Childerguild Raises Over $160,000 for Silver Cross at Annual Ball

By Tracy Simons | Silver Cross Hospital

Over 425 friends of Silver Cross Hospital attended the 87th Annual Childerguild Ball Nov. 21 at the Odyssey Country Club and enjoyed wonderful food and dancing. The premiere event of the holiday season raised over $160,000 which will be used to support women’s and children’s programs and services at the Silver Cross Hospital.

The annual tradition of the Childerguild Ball began in 1928 as a fundraiser for the Obstetrics and Pediatrics departments at Silver Cross Hospital and keeps going strong thanks to the commitment of the members of Childerguild and to the many friends of the hospital who contribute to make this event a great success year after year. This year Phyllis Etheridge and Marcia Obman Gray co-chaired the Ball. Their committee included: Robin Hartney and Lorraine Schiek.

[ A Sponsored Feature by Silver Cross Hospital ]

As a prelude to the dinner, the hospital awarded medals of excellence to two prominent community service and healthcare-minded individuals.

This year’s Silver Cross Sehring Medal of Excellence was awarded to radiology and nuclear medicine physician Salvador Rinella, M.D. Dr. Rinella has diligently served the healthcare community for over 40 years. Throughout his years at Silver Cross Hospital, he has shared his expertise as a leader serving as Chief of Staff and a member of the Cancer and Bylaws Committees, the Tumor Board, and the Audit and Legal Affairs, Quality and Cost Effectiveness Committees of the Hospital’s Board.

In addition, he served three terms as Chair of the Department of Radiology. And he spent 8 years representing the medical staff on the Hospital’s Board of Directors. He was also involved in the planning and opening of the replacement hospital.

During his career, Dr. Rinella spent much of his time developing the radiology department into the state-of-the-art array of services that it is offered today. Along with his colleagues, Dr. Rinella oftentimes brought in leading experts from Chicago academic institutions to train the Silver Cross staff on the best practice techniques for administering and interpreting results.

Silver Cross also honored Debra Condotti with the Sangmeister Medal of Excellence for 38 years she has unselfishly given of her time to improve the quality of life for area residents. Debra began her career with Easter Seals Joliet Region as a case manager on the eastside of Joliet. For five years, she provided direct service to families of children with disabilities. She was then named Executive Director of Easter Seals where along with her team of 25 employees, raised funds for the organization, developed a grant writing program, and worked with a volunteer Board of Directors. Several years later, she became President and CEO overseeing 168 employees.

Through her efforts, she has touched the lives of countless individuals through a variety of services including early intervention, pediatric outpatient medical rehabilitation, inclusive childcare, foster-adoptive services, autism services, specialty clinics and summer programs, and community residential homes. Through her leadership, Easter Seals continues to positively impact society in ways that open doors for so many people with disabilities.

The Silver Cross Foundation is accepting nominations through Dec. 31, 2015 for the 2016 Silver Cross Medals of Excellence. For more information, call (815) 300-7105.

The 2016 Childerguild Ball will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, and the location is to be determined.

Childerguild’s Long Tradition of Support

Founded in 1910 by 13 benevolent women who had no children of their own, Childerguild was formed to benefit the Obstetrics and Pediatrics departments at Silver Cross Hospital.

In the early years, Childerguild raised funds through private donations and by hosting card parties. The members took a hands-on approach to this organization by sewing layettes and clown dolls for the pediatric patients at Silver Cross. During the war years, members knitted sweaters for the military and gave financial support to the American Red Cross, Navy League and the Salvation Army. As ardent supporters of the children in our community, Childerguild also made contributions to the Herald News free milk fund and the local community chest.

Today, Childerguild raises funds by hosting their annual Ball and by operating the hospital’s gift shop. The Childerguild Gift Shop is open Monday through Sunday and is located in the main lobby at Silver Cross Hospital. Customers are offered many unique items in the Childerguild Gift Shop, which features exclusive gifts, jewelry, unique handbags, toys, books and darling baby clothes. For more information, call the Silver Cross Volunteer Services Department at (815) 300-7117.