News for Friends of the Mercyhealth Development FoundationVolume 15, Number 3 • 2017

Through the generosity of its donors,the Mercyhealth DevelopmentFoundation helps support

medical excellence, compassionate care,and the most advanced technologyavailable to treat our patients. This year,the Foundation is focusing its fundraisingefforts on supporting a pediatric rooftophealing garden at the new MercyhealthRiverside Campus, including proceedsfrom the recent Mercyhealth 2017

Garden Gala, which netted nearly$130,000 (see story on page 4).A calming green space where pediatric

patients and their families can escape thestress of illness or injury, the rooftophealing garden will be filled with beautifullandscaping, interactive and fun playgroundequipment, and quiet places to sit andfeel close to nature. Whether our patientsare outside enjoying the garden or simplylooking out the window,

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Continued on page 6

Mercyhealth Development Foundation RaisesFunds for Pediatric Rooftop Healing Garden

Mercyhealth 2017 Garden GalaCo-Chairs Dr. John Dorsey and his wife,Sue Hessian, celebrate the gala in style.Read more about the festivities and seeadditional photos on pages 4 – 5.

“The outdoor garden space will give our patients and their familiesan opportunity to interact in a more natural setting, reducing the

impact and stress of hospitalization. Just seeing their childrenparticipating in normal activities often gives parents the sense

that things are going to be okay.”– Stacy Zell-Weavel, CCLS, Mercyhealth Child Life Specialist

An architectural rendering shows the many features of the rooftop healing garden being created at the new Mercyhealth Riverside Campusincluding beautiful landscaping, interactive and fun playground equipment, and quiet places to sit and feel close to nature. The MercyhealthDevelopment Foundation is supporting the rooftop garden with generous contributions from donors.

Giving

“Entering its sixth year, Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.”

Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgivingand the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday kicks off the

charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, Giving Tuesday has become a movement that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources.

Giving Tuesday connects diverse groups of individuals, communities and organizations around the world for one common purpose: to celebrate andencourage giving. Thousands of influencers join forces, collaborate across sectors and continue to shape, grow and strengthen the philanthropic movement across the country.

Giving Tuesday harnesses the potential of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. It provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partner—nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals—to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness.

As a part of the Giving Tuesday local movement, Mercyhealth DevelopmentFoundation invites YOU, our donors, to make a donation to our programs and services so that we may continue to care for our patients and their families in a meaningful way.

To make a gift on Giving Tuesday, please visit MercyhealthSystem.org/Foundationand click on the Giving Tuesday button.

Thank you for your support,

Jennifer Johns, Director

MercyhealthDevelopment Foundation2400 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103(815) 971-4141. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2017 Board of DirectorsLinda Heckert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ChairmanJavon R. Bea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President /CEO,

MercyhealthMark Goelzer, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman,

Mercyhealth Board

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

StaffBarbra Bortner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President,

Foundation, Marketing and PR, Volunteer Services

Jennifer Johns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorRenee Dooman . . . . . . . .Foundation CoordinatorAnne Hagney . . . . . . . Public Relations SpecialistRachael Micinski . . . . . Development CoordinatorRhonda Taylor . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“Giving” Quarterly PublicationAnne Hagney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorChris Hankins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Photography

Marc BarbeauKay BatesPaula BlackW. Walter BootheJulie BosmaPhillip Higgins, MD

John HolevasScott K. LauePatrick J. O’KeefeMilton G. Schmitt, Jr., MDJeffrey R. Smith, MDKathy L. Weber

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Inspire Heal Give

November 28, 2017

Mercyhealth Development Foundation

“It opens your mind and yourheart,” Lori Holland says whenasked what motivates her to

volunteer at the House of Mercy HomelessCenter in Janesville. “It’s also verypersonal for me. I have been blessed witha pretty great life these days, but it hasnot always been perfect, and I can relateto issues which can cause homelessness.”Lori explains that she has family

members who are going throughstruggles. “In my observation, many of

the homeless we see arestruggling with mentalhealth issues (depression,low self-esteem or self-worth), causing them toself-medicate and

leading to addiction issues. This causes avicious cycle and for many, they fallbetween the cracks with insurance andother assistance programs. They havenothing, so having a warm and safe placeto sleep is important.” And, since Lorihas been affected by the disease ofalcoholism, she has a strong empathy for those who suffer from addiction. “I understand how people get there and I want to be a help to them.”So, it’s no surprise that Lori has made

it her mission to help others whose lifecircumstances have put them “out on thestreet.” “For many, this is their everyday,normal life,” Lori adds. Three years ago, shortly after she started

work as a Patient Account Specialist –Medicare Hospital Billing and Part-timeFront Desk relief at Mercyhealth, Lorisigned up to volunteer at the House ofMercy. Now, she volunteers every Sundaynight, staying overnight so there is alwayssomeone on site, and filling in as needed.Her duties include making sure residentscomplete their daily chores (a requirementto live at the Center), refilling personalsupplies such as soaps and paper products

