Boxes are being assembled, the mixers are on high speed, and the ovens are working overtime as participant bakers and staff gear up for another wonderful holiday season at the Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery.
Our 2024 holiday catalog has launched, and we’ve included some exciting new flavors and timeless classics that are sure to bring joy and warmth to your gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a a delicious treat for a holiday party, a thoughtful gift for loved ones, or the perfect package to send to your employees or clients, we have something for every occasion.
Our unique assortments can be customized to suit your needs, whether you’re placing a small order or a large one. No matter the size, participant bakers accommodate every request with care and attention to detail.
During this exceptionally busy time of year, participant bakers and staff work diligently to fulfill hundreds of orders in a short time period. In the midst of the holiday hustle, we are constantly reminded of the incredible things we can achieve when we work together as a team.
New Opportunities at Lambs Farm Lambs Farm
Logowear
In addition to our holiday catalog, we offer a great selection of Lambs Farm t-shirts, cozy crewnecks, winter hats and quarter-zips. Whether you’re looking to keep warm or show your support, we have something for everyone!
Visit us at the Sugar Maple Country Store & Bakery, or place your order online for easy shopping from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss out on these stylish essentials! or making this happen!
Imagine a place where people grow—where every adult with an intellectual disability finds a sense of belonging and purpose and where simple joys abound. That place is Lambs Farm, and we thrive because of friends and families like you.
As we enjoy all the beautiful changes that come with the fall season, it’s exciting to see how your support has helped bring new programs to life at Lambs Farm. There are so many new activities and opportunities!
LF Studios, our new art center, is in full swing, and participants are loving it, whether they are experienced artists or newbies making art for the first time. The gym is full of life, with senior residents having more fun and engaging in more physical activities than they did before we revitalized our enrichment center. Construction is complete on the greenhouse, and it will be operational in the spring. A clubhouse and a sensory room are in the works, and much more is to come!
None of this would have been possible without you and our other committed supporters. Your gift enriches participants’ lives, providing them with the choices that make life interesting. Whether it’s a work of art in LF Studios or a milestone at Lambs Industries, every achievement is a testament to your kindness.
I hope you will you make a gift today to celebrate and sustain the new programs that bring so much happiness and satisfaction to Lambs Farm participants.
Kathy Buresch President & CEO
Debbie models our most popular Lambs Farm crewneck
Jimmy in the new quarter zip
Wynn creates a fall landscape Martha has really taken an interest in painting Des shows her unique pour painting piece
President & CEO Kathy Buresch with the golf team at the 2024 Lambs Farm Golf Day In Memory of Jack Stein
Manoj mixes colors
From the moment an order is placed to when it’s loaded onto the truck for shipping, we collaborate, problem solve and have fun at every step of the process.
Lambs Farm is fortunate to have many volunteer groups come to experience the magic during the season. Participant bakers enjoy giving them a crash course on labeling products, decorating cookies, and packaging assortments, all while sharing stories about life at Lambs Farm. It’s a great way to connect and make lasting memories while supporting our mission.
Are you interested in volunteering? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Angela Ramert at asr@lambsfarm.org. (continued from cover)
As you tackle your holiday shopping list, we hope our delicious cookies, rich chocolates, sweet jams, and fantastic assortments come to mind. Not only do our products taste amazing, but every purchase helps adults with developmental disabilities continue to learn and grow.
If you are ready to place an order, scan the QR code below to view the digital catalog and access our online store. You can also give us a call at 847.362.4636 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 4pm.
Holiday Fun on the Farm!
After kicking off the season as a vendor at A Holiday Happening Craft Show in DuPage, we are now busy turning the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery and Lambs Farm’s Visitors Center into a winter wonderland in preparation for our much-loved event: Breakfast with Santa!
2024 Dates: Saturday, December 7 Sunday, December 8 Saturday, December 14 Sunday, December 15
We hope you will join us for a delicious brunch and magical experience! Seatings time are at 9am, 10:30am & 12pm. Please call the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery at 847.362.5050 to make your reservations.
View the Catalog!
Dave with a tray of Turtlettes
Our friends at Astellas Pharma helping us kick off the season
Maribeth, cover model of the 2024 holiday catalog
Participants Scotti and Nicki, the shipping department dream team Jessica assembles boxes
Farmyard Sponsorships
Before the 2024 season came to a close, we celebrated our amazing sponsors at the fourth annual Farmyard Sponsor Night!
