Opportunities in Development “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” My mother has that philosophy. We heard those words often growing up. It was usually said to encourage effort and positive thinking, or to motivate beyond an initial lackadaisical attitude. Okay, sometimes it was just to get the dishes done! Over the years don’t we find periods where “the will” isn’t so easy to trigger? Or “the way” isn’t such a clear path? As time passes, though, one can see the wisdom in the philosophy. We experience those periods of answering the challenge, fighting through the doubts, and being rewarded in the end. There is a lot of “will” through the Development Office at Our Lady of Angels. This year's OLA-FEST had the highest revenue ever! A small group of volunteers and staff had the will and found the way to achieve great results. OLA-FEST XVIII set a new record in 2007, raising $48,000 in support of the residents of Our Lady of Angels. The annual fundraising event was held on September 9, when guests gathered to celebrate Our Lady of Angels and to recognize some of the people who contribute so much of their time and talents to the organization. The theme of this year’s event was Under Construction: A New Beginning, acknowledging the progress at OLA with the opening of the skilled nursing and rehabilitation unit and the building of the independent living cottages in the Village. Arriving guests were greeted by a delightful decorative display highlighting the theme. Larry Burich, chairman of the OLA Board of Directors, acted as master of ceremonies for the program. He was joined by Sr. Maria Pesavento, OLA administrator to recognize several individuals for their service. Board Service Awards went to three retiring members, Joseph Benson, Druella Parker, and Richard Snyder. Next, the Boromeo Award was presented to R. Lee Bailey. This is the highest award given by the Board of Directors and is named for Mother Borromeo Mack, whose vision and commitment worked to establish Our Lady of Angels. The award is given to honor a person who exemplifies the special qualities of Mother Borromeo. In service and dedication to the mission of OLA. Mr. Bailey is a past board president, a longtime member serving on several different committees, and an energetic supporter, volunteering for work on OLAFEST and Golf Outing events. Guests also enjoyed an excellent dinner, exciting auctions, and musical entertainment by Jeff and Michelle Ray. Members of the 2007 OLA-FEST Committee who planned and carried out the event included Larry Burich, chairman, and members Linda & Lee Bailey, Carol Baranski, Elizabeth Bishop, Regina & George Block, Kathy Calahan, Lori & Tim Cora, Sue Crodano, Peter Didier, OSF, Dawn Disera, Joan Egly, Deena Foschi, Alice Lagman, Mary Frances Seeley, OSF, Alex Szalinski, and Craig Tuntland. The Golf Benefit raised $11,000 over the summer in thanks to another small group of dedicated supporters with the will to make it happen. Congratulations to Dr. Wayne Kassel and his foursome including Ed Czerkes, Don Laasch, and Tom McGrath for having the best team score. We couldn’t have found “the way” without the support of Doug Bauer and his staff at the Joliet County Club. Thank you, too, to our Hole Sponsors, and especially to our Event Sponsors: Jerry and Joyce Cabay and Family, D’Arcy Volkswagon/Hyundai, Henry Bros. Company, and Remco Medical. We hope to see you next year. For many of us, one of the toughest and easiest put off tasks is our estate planning. “The will” to work on the Will isn’t one of the more pleasant realities of life. So we don’t find “the way” as soon or as thoughtfully as we should. Yet, for Our Lady of Angels (and most non-profits) the greatest donation is often in the form of a bequest left through a donor’s estate planning efforts. We have seen the reality of that at Our Lady of Angels. I am struck with the fact that the donor does not see the benefit of their gift, nor experience the reward of appreciation for their thoughtfulness. Certainly they now are experiencing a heavenly reward and have that “view” from above – you can't beat that! Yet statistics tell us that 70% of people die without a Will forcing their estate to be distributed by the laws of their state government. “Where there’s a will” there is also the reality of blessing a charity with a portion of the financial gifts of your life; so won’t you find “a way” to include Our Lady of Angels in your estate planning? On a more current note, the Annual Giving Fund: Let Me Sow Love is underway. Last year’s annual giving fund raised almost $30,000 toward support of the renovation of the Activity Department. You should see the residents enjoying themselves and each other in the bright new space! Your support again this year brings with it the opportunity to continue bettering the services to the residents. Where there’s a will there’s a way…can we count on you to find your way to support Our Lady of Angels through Annual Giving Fund: Let Me Sow Love? For more information and donating opportunities, please contact Director of Development at Our Lady of Angels, (815) 725-6631.