Each year, we're very fortunate to have so many incredible volunteers at the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn. Every one deserves our admiration because we wouldn't be where we are today without them.
On Thursday, August 9th, we will recognize four special individuals as well as our Community Partner of the Year at our Volunteer Recognition DInner. You can purchase tickets for this event at Garden Chalet Banquet in Worth, IL by following this link: https://e.givesmart.com/events/7XQ/.
On Thursday, August 9th, we will recognize four special individuals as well as our Community Partner of the Year at our Volunteer Recognition DInner. You can purchase tickets for this event at Garden Chalet Banquet in Worth, IL by following this link: https://e.givesmart.com/events/7XQ/.
Above & Beyond Recipient: Bill Graham
Bill serves Turnbridge Financial Group and Turnbridge Consulting Group as Executive V.P. His experience includes over 35 years working with a range of small businesses to large corporations, helping owners, directors and the rest of the employees preserve and grow their incomes.
During the past 10 years he has served on business advisory boards, consulted for non-profit associations and unions, and helped individuals and organizations with their professional and business development. He brings a wealth of experience since he has owned and run three businesses in transportation, food production and management consulting. From this experience he knows well how to conduct all of the critical functions in business, helping to grow their financial bottom line while reducing their tax liabilities. He has also been a faculty member at local community colleges and National Louis University providing education in human relations, business analysis and ethics. He has also written two books—one in management development and the other a children’s reading primer: “Breakfast with Sammy”. Since joining the financial services industry 12 years ago, he now utilizes his range of experiences to help owners of businesses and their employees protect and grow their finances and their peace of mind. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Wooster College; M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology and Organizational Development from Case Western Reserve University.
During the past 10 years he has served on business advisory boards, consulted for non-profit associations and unions, and helped individuals and organizations with their professional and business development. He brings a wealth of experience since he has owned and run three businesses in transportation, food production and management consulting. From this experience he knows well how to conduct all of the critical functions in business, helping to grow their financial bottom line while reducing their tax liabilities. He has also been a faculty member at local community colleges and National Louis University providing education in human relations, business analysis and ethics. He has also written two books—one in management development and the other a children’s reading primer: “Breakfast with Sammy”. Since joining the financial services industry 12 years ago, he now utilizes his range of experiences to help owners of businesses and their employees protect and grow their finances and their peace of mind. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Wooster College; M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Psychology and Organizational Development from Case Western Reserve University.
Above & Beyond Recipient: Karen Rascher
Karen Rascher taught in Ridgeland School District 122 prior to her retirement. As a teacher she was always caring and creative, making learning fun for her students. That caring and creativity was shared with the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn as Karen volunteered her time to create the illustrations for the Museum’s first “Kit the Kite Activity Book.”
She directed Garden Preschool from 1975-85 when she worked at Dearborn Heights/Kolb from 1985-2004, and then Trinity Lutheran Preschool as a substitute teacher from 2004-present.
Karen loves traveling and watercolor painting.
She directed Garden Preschool from 1975-85 when she worked at Dearborn Heights/Kolb from 1985-2004, and then Trinity Lutheran Preschool as a substitute teacher from 2004-present.
Karen loves traveling and watercolor painting.
Above & Beyond Recipient: Jamie Makuch
Jamie Makuch serves on the Museum’s Board of Directors but over the past two years, Jamie has gone “Above & Beyond” with our Princess Ball Event. Jamie took on the role of Fairy Godmother of overseeing the Special Princess Initiative related to the event. It’s a volunteer role we’ve had for years, but Jamie sprinkled fairy dust on it and took it to the next level. Donors step forward to sponsor a princess. This princess is a little girl who, otherwise, would not be able to attend the event. Jamie handles every detail from meeting the princesses at the store to buy their dress, shoes, and jewelry for the event. This last year they even had a special ice cream treat, organized by Jamie. This initiative is no small task. Imagine gathering 12-14 little girls and their families in the mall, at the same time, to take them all shopping. Jamie is our Fairy Godmother for the special princesses. Jamie takes these families under her wing to make sure they have a magical experience throughout. For the last few years, the Princess Ball has included STEM programming, aligning with our mission. This initiative has us now talking about how we might integrate it with our Museums For All initiative to provide yearly memberships to families in need.
Soaring Spirit Recipient: Linda Bensen
Linda has been very dedicated to the museum since she started with the Board of Directors back in 2004. She always volunteers for whatever comes up. Linda was very instrumental in the capital campaign kickoff dinner for the current location. Whenever Linda isn’t at Trinity Lutheran Church working with students, she is helping with events like the Museum’s Princess Ball, Casino Night and Fall Fun Fest. She’s always wherever we need her. Linda can be found behind the museum booth when we are out promoting the museum or at some of our outreach opportunities. Linda also serves on the Oak Lawn Community Partnership which is an organization that works to help Oak Lawn residents.
Community Partner of the Year: School District #123
School District #123 is the Museum’s Community Partner of the Year recipient. This partnership continues to grow and flourish. District 123 was instrumental in an “On the Table” grant the museum received a few years ago to provide a parent education session around the importance of parent engagement and play. The Museum has attended science nights in the district, as well, providing hands-on learning at these events. The Museum has been fortunate enough to have had School District #123 staff participate in discussions and meetings around exhibit planning, to ensure that the exhibits we bring into the Museum or have built supplements classroom learning. The partnership with School District #123 helps advance our mission of learning and it’s a partnership we cherish.
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