Members of Misericordia and Heart of Mercy’s Women’s Board, plus nearly 900 guests, gathered Nov. 17 inside the grand ballroom of the Hilton Chicago to honor this year’s outstanding contributors, volunteers and donors. The event raised more than $1 million. 

More than 600 children and adults with mild-to-profound developmental disabilities, and 140 outreach families, receive care from Misericordia. The Women’s Board mission is to promote and support this work through volunteering and fundraising efforts. 

Besides spanning religious, racial and socio-economic backgrounds, 20 percent of Misericordia’s residents come from either impoverished families, have no families or are wards of the State. 

Awards included the Heart of Mercy Award to David and Sue Moore, of Glenview; Pillars of the Community Award to James “Jim” Connolly, of Palos Park, and Charles “Chuck” LoVerde III, of Beverly; and Service Medallion to Paula Conrad, of Chicago.