Everyone had a great time connecting with the animals they supported throughout the season. We cannot thank our sponsors enough for their dedication and love for our Farmyard friends. Their generous contributions help us cover costs, including food, veterinary care, and enrichment activities that keep our animals happy and healthy.
Every sponsorship makes a big difference. If you would like to view the animals in need of sponsorship, scan the QR code below.
Greenhouse Update
In October, our much-anticipated greenhouse was delivered and installed. It has been exciting to see each step of this process come together, and we cannot wait to officially open this new vocational training site in 2025.
Be sure to follow us on social media for updates! Participants are looking forward to having another space to learn, work, connect, and grow together.
Ja’Don checks in on the greenhouse progress every day
The Novak family, Rocky the White Park Cow’s biggest fans, sponsored him for the season
Participant Happenings
LF Studios, our new art center, gives participants the opportunity to explore crafts, music, dance, theatre, and other performing arts in ways like never before.
Dean, a Lambs Farm participant, was highlighted on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago for his love for the program. Although his physical disabilities have posed challenges in activities like drawing and painting, the introduction of adaptive tools and techniques has given him an inspiring sense of creative freedom.
With a fresh and dynamic curriculum of classes to choose from, many participants are diving into an exciting new world of artistic abilities. From pour painting and self expression to art-based business plans and mixed media, there’s a vibrant energy around the Farm. We are just getting started, but the future is bright for LF Studios!
Participant Performances
After months of rehearsing, participants in Theatre Quest class went to Everett Elementary to perform their rendition of “Where the Wild Things Are” for 170 students! They celebrated their job well done with a fun outing to Starbucks.
Participants in this class also worked hard to prepare their own segment for the Lambs Farm Talent Show. They told jokes, choreographed dances, memorized songs and had the courage to go on stage yet again.
We cannot wait to see our participants shine in new ways as our programs continue to grow.
Dean sharing his story with WGN
The cast at Everett Elementary
Tina experiments with colors and textures using shaving cream
Vipul’s first time using pastel chalk Jessica learns tracing techniques
Michele and Libby sketch different locations around the Farm
Patrick had the crowd laughing as he told jokes in a chicken costume
MJ pour paints a beautiful pot
Bob makes a cool piece with a balloon
Fun On and Off the Farm
Somewhere in between their busy schedules, participants have made time for some cool experiences. They recently met some cute critters at the Brookfield Zoo, went apple picking, enjoyed a fun night at the pumpkin patch with a private hay ride, had quite a few movie nights and explored a local nature center.
There have been a lot of fall festivities, but participants are ready for a fun winter ahead!
Way To Go, Athletes!
After coming back from State Games, athletes began preparing for the fall competitions. The Legends softball team secured second place and further challenged their skills in a staff versus participant softball game. It was a fierce contest, but with some impressive plays, the participants clinched the victory and earned bragging rights.
Athletes then threw strikes at Special Olympics bowling in Addison, proudly securing three gold medals. The next event, floor hockey skills, was another great success. Nine participants advanced to State, and we cannot wait to watch them take it to the next level this winter!
Before the temperatures dropped, athletes soaked up the sun at the bocce ball tournament. By the end of the day, they collected nearly 40 medals and ribbons.
We are incredibly proud of our athletes and love watching them crush their goals, have fun and grow in their wellness journeys.
Participants proudly wear their medals after the bocce competition
Staff and participants at the softball game
Up close and personal with a bear
Night out at Kroll’s Family Farm
Pat and Ashley celebrate together at the floor hockey competition
Alan at the bowling alley Ben ready to bowl
Mary and Sarah with their medals
Fun evening at the movies
Mike and Erin at bocce
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 2024.
$50,000 and above
Anonymous
The Buchanan Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Kowlzan
The Lyall Family Charitable Fund
Packaging Corporation of America
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Wiegand, Jr.
$25,000 to $49,000
The Aldridge Family Charitable Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth W. Aldridge
$10,000 to $24,999
Abbott Laboratories
Grace A. Bersted Foundation
Eric & Kathy Buresch
Mr. & Mrs. David P. Glover
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Goerne
Joan & James Lancaster
Ms. Patricia Marshall
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Milburn
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Neiman
Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Inc.