(which are all donated), and performingother tasks that keep things runningsmoothly. Lori says there is currently a huge

need for volunteers, as the Center isalmost always at its 25-family capacity,and how challenging it is for staff tocover vacant volunteer shifts as well as their everyday duties. “I wouldencourage anyone to sign up, as it’s probably one of the most interesting

and fulfilling things I’ve ever done. I’vemet incredible people from all walks oflife and heard many of their stories. And, the feeling you get is 10 times betterthan the work you do, and that’s evenafter a bad night.”When she is not volunteering at the

House of Mercy, Lori enjoys riding amotorcycle and spending time with herfamily which includes her husband, Dale, four children, three grandchildrenwho are “the love of her life,” a Germanshepherd and a puggle. She also has apassion for working in her flower andvegetable gardens in Juda, Wisconsin,where they have a farmette. “I like toplay in the dirt,” she says.Since 1996, when Mercyhealth

opened the facility at 320 Lincoln Streetin Janesville, the House of MercyHomeless Center has provided shelterand support to more than 6,300 people.If you are interested in volunteering atthe House of Mercy, please contactBrooke Anderson at (608) 754-0045. ❖

Spotlight

Dedicated Partner Makes Volunteering a Personal Mission

Lori Holland’s duties as a volunteer at the House of Mercy Homeless Center in Janesville,Wisconsin, include refilling personal supplies, making sure residents complete their dailychores and performing other tasks that keep the Center running smoothly.

Since 1996, The House of Mercy HomelessCenter in Janesville, Wisconsin, hasprovided support to more than 6,300people, half of whom are children.

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Giving

Mercyhealth 2017 Garden Gala Raises the Roof for Healing Garden

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More than 350 community members, physicians andfriends of the Mercyhealth Development Foundationattended its premier fundraising event on Saturday,

September 30, at Giovanni’s in Rockford. Reflecting this year’sGarden Gala theme, the event raised nearly $130,000 for apediatric rooftop healing garden being built at the newMercyhealth Riverside Campus, scheduled to open January of 2019 (see story on page 1).

Alexi and Kevin Boyce have fun on the dance floor. Kevin Boyce isa Senior Project Manager with Mortenson Construction, a Garden Gala Premier Sponsor.

Chicago favorite 7th Heaven provided colorful entertainment andhours of lively dancing for gala guests.

The stunning lighting and colorful floral décor in the GrandBallroom provided a spectacular backdrop for an evening of elegance, excitement and fun. During the social hour, guestsenjoyed sampling delicious appetizers, browsing the more than100 incredible silent and wine auction items, participating in awine pull and special whiskey tasting by Artale & Co., listeningto violinist Martin Lopez, and getting their portraits taken byBrian Thomas Photography. Other gala highlights included a

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: Girls just want to have fun at the gala!Erin Tulley, Gala Committee member Amber Bucciferro, EmilySosnowski, Mary Donahue and Gala Committee Member ColleenAnderson celebrate a successful evening among friends.

Mercyhealth President and CEO Javon R. Bea and his wife, VitaBea, enjoyed a wonderful evening together at the Mercyhealth 2017Garden Gala.

ALLGALAPHOTOSBYTROYVOLANTI.

Mercyhealth Development Foundation

Thanks go to…the following sponsors of

Mercyhealth 2017 Garden Gala and to the many Corporate Table Sponsors, Corporate Friends, and other

donors for their generous contributions:

PREMIER ($15,000 and above)

AECOMMortenson Construction

PLATINUM ($10,000 to $14,999)MorningStar Media Group

GOLD ($7,500 to $9,999)Javon and Vita Bea

The Power Connection (IBEW 364-NECA)

SILVER ($5,000 to $7,499)Helm Group/Mechanical Inc.

JP CullenMetro Medical Services, Inc.

MMPR Promotional MarketingParsons Electric

Pavilion Advisory GroupThorne Associates, Inc.

Van Matre HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital ❖

who participated as gala sponsors, led by Premier SponsorsAECOM and Mortenson Construction; and to the many physicians, donors and volunteers who helped make the gala a huge success. ❖

Dr. Ricardo and Wanda Knight look stunning in their gala attire.Dr. Knight is a physiatrist with Van Matre HealthSouthRehabilitation Hospital, a Gala Silver Sponsor.

