Celebrating the Spirit with Lambs Farm
From the gorgeous weather to the beautiful views, we were excited to be back at the Cuneo Mansion & Gardens for Celebrating the Spirit 2024
Upon arrival, guests were warmly greeted by participant volunteers as they checked in for a night of fun. They entered the ballroom and made their way to the spacious, outdoor tent for cocktails and games. As everyone found their seats for dinner, guests played a Heads or Tails Game and heard some special words from the Chairman of the Board of Directors Joe Milburn and Honorary Gala Chairs Eric Wright and Sarah Rulseh.
President & CEO Kathy Buresch shared all the ways Lambs Farm continues to blossom. With residential home improvements and plans to open our commercial greenhouse this fall, we had a lot to celebrate!
A highlight of the evening was honoring our 2024 award winners. The Spirit of Giving Award recipients, Warren and Margaret Alridge, have supported Lambs Farm for many decades. Their family most recently helped install new street lights, which has been a major campus upgrade.
Blooming & Growing at Lambs Farm Artists at Work!
The Celebrating the Spirit 2024 silent auction had family experiences, distillery tours, sports memorbilia, weekend getaways, gift baskets and all kinds of unique artwork created by Lambs Farm participants.
They experimented with colors to create drip art, used a steady hand in pallet painting and our 2024 Living Legacy Award winner, Libby Creigh, donated two of her stunning watercolor paintings.
Their work was a big hit with our guests and mobile bidders!
Everything comes to life in the summer, and Lambs Farm is bursting with life!
Summer got off to an early and exciting start when we Celebrated the Spirit at our gala in May, raising funds to create LF Studios, an initiative that will transform our visual, performing, and arts programs. We will have more to share about LF Studios this fall, but before the summer is over, our greenhouse will be going up—a long-awaited addition to our retail businesses and job training programs, made possible by the kindness and generosity of so many of you. Exciting things will be happening soon in the Farmyard, too, thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to renovate our beloved train!
Your belief in what we do makes all the difference to the blooming life and growth at Lambs Farm this summer and always. I am filled with gratitude for the strides we have made together. Through the hard work and passion of our employees, participants and families, volunteers, and supporters like you, we are making dreams come true—big and small.
Kathy Buresch President & CEO
Libby with one of her beautiful watercolor paintings!
Mary with a unique pour painting she made with her friends
Aubrey looks forward to developing her painting skills at LF Studios
President & CEO Kathy Buresch and Manoj, a Lambs Farm participant, at Celebrating the Spirit
We are so excited to open the greenhouse this fall! Be sure to follow us on social media for updates
Though LF Studios isn’t opened yet, participants are learning all kinds of new techniques from their instructors
Their generosity, professional expertise and kindness makes a big difference, and we appreciate everything they do.
The Casanova Award, created in memory of Vince Casanova, is very close to our hearts. Vince was a longtime Board member and dedicated supporter of Lambs Farm, and this award honors his memory by recognizing an individual with his passion and commitment to our participants.
This year’s recipient, David Hamel, is a remarkably active and effective volunteer who has taken on a wide range of projects at Lambs Farm. His work includes advising us in a professional capacity on market research and program evaluation, freshening up our mini golf area and building structures for our Farmyard friends. His most recent project was a big one, as he renovated all 16 horses on the Farmyard’s iconic carousel. Before we met David, the restoration was a pipe dream, but he made that dream a reality.
Our final award of the evening, The Living Legacy Award, recognizes Lambs Farm participants who live life as our co-founders Bob Terese and Corinne Owen envisioned— learning, growing, sharing, and contributing to their community. This year’s winner, Libby Creigh, fits this description perfectly.
Libby lived in the dorm when it opened as our first residence in 1976, and she recalls the day First Lady Betty Ford visited for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Libby is an agency historian and Lambs Farm ambassador who enjoys sharing her rich history.