$5,000 to $9,999
Ms. Renate Ade
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Breck
Mrs. Nancy Casanova
Harry F. Chaddick and Elaine Chaddick Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Russell Dann
D.R.E. Inc.
Shawn & David Durand
Mr. & Mrs. Doug Durbin
Mr. & Mrs. John Durbin
Exclusive Woodworking
Ms. M. Victoria Greene
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gruebnau
Ms. Elizabeth C. Jeffries
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Liner
Mr. & Mrs. William Maniscalco
MedScript Long Term Care Pharmacy
Mesirow Financial
Anne Mullen
New Trier Township
nuHaus
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Reilly
Janet & Thomas Scarf
Uline
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Wernick
Mr. Eric Wright & Sarah Rulseh
Mr. & Mrs. James P. Zils
$2,500 to $4,999
AbbVie
Mr. & Mrs. Warren Aldridge
Assurance
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin A. Avin
Belmont Bank & Trust
Maureen & Doug Beyer
Tara & Curt Braun
College Park Athletic Club
Craft Productions, Inc.
Mr. James H. Davis
Mrs. Virginia C. Horsch
IMC
William & Susan Jacobs
Dr. Melvin P. Katz
Mrs. Donna J. Krilich
Mr. Ron Krupp
Lundbeck LLC
Maron Electric Company
Milburn Demolition
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Novak
Ms. Susan Rancourt
Ms. Susan Siebers
$1,000 to $2,499
2nd BCT, 82nd ABD
Allstate Giving Campaign
Anonymous
Apex Wood Floors
Mrs. Laurie Asbeck
Hickman
Mr. & Mrs. Walt Bazarnik
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Beccastro
Mr. Jeffery K. Benham
Tributes and Memorials
Mrs. Martha M. Boudewyns
Kyle Buresch
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Chudy
Mr. John Creigh
Mr. Thomas D. Creigh
Ms. Laurie Demetrio & Mr. Matt Ward
Mrs. Rona Farber
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Fick
Mr. Douglas A. Fisher
Dave & Kim Floyd
Mrs. Joan Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. James E. Gallagher
Ann & Donald Garrity
Mr. & Mrs. David B. Golder
Golder Family Foundation
Cary & Danielle Goldman
Rich Green
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Gryzlo
Mr. David Hamel
Mr. Mark Harer
Harty Realty Group
John G. Harty Ltd.
Mrs. Diane Hettinger
Mr. Keith Hickman
International Decorators, Inc.
JMD Builders, Inc.
Jenna & George Kallianis
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Karpek
Mr. & Mrs. Kennen H. Kim
Mrs. Suchetha Kinhal
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Levy
Ms. Beth Lewis
Mr. William Liner
Mr. Paul M. Mandell
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Steven Matsuo
Ms. Mary McGonigel
Virginia McLain
Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC
Mr. & Mrs. James Milburn
Mr. Todd Mintz
Monahan Law Group, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Mork
Beth Morton
Mutual of America
Mr. & Mrs. Rob Northrip
Mr. & Mrs. John O’Connell
Omron Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Jeff O’Reilly
Mr. Chaitanya Patel
Pharma Logistics
Ms. Rosalie Piazza
RCA, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Riley
Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Roof Management LLC
Mr. & Mrs. John B. Salstone
Salvador and Debra
Ramsey Fund
Samuel Weinstein
Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Schuh
Mrs. Kristin Scialabba
Mr. & Mrs. Donald P. Seberger
John & Cheryl Seder
Bequests
Alan Barsumian Trust
Allen B. Frake Trust
Ms. Daisy D. Patt
Charitable Trust
Facebook
Fundraisers
Kelly Donohue
Janet Imberger
Strandberg
Colt Kahl
Ashley Quinn Reitz
Sara Van Duzer
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Shannon
Jack Shannon
Joseph & Katie Sharp
Jonathan & Kim Shively
Mr. & Mrs. Curtis W. Siegel
Dr. Ira G. Spiro, D.D.S.
Richard & Naomi Steinberg
Sub-Zero Group Midwest, LLC
Susan Vondrak-Mark
Tark Foundation
Taskforce HR
Carrie & Mike Tennyson
Ms. Eiko Terao
The Galley, LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Thill
Mr. John Tithof
Mr. & Mrs. Peter T. Wall
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Willix
Ms. Gina M. Zisook
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 2024.
