On Tuesday afternoon, Mercy Home’s Leader Council honored our 2011 elementary school, high school and college graduates at the ninth annual Graduates’ Luncheon at the Chicago Hilton.
The event raised support for programs at Mercy Home that help kids achieve in school and prepare them for success. As graduate speaker and Couderc Home resident, Rita, said in her speech, “I have already accomplished more in education that I thought was possible—but it would not be possible if Mercy Home hadn’t challenged me to climb a lot of stairs that had once frightened me.”
Keynote speaker, architect Jeanne Gang, who designed Chicago’s beautiful Aqua tower, called Mercy Home “a kind of city within a city, where kindness, love and attention are the values. Where patience and planning and perseverance are part of the equation.” During his remarks, Fr. Scott brought Mercy Home AfterCare member Nick to the stage to share a story from his time as a youth in residential programs that illustrated for the audience the concept of compassion, which lies at the heart of our mission.
ABC7 Chicago’s Kathy Brock returned as emcee for the fourth year in a row and played a pre-taped faux news segment involving—and celebrating—the graduates.
A special thanks to everyone who joined us in celebration of our youth reaching this remarkable milestone. Also, thanks to all our co-workers who worked hard and volunteered to make this event possible.
