Childerguild Donates $410,000 to Support Women & Children Services at Silver Cross

Thanks to Childerguild’s recent $410,000 donation to the Silver Cross Foundation (the 501c3 fundraising arm of Silver Cross Hospital), several new additions—not just babies—will arrive at Silver Cross this year. For the past 115 years, the ladies’ auxiliary has donated over $6.7 million to support women and children services at Silver Cross Hospital.  

Their recent donation will purchase the following equipment and technology:

• Voyce Translator, Newborn Infant Scale, E-Tablet and Stand, NicView Camera, Transporter Isolette, Patient Transport Monitor, and Preemie for a Day Training Program for the Amy, Matthew and Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Wireless Fetal Monitor, 2 patient transport monitors, Maternal/Fetal Monitor, Sleep Sack Swaddles for all babies, Newborn Warmer, Breast Milk Analyzer, Safe Patient Handling Equipment, Mattresses, and Spinning Babies Workshop Staff Training for the Birthing Center
• Pediatric Vein Finder, 2 Bili Soft Phototherapy Systems, and 2 Cribs for the Pediatric Unit
• Breast Ultrasound Machine for the Center for Breast Health

“The ladies of Childerguild volunteer their time and talents to help support Silver Cross Hospital, said Pat Crowley, President of Childerguild.  “Their dedication shows by way of the new equipment purchased for Women and Children’s Services. I am very proud of what Childerguild has accomplished.”

Long Tradition of Support

Founded in 1910 by 13 benevolent women who had no children of their own, Childerguild was formed to benefit the obstetrics and pediatrics departments at Silver Cross Hospital.  

In the early years, Childerguild raised funds through private donations and by hosting teas, card parties and tag days. The members took a hands-on approach by sewing layettes and dolls for Silver Cross pediatric patients. During the war years, members knitted sweaters for the military and gave financial support to the American Red Cross, Navy League, and the Salvation Army. As ardent supporters of the children in our community, Childerguild also made contributions to the Herald News free milk fund and the local community chest. They also provide continuing education scholarships for Silver Cross nurses and other caregivers.    

Childerguild continues their mission today by operating the hospital’s Gift Shop seven days a week. Patients and visitors can find many unique items including jewelry, clothing, handbags, fresh flowers, cards, toys, books, candy, and baby clothes. They also raise funds by hosting the annual Childerguild Ball – now in its 96^th year, which is scheduled for Nov. 22, 2025, at The Chicago Westin Lombard. For more information, call Stacy Murphy at (815) 505-5674. 

In addition to the check presentation at the annual meeting on Feb.19, the organization installed new officers. They include: President Rita Larson; Vice President Jeanette Stevenson; Stacy Murphy, Events Vice President; Secretary Marylynn Tyler; Club Treasurer Marcia Obman Gray; and Gift Shop Treasurer Lynda McShane.