Libby is also a talented artist and has been since childhood. She took art classes any chance she could and continued to explore different mediums when she joined Lambs Farm. She learned about opportunities at the Adler Arts Center, and it was there she discovered her passion for watercolors. Libby’s stunning artwork was featured on this year’s gala invitation and some of her favorite paintings were made into notecards. Each guest received a pack of Libby originals as their party favor.
After Libby’s inspiring acceptance speech, we started our paddle raiser and shared the exciting news that we are building an art studio! LF Studios will be a creative space for everyone to express themselves. From painting, sculpture and crafts to music, dance and spoken word, our new art program will have something to offer every participant. The Studio will encourage business cultivation and will ultimately open the door to a world of opportunities.
Guests and participants then Celebrated the Spirit on the dance floor, showing off their moves to the great music played by the Not for Profit Band.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible event!
Thank You, Celebrating the Spirit 2024 Sponsors!
We can’t thank you all enough for supporting our mission and the participants of Lambs Farm.
Jubilee Sponsor
Packaging Corporation of America
Celebrate Sponsors
Nancy & Bob Goerne, and Barbara Sheahan
Joe & Carol Milburn
Rejoice Sponsors
Exclusive Woodworking nuHaus
Anne Mullen & John Jennings
Michael & Toby Liner
Cheer Sponsors
Abbott Belmont Bank & Trust
MedScript Long Term Care Pharmacy
Milburn Demolition
Uline
Toast Sponsors
James Davis & The Smith Davis
Morse Group
The Kinhal Family
Karen & Jodye Lieberman
Monohan Law Group, LLC
RCA, LLC
Linda & Donald Seberger
Uline
Craft Beer Sponsor
Phase Three Brewing
Radio star Hannah B from 102.3 came to celebrate!
Special Olmypics
Banquet 2024
Our athletes work so hard, and it was an honor to celebrate their accomplishments at the 21st Annual Special Olympics Banquet!
Congratulations to the 2024 award winners.
Athletes Compete in State Games
Outstanding Performance at State
Sportsmanship Award
Sarah Komperda
Athlete of the Year
If there is one event athletes look forward to most, it’s the State Summer Games! Everyone works hard to secure their spot and counts down the days until the bus heads to Bloomington. Participants have a blast attending the opening ceremony, competing in their favorite games and making memories with new and old friends.
This year, athletes returned home with an abundance of ribbons and medals, including a gold from first-time competitor Tina Caputa in swimming! We could not be more proud of Lambs Farm participants for giving their all and having fun every step of the way.
Participant athletes showing off their new hardware at the evening festivities!
Tina with her shiny gold medal
Participants and staff at an event
Linda Schuh
Kris celebrates with a friend after winning second place in the bocce competition
Jessica gives her autograph
Coaches and participants cheer for Abbey
Tina Caputa
Summer on the Farm
Lambs Farm is the place to be, especially in the summertime! Guests love visiting our many Farmyard friends, feeding them hay and showering all 300+ animals with love. We kicked off the 2024 Farmyard season with an exciting new attraction: a barrel train! This new ride was the result of a one-day fundraiser and gives guests a fun, short tour around Lambs Farm. We hope you will visit and go for a spin soon!
With nicely shaded outdoor seating areas, delicious food and great service, the Magnolia Cafe is bustling with birthday parties, weddings, field trips and groups. While at the Country Store, participant bakers are working hard to keep the freezer stocked with handmade ice cream. They recently implemented a Flavor of the Month program, and all are proving to be popular. The Snack Shop is officially back in business for the season, and guests love the convenience of stopping by for a quick bite while visiting and shopping.
Another summer staple at Lambs Farm is our Fun & Fit Family Day. Families, friends, participants and staff came together on June 29 to run and walk around Old School Forest Preserve to celebrate our mission. After the race, everyone enjoyed games, a face painter, balloon twister and bounce house.
Summer is already off to an awesome start, and with more special events, participant dances and other happenings on the calendar, we know it will get even better!
Lambs Farm Products
Did you know you can find Lambs Farm products at various locations?
