2023 Volume 1
inside:
page 2: Holiday Party Feature from the President & CEO
page 4: Lambs Farm Gala, Celebrating the Spirit
page 5: Photo Shoot on the Farm
page 6: Spotlight Sunday
our mission:
Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all. www.lambsfarm.org
The Wellness Center at Lambs Farm focuses on helping Participants lead healthy lifestyles through diet and exercise programs, activities, sports and education.
This winter, athletes are staying busy competing in their favorite Special Olympic games. They kicked off the season by participating at snowshoeing districts and came home with two gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
Hours of hard work and practice paid off for both Lambs Farm basketball teams, High Rollers and Wrecking Crew.
Thanks to their dedication and teamwork, both teams pulled out a win and took second in the tournament overall.
Participants also recently competed in FUNdamentals. This inclusive program is designed for those who are unable to compete in traditional Special Olympic games. FUNdamentals has modifications for floor hockey, soccer, bocce ball and basketball to ensure that everybody can have fun together while playing the sports they love.
On February 11, we hosted our first Cookies & Cocoa Valentine Party!
Families and friends came to the cozy Magnolia Cafe & Bakery for a celebration full of fun and love.
They warmed up at our hot cocoa bar, decorated a delicious sugar cookie, made Valentine’s Day crafts and gathered around for story time.
Participants helped staff decorate and prepare for the party, and they would like to give a special thank you to everyone who attended this new event!
We had a wonderful time at the annual Lambs Farm holiday party on January 15.
Board member Karen Lieberman and her mother started the special tradition of hosting a party for Lambs Farm Participants, staff, and families to gather and celebrate the holidays. We were so happy to be together again in person with our entire Lambs Farm family to celebrate and have a good time! The afternoon was full of laughter, joy, and lots of dancing.
The holiday party kicked off the New Year and the start of a new beginning for all of us. As president & CEO, I am honored to build on the dreams and legacy of our co-founders, Bob Terese and Corinne Owen. Lambs Farm has always been about dreams—the dreams Participants have for their own lives and the dreams we all have for them.
I promise you that we will continue to dream boldly—just like Bob and Corinne—and to believe that almost anything is possible for our Participants. I am committed to making Lambs Farm an even better place than it is today!
Kathy Buresch President & CEO
(continued from cover)
After seeing the smiles on their faces, we know that our FUNdamentals athletes had a great time competing and earning medals.
Many Participants enjoy staying active by spending time in our regulation-sized gym before work or in their free time. They play games, hop on a bike or run on the treadmill while catching up with their friends.
Recreation staff are helping Participants stay motivated on their wellness journeys with a theme for 2023: Sheep Shape. With cool activities and rewards, Participants will work on getting into a regular exercise routine in order to reach the overall goal of getting into sheep shape.
Our athletes have a lot to look forward to this spring. We can’t wait to watch them pursue their own passions as they continue to learn about the importance of health and wellness.
Please join us at Bunny Brunch, one of our most popular and longstanding family events on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8!
Guests will enjoy our famous buffet at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery. After filling up on hearty breakfast items and delicious desserts, everyone will hop on over to the Bunny Patch, located in our Visitors Center.
Children will work on crafts, pick out a special gift and meet the Easter Bunny himself!
Bunny Brunch seatings are at 9am, 10am and 12pm.
Families and friends can also spend Easter at Lambs Farm, as the The Magnolia Cafe & Bakery will also be hosting its traditional Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 9 with seatings available at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Please call the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery at 847.362.5050 to make your reservation today!
Special thanks to our volunteers for helping us continue our special traditionsBetween Quest classes, work, parties and hobbies, Participants are having a lot of fun this winter.
For the last two years, we hosted our gala virtually. Both events were a great success thanks to the generosity of our supporters, but nothing beats being together in person to celebrate the men and women of Lambs Farm.
With that being said, all of us at Lambs Farm are beyond excited for our 2023 gala, Celebrating the Spirit on Friday, May 19!
We hope you will join us at the elegant and historic Cuneo Mansion in Lincolnshire for a memorable evening of gourmet dining, live music, dancing and games. Guests will also bid on exciting experiences and interesting items in both our silent and live auctions. Those who are unable to join us will still have the opportunity 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 are willing and able to donate an item, service of experience to our silent or live auction, please contact Special Events Coordinator, Kathy McMeins at 847.990.3749 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 at mmcgonigel@lambsfarm.org to learn more.
All proceeds from Celebrating the Spirit will allow us to continue to provide life-enriching opportunities for Lambs Farm Participants.
We are counting down the days until the Farmyard opens for the 2023 season on Friday, April 7!
