through time, talent, or financial support, every act moves Lambs Farm and our participants forward. If you feel moved to take part this season, there are many ways to join in: attend events, shop the catalog, volunteer, or make a gift. All of it fuels places and programs where people belong, contribute, and thrive.
Thank you for being part of this community and making good things happen here at Lambs Farm. I’m honored to share these pages with you and hopeful for the growth ahead.
Kathy Buresch President & CEO
Mike proudly won the first-ever Pinewood Derby and received a shiny new trophy
President & CEO Kathy Buresch with participant Jason at the Lambs Farm Family Advisory Council Picnic
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These improvements will create even more meaningful opportunities for guests to connect with our participants and experience their incredible work firsthand.
The Farmyard closed for the season at the end of August, and construction began right away. Be sure to follow our progress on social media for periodic updates, and get ready to see the new and improved Farmyard when we reopen this spring.
Big, exciting changes are ahead, and we cannot wait to share them with you!
Breakfast with Santa 2025
Santa is coming to Lambs Farm! Begin your experience with a delicious brunch at the Magnolia Café & Bakery, then head to our beautiful Greenhouse for a magical moment with Santa.
2025 Dates: Saturday, December 6 Sunday, December 7 Saturday, December 13 Sunday, December 14
We hope you will join us for this amazing tradition! Seating times are at 9am, 10:30am & 12pm. Please call the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery at 847.362.5050 to make your reservations.
Are you interested in volunteering? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Angela Ramert at asr@lambsfarm.org.
Santa and Arlyn hope to see you there!
Each guest received a gift bag of Lambs Farm favorites and a barn cookie
The hard hats and gold shovels all set for the groundbreaking ceremony
Big thanks to our state and local officials, Senator Mary Edly-Allen, Senator Julie Morrison, Representative Daniel Didech, Senator Adriane Johnson, Mayor Donna Johnson, and Mayor Bernie Wysocki for joining us for this historic moment
Mayor Donna Johnson spoke about how the Farmyard will make an impact on our community
Artists at Work
Take a look at some of the cool artwork and projects participants have been working on at LF Studios!
LF Studios Group Art class explored both art history and technique of Gustav Klimt while creating their own “Tree of Life” painting
They also made fun snowman ornaments for Hannah’s Hallmark Bingo and to sell in the businesses
Artwork for Sale
Earlier this fall, our art studio, LF Studios, began offering participant artwork for sale in Lambs Farm businesses. Our talented artists and dedicated instructors have been busy creating a wide variety of unique pieces, including resin coasters, pour paintings, mixed media art, magnets, and jewelry.
With the holiday season approaching, the studio is buzzing with creativity and new ideas. Be sure to visit our businesses and check our website often to see the latest handcrafted creations.
Each purchase directly supports our expanding art program, helping participant artists continue to grow their skills, explore their creativity, and share their talents with the community.
Gillian with a beautiful resin piece available at the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center
The Events Art class made a fun new photo opp for our Trick or Treat at Lambs Farm event
Flower resin coasters for sale in the Greenhouse
Patrick with one of this mixed media pieces
Alison poses with colorful coasters
Pour paintings in the Sugar Maple Country Store
One of the unique necklaces
More beautiful floral pieces in the Greenhouse
Catalog Season Is Here!
The most wonderful time of the year is here again, and that means participant bakers in the Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery are in full swing, filling baking sheets, topping cookies with sprinkles, and carefully packaging each item with love and care.
This year’s Holiday Catalog is filled with classic favorites, decadent chocolates, and delicious assortments that make every gathering a little sweeter. Whether you’re treating friends and family or sending a thoughtful gift to colleagues and clients, our holiday treats spread joy with every bite.
Our participant bakers take great pride in their work. From the moment an order is placed to the time it is delivered, they are part of every step in the process. During this busy season, they not only learn new skills but also share their knowledge by teaching volunteers how to measure, mix, and master the art of baking. We are grateful to have so many groups lend helping hands during our busiest time of year and experience our mission in action.
As you plan for the holidays, we hope our products are at the top of your list. Made with the finest ingredients, each gift also gives back by helping adults with developmental disabilities continue to learn, grow, and thrive.
If you are ready to place an order, simply scan the QR code below to explore our digital catalog and access our online store. You can also give us a call at 847.362.4636 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Take a look at some of the delicious offerings in our 2025 Holiday Catalog!
Scan to view the 2025 Holiday Gift Catalog!
Dave and Mike scooping Double Chocolate Butter Cookies
Brayanna working on the enrober as sandwich cookies get covered in chocolate
Jessica was excited to be featured on the front cover of this year’s catalog!
Cravings Collection
Toffee & Turtlettes
Blooming Bag
Maribeth getting ready to package a fresh batch of Famous Butter Cookies
Special Olympics Update
After another successful trip to the Summer State Games, our athletes wasted no time getting back in action, training hard for bowling and floor hockey. They did an amazing job in the bowling lanes, and nine athletes advanced to State in Floor Hockey Skills!
Up next on the winter schedule is basketball, and we can’t wait to cheer on our incredible athletes as they show off their skills on the court.