Here’s the full list:
- Ace Hardware (Libertyville)
- Artisan Marketplace
- Cardinal Cushing Centers
- Craft Collective Palatine
- Food Shed Co-Op
- Grand Foods (Winnetka)
- Northeast Arc Gifts
- Painted Tree Boutique (Kildeer)
- The Picket Fence Foundation
- Refreshed Furnishings & Makers’ Market
- Sunset Foods (Lake Forest, Libertyville & Long Grove)
- Woodmans (Kenosha)
Maribeth sprinkles a fresh batch of Famous Butter Cookies in preparation for the Food Shed Co-Op’s Opening Day
Kevin modeling the 2024 Fun & Fit Family Day T-Shirt!
The barrel train at the Farmyard
Jimmy and Doug with a fresh batch of Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Mike gets ready to package Lambs Farm Chicken & Cheddar Dog Treats for a store order
Ric serving up iced coffee
summer picnic featured fun painting games
Adoptions at Lambs Farm
Since 2017, we have partnered with our friends at Wright-Way Rescue. Together we are dedicated to creating a caring and supportive environment that contributes to the lives of rescue animals, Lambs Farm participants and the community.
Here’s a look at some happy adopters with their new best friends!
Dogwood Day 2024
We are excited to celebrate our co-founders legacy, the bonds we share with our four-legged friends and partnership with Wright-Way Rescue at Dogwood Day on Sunday, August 4 from 10am to 1pm.
The Lambs Farm story began when Bob Terese and Corrine Owen started a pet shop in downtown Chicago in 1961. It was like every other small business with one exception; the 12 employees had developmental disabilities. When they opened the store’s doors for the first time, they planted the seeds of an idea that grew into the exemplary organization where over 280 adults with developmental disabilities continue to thrive today. We know Bob and Corrine would be proud to see our participants continue to work, learn and grow at the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center.
Guests and their pups will receive free admission at this special event. We will have fun games, an obstacle and agility course, demonstrations, canine crafts, treats, vendors and more.
If you are interesed in becoming a Dogwood Day sponsor, please use the QR code to view our opportunities!
Participants Ali and Brian with Pet Center Manager Jenna and two precious pups
Quigley the Boxer Mix with his mom and dad
Sweet Kirk with his new family
Lambs Farm volunteer Gretchen with her adorable kitten, Maverick
Thanks to our friends at Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, kids can become “Vet for a Day!”
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 Janauary - April 2024.
$50,000 and above
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Aldridge
Anonymous
The Lyall Family Charitable Fund
$25,000 to $49,999
Packaging Corporation of America
$10,000 to $24,999
Benedict K. Hutson and Margaret P. Hutson Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Liner
Mr. Robert N. Savoie
Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zils
$5,000 to $9,999
Abbott Laboratories
Mr. Robert Carone
Cisco
Dutt Family Fund
Mr. Donald P. Maves
New Trier Township
The Reichert Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. John G. Schreiber
Mrs. Gertrude Smutney
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Mr. Sheldon O. Zisook
$2,500 to $4,999
AbbVie
Abt Electronics
Alera Group
American Place Casino
Anonymous
Mr. Gerald H. Elbin
Dr. Shari B. Glynn and Dr. John Glynn
William & Susan Jacobs
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Kimble
Mr. Ron Krupp
Mr. Steven E. Scott
$1,000 to $2,499
Allstate PAC
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barbakoff
Ms. Michelle Benham
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy P. Douglass
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Fick
Mr. Douglas A. Fisher
Mrs. Joan Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gabuzzi
Mr. Richard Green
Dr. Richard A. Hirth and Dr. JoAnn S. Hirth
Mrs. Virginia C. Horsch
Mr. & Mrs. Mark J. Johnson
Dr. Melvin P. Katz
Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Koehler
Ms. Janice L. Leclerc
Mints Family
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Moore
Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Mork
Capt. Michael Moyer
Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Mr. Chaitanya Patel
Ms. Rosalie Piazza
Mr. & Mrs. Phillip L. Stern
Takeda
Ms. Eiko Terao
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry G. Thompson
Van Heest Family Donor Advised Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation
Keith Waitt
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Walti
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy White
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix
Ms. Ruth Wittenberg
Tributes and Memorials
Bequests
Allen B. Frake Trust
Estate of Raymond W. Pettinger
Facebook Fundraisers
Paula Graham
Bela Igyarto
Dan Kummer
Robbie Levensbaum
Lisa Lichtenstein
Bob Neiman
Regina Niedzwiedzka
Jackie Schumacher
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 January - April 2024.
