For the month of April, the Charity Committee at Cooney & Conway decided to join the Candy Days fundraising event for Misericordia. This local charity is a nonprofit foundation that serves the needs of persons with developmental and physical disabilities. They offer a wide a range of services to its residents including community based housing, on campus apartments and skilled nursing facilities. They offer their residents opportunities to be involved in the community through work site partnerships and community excursions. Although Misericordia is operated under the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, much of its support comes from private sources and events such as the annual Candy Days. Their goal is to bring a bright, positive future for individuals living with developmental disabilities to promote their independence and enhance their quality of life.
Volunteers from our office in Chicago were asked to distribute Jelly Belly jelly beans in exchange for donations to this local charity. In total 26 staff members, including attorneys, paralegals and legal assistants, donned the familiar white bibs and shook cans to raise funds for this wonderful charity.
Staff members spoke of the generosity of the public in helping raise funds. Delois Stewart, a long time staff member, spoke of her experiences: “It was a pleasure. This was the first time I’ve ever done a street corner fundraiser, and I found that people are really generous. Everyone felt compelled to give or offer an explanation as to why they couldn’t. Some people would turn their pockets inside out for any change they had available. It was a fun-filled half hour.”
In total, after matching donations from our partners, the firm was able to raise $2,235.42 for Misericordia.
Kevin Conway, one of the partners at the firm, was seen pounding the pavement to help raise funds to support this wonderful cause. Kevin stated: “The staff at Misericordia have provided tremendous services to our disabled citizens helping them to live fuller and more complete lives than they otherwise would. A child of my friend has been a beneficiary of the ongoing care at Misericordia. I support them. And, it was a pleasure to call on my friends to support them.”
Learn more about how to get involved with volunteering or fundraising for Misericordia.