Cyndy Lane (MIDDLE LEFT) of the SM&SF Club of Rockford presents a check for $6,000 toAnne Hagney (MIDDLE RIGHT), Public Relations Specialist with Mercyhealth DevelopmentFoundation, to be used for comfort items for patients at The Cancer Center at Mercyhealth.Looking on are Mercyhealth Cancer Center Clinical Dietitian Christine Gillette (FAR LEFT),and Angela Mascharka, Cancer Center Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

special video presentation featuring testimonials from patientsand families about how the rooftop garden will enhance theircare, a delicious gourmet dinner, and lively dancing to thesounds of Chicago favorite 7th Heaven.A raffle featuring three fantastic prizes was held. The winners

were: Sheryl Peterson – Grand Prize: Peak Sports Club PlatinumFamily Membership donated by Peak Sports Club; Linda Reimer –Second Prize: $500 cash donated by Rasmussen College; andJohn Emmart – Third Prize: HP Chromebook Laptop Computer.The Foundation extends its thanks to Gala Chairs

Sue Hessian and Dr. John Dorsey and their 25-member gala committee; the 30 area businesses and organizations

SM&SF Club Donates to The Cancer Center Save the Date

Mercyhealth DevelopmentFoundation’s Annual

Holiday Toy DriveBreakfast

Thursday, Dec. 14, 20177:30 am

Café 2400 Mercyhealth Hospital–

Rockton AvenueFor sponsorship opportunities or more information, call (815) 971-4141 or go to:

MercyhealthSystem.org/Foundation

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Giving

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Giving

An aerial view of the new campus underconstruction shows the space where therooftop healing garden will be created.

The rooftop healing garden will complement the excellent, state-of-the-art care that will bedelivered at the new Mercyhealth Riverside Campuswhich will include an adult hospital,medical center, and the region’s only women’s and children’s hospital.

the rooftop garden will promote healingand a sense of well-being. Our child life specialists and other health careprofessionals cite the need for youngpatients to maintain a sense of normalcywhen they are hospitalized, and the gardenwill provide the opportunity for patientsto play and relax as they normally wouldoutside the hospital setting. The new rooftop healing garden will

complement the excellent, state-of-the-artcare that will be delivered at the new medical center campus, set to open inJanuary 2019. This new facility willinclude an adult hospital, medical center,and the region’s only women’s andchildren’s hospital featuring our Level lll Regional PerinatalCenter, highest level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU),Small Baby Unit, Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care (PICU)Units, pediatric emergency services, high-risk maternity careand over 50 pediatric and OB specialists. In addition, ourcomprehensive partnership with the Ann and Robert H. LurieChildren’s Hospital of Chicago provides access to the mostadvanced outpatient and inpatient services in numerouspediatric subspecialtiesThe Mercyhealth Development Foundation invites you to join

us in our mission to support our new pediatric rooftop healinggarden and extends its gratitude to all those who have alreadymade gifts—allowing children and families in this region toreceive superior care and comfort close to home. On behalf ofthose who will benefit, thank you for your generosity. ❖

Mercyhealth President and CEO Javon Bea leads a tour of businessleaders through the construction site at the new MercyhealthRiverside Campus, due to be completed in January 2019.

The pediatric rooftop healing garden will provide hospitalized children with the opportunityto play and relax as they normally would outside the hospital setting, something child lifespecialists say is important.

Foundation Raises Funds for Pediatric Rooftop Garden Continued from page 1

Mercyhealth Development Foundation

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More than 100 peopleand their four-leggedfurry friends

participated in the 5th annualMellany’s Dog Walk onSaturday, Sept. 9 at Settler’sPark in Rockton. This year’sevent, themed “Hounds at theHonky Tonk,” featuredcowboy-costumed pups andraised more than $4,000.Monies raised are used tosupport the MercyhealthDevelopment Foundation’s Pet Therapy Fund and two Pet Peace of Mind programs atMercyhealth at Home Hospicein Janesville and Rockford. TheDog Walkwas started by thefamily of Mellany McDuffa, a25-year employee of RockfordHealth System, who died ofcancer. Millicent Christopher,Mellany’s sister and Mercyhealthpharmacist, explained that “Mellanygot much of her cancer treatment andhospice care here so it was important

to us to start and continue somethingat the hospital in her memory whichcould bring joy and comfort to ourpatients. I’m so grateful for the supportwe’ve had for these five years.” ❖

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT:Christine Lawver andShelly Curtis pose with their cowboy-clad dogsBuddy and Cocoa, at the 5th Annual Mellany’s DogWalk that raised more than $4,000 for pet programsthat benefit patients at Mercyhealth.