In Honor Of
Phyllis Berk
Carolyn Cleary
Ian Copeland
Paula Graham
Tony Green
Baby Esther Hess
Lawrence Holstein
Bela Igyarto
Joshua Johnson
Lori Katz
Dan Kummer
Robbie Levensbaum
Lisa Lichtenstein
Greg Moyer
Robert E. Neiman
Regina Niedzwiedzka
Ryan Rademaker
Bruce P. Redwanc
Genevieve Rozema
Jackie Schumacher
David B. Schwartz
Joyce Shannon
Susan Siebers
Sarita Still
Daniel M. Sultan
Martha Torrence
In Memory Of
Gloria Benham
Lois E. Bock
Betsy Brake
Jeffrey K. Breuer
Jacqui Duclos
Philip Einhorn
Kaitlin Englehart
Robert Eyre
Lucille K. Flynn
Gertrude E. Fredrich
Jan Froberg
Frank Froncek
Irene Froncek
Janie Froncek
Bernard G. Gardner
Robert L. Grottke
Bob Hansen
Jennifer Hart
Dorothy J. Hoffner
Helga Larsen
Meezie Lazar
Dolores Lewandowski
Norbert Lewandowski
Laura Lyall
Leslie Lyall
Virginia A. Lyall
Irene Macewich
Michael C. Martino
Marilyn D. Mints
Thomas M. Mints, Jr.
Dorothy Murphy
John “Jay” B. Murphy, Jr.
John B. Murphy
Katherine M. Murphy
Michael F. Murphy
Marc Nachtman
Elinor M. Newman
Howard Newman
James W. Norris
Paul Norris
Paula O’Connor
Corinne Owen
Carolyn Page
Dennis Page
Dennis Pulchinski
Frank Redwanc
Stella Redwanc
Grace Reinholds
Shadow Rosenmutter
Mary T. Rowan
James Vernon Santos
Steven Shelley
Brett Shuster
Barbara M. Silet
Susan Stein
Bob Terese
Mary Ruth Terese
Monica Toppel
Leo Wernick
Trudy Wernick
Patrick White
14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, IL 60048
Change service requested
Upcoming Events
Dogwood Day
Sunday, August 4 | 10am to 1pm
Lambs Farm
Spoil your pup and celebrate the special connection between humans and dogs!
Summertime Craft Fest
Saturday, August 10 | 10am to 4pm
Sunday, August 11 | 10am to 4pm
Camp Big Timber
Join us at Camp Big Timber in Elgin to stock up on your favorite Lambs Farm products.
Fall on the Farm
Saturday, September 14 | 10am to 4pm
Lambs Farm
Enjoy a day of family fun with fall crafts, games, tractors, barrel trains and Farmyard friends.
Trick or Treat on the Farm
Saturday, October 26 | 10am to 5pm
Lambs Farm
Celebrate Halloween at the Farmyard!
A Holiday Happening Craft Show
Saturday, November 2 | 10am to 4pm
Sunday, November 3 | 11am to 4pm College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
Stop by our booth to pick up something for everyone on your holiday list.
Hannah’s Hallmark Bingo
Thursday, November 14 | 6pm to 8pm
Magnolia Cafe & Bakery
Test your Hallmark knowledge with the one and only Hannah B. from 102.3!
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
Saturday, December 14
Sunday, December 15
Magnolia Cafe & Visitors Center
Santa is making his annual trek to Lambs Farm!