During the winter months, Animal Keepers have been taking care of our 300+ animals and brainstorming even more fun and innovative ideas for our guests to enjoy this season. After many successful Members Only Nights in 2022, staff are excited to host three exclusive events for season membership holders again, allowing guests to get some extra one-on-one time with their favorite Farmyard friends. This season, Members Only Nights are scheduled for June 6, July 11 and August 1 from 6pm to 8pm. You can purchase a season membership at the Farmyard or by visiting our online store.
As animals patiently wait to greet guests again, they have been staying busy snacking on donated Christmas trees and posing for photo shoots. In January, we had a very special visit from talented commercial animal photographer, Michelle Russ. Rocky the White Park cow calf, Aflac the Pekin duck, Ryan Gosling the Toulouse goose, Morris the Desert Painted sheep, Albie the Suffolk sheep and Levi the American miniature horse were in the spotlight and proved to be amazing models.
Our dedicated Animal Keepers were there to support and monitor the comfort of each animal. They gave them lots of treats and head scratches, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
You can have the whole Farmyard to yourself when you book Rent the Farm!
This ultimate Farmyard experience is available on Mondays from 1pm to 3pm when the Farmyard is closed to the public. The first hour consists of mini golf and visiting with the animals, while the second hour includes an interactive presentation in our Discovery Center where Animal Keepers will teach your group about reptiles, birds and small mammals.
Afterwards, guests will have quality time with Joseph, our Dromedary camel, goats and sheep as well as other animals of their choosing based on interest and availability.
You can book Rent a Farm by visiting www.lambsfarm.org.
After a three year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, the Fine Arts program is back with a fun twist!
Staff and Participants are excited to announce that this year they will be taking their talents to the big screen!
Instead of performing in a theatre for a live audience, they will be turning their production into a movie. Over the course of several months, they will rehearse, film and edit their version of “The Little Mermaid.”
In the fall, staff plans to host an official red carpet event in the gym, complete with a red carpet walk, photo opportunities, and a big movie premiere!
The Fine Arts Program is so excited to take on this new endeavour, and we can’t wait to watch them continue to grow!
We recently launched Spotlight Sunday, a social media program that highlights the amazing staff at Lambs Farm. Every week, we share the story of a different staff member and the special bonds they have with Participants on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Here’s a look at the nominees who helped us kick off the program!
Deanna Rosenbloom, our first Spotlight Sunday, at a Halloween party in House 6
The Little Mermaid cast at their first rehearsal!
Transportation Manager Adam Peleska
A.M. Supervisor Deanna Rosenbloom
Community Employment Manager Chris Woods Magnolia Cafe & Bakery Manager Elaine Bock
Lead DSP Mary McBride
Country Store & Bakery staff Marty Dennis, Marian Zamudio and Vidhya Chandrasekaran
Shipping Manager Stephanie Polson
DSP Tricia Price Magnolia Cafe & Bakery Cook & DSP Gerardo Martinez
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 2022 - December 2022.
$50,000 and above
Gerald & Olivia Shapiro Family Foundation
$25,000 to $49,999
Anonymous
Grace A. Bersted Foundation
Packaging Corporation of America
The Aldridge Family Charitable Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Wiegand, Jr.
$10,000 to $24,999
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Abington
Adreani Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Aldridge
Anonymous
Ardagh Metal Packaging - North America
Fred J. Brunner Foundation
The Buchanan Family Foundation
Andrew Campbell
Mr. Thomas D. Creigh
Judy & Doug Durbin
Marvin and Kay Lichtman Foundation
Mrs. Karen Lieberman
Mr. Robert Neiman
Mr. & Mrs. Eric P. Olson
Edmond & Alice Opler Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rogan
The Trustmark Foundation
Walker Group
Ms. Alice P. White
W. P. & H. B. White Foundation
$5,000 to $9,999
Mrs. Nancy Casanova
Mr. John Creigh
Mr. & Mrs. John Durbin
Mr. & Mrs. Dale A. Dellutri