Mellany’s Dog Walk Benefits Pet Programs at MercyhealthTammie King-Johnson has been

appointed as the new Manager ofthe House of Mercy Homeless Centerin Janesville, Wisconsin. SinceMercyhealth opened the facility in1996, the House of Mercy has providedshelter and support to more than 6,300people. In her new role, which startedOct. 18, Tammie will oversee dailyoperations of the homeless centerincluding supervising a staff of five and hundreds of volunteers. Most recently, Tammie served asPrevention Manager for Children’sHospital of Wisconsin. Barbra Bortner,Mercyhealth Vice President,Foundation, Marketing and PR, and Volunteer Services, shared herenthusiasm, stating, “Tammie will be agreat addition to an outstanding team. She was the founding executive directorof Hands of Faith (homeless shelter) insouthern Rock County and brings awealth of experience in grant writingand leadership management of nonprofit community service programs,including family resource centers,group-based and in-home programs and family economic self-sufficiency.” ❖

Tammie King-Johnson

New Manager Namedfor House of Mercy

Foundation Donates Life-SavingEquipment to Rockford Park District

Mercyhealth Development FoundationDirector Jennifer Johns presented threeautomatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to Rockford Park District Board ofCommissioners Vice President Jack Armstrongat the August Park Board meeting. TheMercyhealth Development Foundationwaspleased to make the nearly $5,000 donation of the three AEDs.

Known to save countless lives, AEDs aresmall portable devices that shock a heart thatis in cardiac arrest back to a regular heartbeat. The new machines will be placed at theMercyhealth Sportscore Two, where millionscome each year for a variety of sports activities. ❖

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostageP A I D

Rockford, ILPermit No. 685

2400 N. Rockton Ave.Rockford, IL 61103(815) 971-4141

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Giving

Do you have a will? If so, has it been a while since youupdated it? Do you want to make sure your wishes are carried out after you are gone? Is leaving a legacy

important to you? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, you

may be interested in an exciting opportunity the MercyhealthDevelopment Foundation is offering to all Mercyhealth donors,

physicians, partners, friends and volunteers tothank them for their support. A professionalestate planner with Thompson & Associatesis available to meet with you (and yourspouse or significant other, if applicable) toconfidentially discuss your estate plans—

with no obligations and at no cost to you. Some people use this consultation as a chance to get a second

opinion on an existing plan, to update an older plan, or just to findout if there are better ways of reaching their estate planning goals.

The process:■Costs you nothing and is not about selling you something likelife insurance, investment management, trust services, etc.

■ Is completely confidential. Information you may share withThompson & Associates is not disclosed to the Foundation oranyone at Mercyhealth.

■ Includes a first, individual meeting with our ThompsonRepresentative, Charlie Slamar, to learn about the service.

■After this meeting, you determine if you wish to participate in the process, which would take an average of four-to-sixmeetings. Your family members or financial advisors arewelcome in these meetings.

■During the course of these meetings, Charlie will help you clarify your personal values and goals, and review yourexisting estate plan with you to see if it reflects your wishes. If not, he can work with you to develop a plan that does. If you don’t have any kind of plan, he can also work with you

to help you create a plan. In addition, he can often suggeststrategies that could save you taxes.

■Once your plan is finalized, Charlie will help you share thedetails with your own attorneys or other financial advisors.Your advisors would draft the final documents to implementthe recommendations.Charlie comes to the Foundation office (located on the first

floor of the Ingersoll Building) once a month, with his next visitscheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15. Appointments are taken ona first-come, first-served basis. To schedule your appointment orfor more information, please contact the MercyhealthDevelopment Foundation at (815) 971-4141.❖

Foundation Offers Free Estate Planning Opportunity; Sign Up Today!

Charles Slamar,Jr., JD, LLM,FCEP, anattorney andestate plannerwith Thompson& Associates,consults with a client.

INSIDETHIS ISSUE

Rooftop Garden Funds… 1

Spotlight on Lori Holland… 3

Garden Gala Event … 4

Mellany’s Dog Walk… 7

©2 0 1 7 M e r c y h e a l t h D e v e l o pm e n t F o u n d a t i o n • 4 . 5M / M e r i d i a n / 1 0 - 1 7 P h o t o g r a p h y : M E R C Y H E A LT H • D e s i g n : B U G L E R D E S I G N I N C .8

About Estate Planner Charlie SlamarCharles Slamar, Jr., JD, LLM, FCEP, is an attorney with more than 35 years ofestate-planning experience. He joined Thompson & Associates, a charitableestate planning consulting firm, in 2011, and currently serves as Vice President.In addition, his private law practice includes advising individuals on tax, estate,and charitable planning; charitable organizations on governance, gift planning,grant making, and litigation; and corporate fiduciaries on tax exemption. Afrequent speaker on tax and charitable giving matters, he is also on the faculty of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute and TheCharitable Estate Planning Institute, where he is the past Dean.