Capital Campaign
Park Lawn Center was dedicated to the Coleman Foundation on September 4, 2008.
Complete Comfort at Park Lawn Center
The dedication of Park Lawn Center, a forty-one person residential facility, marked a milestone in Park Lawn’s history. Family, business partners, staff and community friends were among the hundreds of supporters attending the gala event.
Dedicated Sept. 4, 2008, to the Coleman Foundation for its foresight, concern, and generous support for the life of each individual with developmental disabilities residing at Park Lawn Center.
Executive Director Jim Weise began the festivities with a toast thanking supporters for their generosity and wishing residents happiness in their newly renovated and expanded home. After a delicious lunch, congratulatory words were given by Capital Campaign Chairman, Jim Mitchell and Association Board President, Jonathan Perry.
Mike Hennessy of the Coleman Foundation was greeted by a round of applause as he presented Park Lawn with a check completing the Foundation’s $1.2 million challenge grant which matched every $2 raised from other sources with $1.
In accepting the check Jim Weise stated, “The Coleman Foundation grant was vital in enabling Park Lawn to completely redevelop this important intensive care facility.”
The highlight of the afternoon came when residents of the center gathered at the entrance and cut the ribbon officially welcoming guests into their home.
When first entering PLC the first stop is the impressive “Tree of Life” identifying those who have made significant contributions to the Park Lawn Center Capital Campaign. Acorns and leaves representing levels of giving were artfully engraved by Bob Micetic, owner of RTM Trophies.
Next stop is the great room affectionately called the Kiwi room in honor of the Kiwi Club of Chicago. It is the gathering place for residents as they leave for day program and return later in the day. It is also where residents relax, enjoy their aquarium and participate in leisure activities.
The Nurse’s Station, donated by the Claretknoll Foundation, has full view of both wings and comes complete with computer monitoring system assuring resident safety and prompt response to the needs of residents.
The South Wing, sponsored by James and Linda Mitchell, contains twelve double occupency bedrooms with adjoining baths, a special care bathroom with a therapeutic tub and sitting areas with full length windows which provide an optimal view of the outdoors.
An examination room, in memory of Gerry Barger, and a special care room in honor of Terry Barger connect the two residential wings. The gazebo named for Paul’s parents Emmett and Gloria McGarr, is in clear view.
The North Wing, in loving memory of James and Jacqueline McGowan, contains eight double occupency bedrooms, sitting areas, and a special care room dedicated by Billie to all the people of Park Lawn who are healers of body, spirit and soul.
While walking down the residential wings you’ll notice plaques identifying resident rooms named in honor of: Bobby McInerney, Those with Special Needs-WYD Foundation Golfers, Gary E. & Ruth Ann (Lacey) Harper; and sponsored by: Dietrick Metal Framing, Ozinga Brothers, Aileen S. Andrew Foundation, UPS Foundation, Circle of Service Foundation, Anonymous Donor, Family of Michael Mornar, Valspar Foundation, Friends of Park Lawn, Founders Bank, Thomalla Family, Yvonne and Cheri Boublis, Employees Community Fund Boeing Chicago, Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd, and Michael Parfitt from the Barnes Family.
As you leave the wings you arrive at the dining room, donated by Jewell Perry in memory of James H. Perry. This spacious room has a panoramic view of the outdoor patio and gardens. Meals are prepared in the adjoining kitchen complete with commercial appliances, preparation counter, and dish washing room. Adding to the ambiance you’ll see unique stenciling of Italian sayings, beautifully done by Linda Mitchell, an IRIS Specialist and owner of A New Leaf. On one wall the easily interpreted Mangia Mangia and Buon Apoetito and on the other Chi Mangia Bene Sta Malto Vicino A Dio (Who eats well is very close to God).
The adjacent activity center, sponsored by The Lombard Foundation is where residents enjoy television, music, arts and crafts, games, and computer activities. Since a major portion of the residents leisure time is spent in this area, our goal is to enhance this room to meet the audio and visual needs of the residents. Our goal is to raise $50,000. Plans include surround sound, interactive touch screen computer station and portable art units. A large flat screen Sony tv with Blu Ray and Surround Sound has been purchased courtesy of Dr. and Mrs. Steven Matokar and the Carrie Matokar Memorial Fund.
The upper level contains the staff lounge; a conference room sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oak Lawn, private offices sponsored by LeRoy and Gussie Corradino, Egon and Dorothy Menker, and named in loving memory of Richard A. Bye.
The pictures and furnishings were the work of the decorating committee: Ellie Crumback, Julie Grounds, Frank Portada, Linda Mitchell, and John Williams Interiors.
Walking paths, gardens and a gazebo provide plenty of outdoor enjoyment for the residents. All guests were presented with a beautiful commemorative photo by Barbara Crotty, Brady Photography.
We invite you to view this extraordinary facility first hand. For a tour, please call 708-425-6867.
Although some donor distinctions were made in the above, Park Lawn is deeply grateful to all who supported the redevelopment of Park Lawn Center.
Park Lawn Center - outside
Park Lawn Center - bedroom
Park Lawn Center - cafeteria