Mrs. Joan J. Golder
James A. Kreiser Trust
Mrs. Donna J. Krilich
Libertyville Township
Daniel H. Lome Foundation
New Trier Township
The Reichert Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. Stuart M. Schwartz
Mr. & Mrs. David Sorenson
Mr. & Mrs. Willard T. Walker
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick
Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Zaun
$2,500 to $4,999
AbbVie
Mrs. Patricia Baudendistel
The Cerwin Family
Exclusive Woodworking
Mr. & Mrs. Craig W. Hoffman
Mr. John Jennings
Dr. Melvin P. Katz
Ms. Alice Kim
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Krupp
McCortney Foundation
Miller Cooper & Co., LTD
Charitable Foundation
nuHaus
Mr. Greg Polan
Prince Charitable Trusts
Ravine Park Partners, LLC
Richard and Margaret Romano
Charitable Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Seymour
Ms. Susan Siebers
Mr. & Mrs. James Stephanak
Ms. Eiko Terao
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix
Ms. Ruth Wittenberg
$1,000 to $2,4999
Abbott Laboratories
Ms. Renate Ade
Mrs. Catherine Alvary Anonymous
Mrs. Laurie Asbeck-Hickman
Mr. Robert D. Austen
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barbakoff
Mr. Rick Bertolozzi
Mrs. Martha M. Boudewyns
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bronski
Eric & Kathy Buresch
Mrs. Electra Carlson
Mr. Robert Carone
Cboe Global Markets
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Condon
Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Curran
Ms. Marcia Diefendorff
Ms. Rosemary Draine
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Dunbar
Mr. & Mrs. Joel C. Eckberg
Mr. Douglas A. Fisher
Mrs. Joan Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Guyon
Mr. & Mrs. H. Donald Hanson
Mr. Keith Hickman
Dr. Richard & Dr. JoAnn Hirth
Mrs. Virginia C. Horsch
Ms. Alice Huizinga
William & Susan Jacobs
Mrs. Kathleen Jordan
JRG Capital Park Partners LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Karpek
Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Kimble
Kingsbury Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Gideon Kishony
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler
Ms. Janice L. Leclerc
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leclerc
Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Levine
Mr. Anthony Licata
Mark Logunetz
Dr. & Mrs. Marshall A. Lyall
Tom Macek
Mr. Paul M. Mandell
Ms. Judy Manning
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Marlowe
Mr. Ronald Mattson
Ms. Gale Zemel & Mr. David Mausner
Mr. & Mrs. Vern McCain
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur J. McGivern
Ms. Mary McGonigel
Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Mork
Mr. & Mrs. David Nankin
Mrs. Karen Nixon
Mr. & Mrs. James H. Norem
Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Northrip
Michael Obremski & Randy Patton
Ms. Patricia O’Donnell
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth W. Palm, Sr.
Mr. Chaitanya Patel
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Perlow
Ms. Rosalie Piazza
Mr. & Mrs. Don Pierce
Mrs. Nicole Pursley
Salvador and Debra Ramsey Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Ben Randall
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Reilly
Renaissance Reinsurance
Mr. & Mrs. Mario P. Retondo
Reyhan Family Fund of the Community
Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Riley
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sabin
Miss Margaret Schaefer
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert O. Schmeisser
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis E. Seagraves
Mr. & Mrs. Edward P. Showtis
The Edward S. Sprague
Foundation
Mr. Mike Stapleton
Mr. & Mrs. Jerre L. Stead
Mrs. Suzanne B. Tobin
Mrs. Cynthia Toohey
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Vogan
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Wallace
Wauwatosa Savings and Loan Foundation
The Winnetka Club
Elizabeth & Ray Wolf
Ms. Ellen R. Zemel
Mrs. Lita Zemel
Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zils
Bequests
Anonymous
Alan Barsumian Trust
Estate of Veta W. Brennan
Shirley Roann Deering Trust
Estate of Lita Zemel
Facebook Fundraisers
Robbie Bock
Jason Garcia
Frankie Levatino
Sandy Nape-Chlopek
Jackie Schumacher
Martha Thill
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 2022 - December 2022.
Brooke Aldridge
Elizabeth Alvary
Polly Andrews
Michelle Benham
Jack Berg
Berger, Newmark & Fenchel, P.C.