Sports aren’t the only way our participants stay active. Our Recreation Department is always finding fun ways to keep everyone moving, whether it’s lifting weights, going for walks, practicing yoga, or dancing the night away at one of their parties!
Participant Happenings
Fall has been a fantastic season for our participants! In September, our Quest program took center stage with an incredible production, The Lambs Farm Broadway Revue! Participants rehearsed for months, pouring their heart and soul into every song and dance. Their passion lit up the stage, and we could not be prouder of their hard work and dedication.
A huge thank you to our wonderful guests who came out to support them, our amazing volunteers, and directors Janine Neumann and Kat Metzger for bringing it all together.
After the curtain closed, the fun continued. Participants enjoyed a visit to the apple orchard, took scenic hikes through local forest preserves, got into the Halloween spirit, and showed off their creativity at Club 61.
Now, as we head into winter, even more exciting activities are on the way!
Ian takes the stage during the Broadway Revue
Brooke picking the best apples for homemade apple sauce at Heinz Orchard
Destany at the bowling alley
Ruth and her cool nature bird made in Club
Friends getting ready to compete
Tina, MJ, and Andy in their Halloween costumes
Hikes with friends are the best kind of hikes
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 May - August 2025.
$50,000 and above
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Aldridge
Packaging Corporation of America
The Reichert Foundation
Vernon Township
$25,000 to $49,000
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth W. Aldridge
$10,000 to $24,999
Abbott Laboratories
Anonymous
Kathy & Eric Buresch
Shawn & David Durand
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Durbin
Mr. Keith Hickman
Mrs. Christine Juiris
Libertyville Bank & Trust Company
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Milburn
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Neiman
Pam H. Olson
Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Susan Siebers
Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zils
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Breck
Mrs. Nancy Casanova
Mary Anne Ehlert
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goerne
Ms. M. Victoria Greene
Mr. John Jennings
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Kowlzan
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Liner
Mr. & Mrs. James Milburn
New Trier Township
Janet & Thomas Scarf
The Valerious Family Foundation
Uline
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick
$2,500 to $4,999
AbbVie
Ms. Renate Ade
Belmont Bank & Trust
Mr. Jeffery K. Benham
Maureen & Doug Beyer
Andrew Campbell
Mrs. Virginia Cleary
College Park Athletic Club
DiVinci Painters
Gibraltar Business Capital
Mr. & Mrs. David Grady
Mr. Wayne B. Harer
IMC
William & Susan Jacobs
Dr. Melvin P. Katz
Michelle Kelly
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Levy
Maron Electric Company
Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC
Mesirow Financial
Mrs. Jill Nicholson
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Rosengarten
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Scialabba
Joseph & Katie Sharp
Tithof Tile & Marble, Inc.
Upland Design
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix
Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Wilneff
Ms. Gina M. Zisook
$1,000 to $2,499
Abt Electronics
Mrs. Margaret A. Adreani
Allstate Giving Campaign
Allstate PAC
Ms. Aimee Anderson
Anonymous Aon
Mrs. Laurie Asbeck-Hickman
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin A. Avin
Tributes and Memorials
Carol Lavin Bernick
Family Foundation
Mr. Rick Bertolozzi
Mrs. Martha M. Boudewyns
Tara & Curt Braun
Mr. Todd C. Burrus
Andrias Campbell
Mr. Alan Chapman
Mr. Jerry Dardick
Mr. James H. Davis
Mr. Rocco DeFilippis
Ms. Pamela Diedrich
Mr. & Mrs. John Durbin
Exclusive Woodworking
Mrs. Rona Farber
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Fick
Joannie & Mike Foley
Mr. & Mrs. Albert D. Fox
Mrs. Joan Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gallagher
Golder Family Foundation
Rich Green
Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
Harty Realty Group
John G. Harty Ltd.
Mrs. Diane Hettinger
Mr. Dan Heyn
Homewerks Worldwide, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Karpek
Matthew Kiefer
Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim
David C. Kleiman Charitable Giving Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler
Ms. Beth Lewis
Mr. Paul M. Mandell
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Nancy M. Martin
Ms. Mary McGonigel
Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Mork
Paulette & Taylor O’Malley
Mr. Jeff O’Reilly
Omron Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Chaitanya Patel
Ms. Rosalie Piazza
Kim Plencner
Ms. Susan Rancourt
Roof Management LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sabin
John Salvino
Samuel Weinstein Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Schuh
Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Seberger
John & Cheryl Seder
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Shannon
Lisa & Gerard Shannon
Sub-Zero Group Midwest, LLC
Carrie & Mike Tennyson
Ms. Eiko Terao
The Galley, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill
John & Pam Tithof
Viper Car Association of Illinois
Vulcan Materials Company
Mr. & Mrs. Peter T. Wall
Heidi Waltner-Pepper
Ms. Ellen R. Zemel
Allen B. Frake Trust
Margaret O. Kehoe Trust
Estate of Donna C. King
Estate of Ronald E. Nowak
Ms. Daisy D. Patt
Facebook Fundraisers
Shirley Melko
Elizabeth Sullens Bequests
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 May - August 2025.