James H. Berke
Patrick Bocash
Robert Bock
Penny Brumbeloe
Peter Caps
Charlotte Grace Clark
Carolyn Cleary
Lisa Davis
Dale Dellutri
Frances P. Dellutri
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Dorn
Durbin Family
Thomas Durbin
Victoria Farkas
Nikki Feola
The Flurry Family
Martha Fox
Kris Fox
Michael Fox
Ann Fuller
Jason Garcia
Jessica Gehr
Carol Goldbaum
Edward Gooselaw
Tony Green
Alicia Hammond
Bea Hammond
Lauren Hammond
Matt Hammond
May Hedegaard
Michele Hendrickson
Marc Henry
Lawrence Holstein
Nick Howard & Family
Joshua Johnson
Lisa and David Kane
Bill Kekatos
Sheila Kelch
Susan Koehler
The Krebill Family
Karyn Krupp
Sharon Lambert
Lambs Farm Participants
Lambs Farm Staff
Charles Leclerc
Katherine Lenski
Frankie Levatino
Maribeth Liner
Frank Lucchese-Soto
Lynn Lucchese-Soto
Grant McCullagh
Suzanne McCullagh
Lauren Miller
Ruth I. Moyer
Bailee Myers
Britt Myers
Britton Myers
Travis Myers
Robert Neiman
Nancy Northrip
Kathleen O’Neill
Richard E. O’Neill
Carol Pankros
Pat Parker
John Piccione
Lianne Piccione
Elizabeth Rancourt
Diana Rau
Ralph E. Rau
Cy Rosengarten
Wynn A. Rosengarten
Carol A. Savoie
Linda Schuh
Jackie Schumacher
The Schumen Family
David B. Schwartz
Stephanie Scialabba
Jack Shannon
Alison Shapiro
Timothy Sheahan
Susan Siebers
The Simone Family
Eli Spector
Louise Stasiek
Robert O. Stein
Jim Stephen
Jessica Thompson
Douglas Wagner
Chris Walti
Andrew I. Wernick
Mary White
Joanna Willix
Dianne M. Yaconetti
Jeff Zemel
Jon Zils
George Alvary
Alan O. Amos
Marlene Austen
Gloria Benham
William Bock
Clara Bohmann
Elizabeth “Betsy” Brake
Andrea Brim
Mike Brown
Ellen Butkus
Theresa Callaghan
Vincent Casanova
Carol Catalano
Lucille E. Cerwin
Michele Colice-Cadwell
Lee DeKoker
Della Dunbar
James D. Dunbar
Ashoke Dutt
Kaitlin Englehart
Richard Flynn, Jr.
Esther Fox
Gertrude E. Fredrich
Frank Froncek
Irene Froncek
Janie Froncek
Todd Galloway
Mr. & Mrs. H. R. Gardner, Jr.
Caesar J. Gridelli
Gloria A. Harer
Warren Harer
Shirley Harms
Caroline Hartman
R. Shawn Heaviland
Christel Hoffman
Richard W. Hutson
Rosemary Hynan
Alan K. Japuntich
Frank Kajdanowski
Janine Kipley
Tony Kirch
Patti Kohler
Robert R. Krilich, Sr.
Helga Larsen
Bertrand N. Lascoe
Roberta Levitt
John Levy
Dolores Lewandowski
Norbert Lewandowski
Janice Lecron Lewis
H “Leroy” Lewis
John R. Lindquist
Dan Loizzo
Marjorie Loizzo
Angie Luleck
Laura Lyall
Leslie Lyall
Virginia A. Lyall
June G. Maliszewski
Tom Mandela
Michael C. Martino
Alan Marzano
Edward Meyer
Marilyn D. Mints
Thomas M. Mints, Jr.
Dennis Moss
Theresa Mosser
Jill Moyer
Katherine M. Murphy
Edwin Nelson
Doris Niemann
William Niemann
Paul Norris
Paula O’Connor
Dennis Page
Bablo Patel
Leo Petrick
Marjorie Petrick
Kenny Pierce
Lorraine Pink Benkovich
Mary Ann Plagge
Paul Plier
Mabel Ramskill
Wirt E. Ramskill
Phylis Reed
Ronald Schleiden
Frank Sears
William Silet
Dale Stahl
Evelyn Stenberg
Karen Sue Stenberg
Margaret Mary Stephen
Holly G. Stephenson
John H. Stocker
Mabel Taylor
Bob Terese
Mary Ruth Terese
Lee Tryan
Steve Ulk
Gigi Verhaeren
Sherman Vogel
Ron Voyda
Linda Wade
Hilda Warda
James Warda
Martha Young
Lita Zemel
Lou Zemel
Bunny Brunch
Friday, April 7
Saturday, April 8
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 9
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.
Model Train Day
Saturday, April 29
Magnolia Cafe & Bakery
Stop in to see the Valley Model Railroad Club’s CTC computerized signal system designed for children of all ages. Families can also purchase a Fun Pass and head over to the Visitors Center for train-related crafts and activities. 14245
Potting Party
Saturday, May 13 | 10am to 1pm Sunday, May 14 | 10am to 1pm Greenhouse at Lambs Farm
Bring your containers and plant them here! Staff will help you choose from our wide selection of sun and shade annuals, perennials and Proven Winners. The best part - you leave the mess with us!
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 14
Magnolia Cafe & Bakery
Treat mom to a wonderful brunch on her special day! Please call 847.362.5050 for reservations.
Celebrating the Spirit
Friday, May 19
Cuneo Mansion
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.
10th Annual Fun & Fit Family Day
Saturday, June 17
Lambs Farm
Enjoy a brisk run or walk starting at Lambs Farm through the Old School Forest Preserve and help us raise money for the men and women Lambs Farm. Sponsor booths and family activities will be open during and after the event.
Father’s Day Brunch
Sunday, June 18
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.