For some Del Webb residents, the holidays are a time to help.
For the last ten years, Sun City resident Beverly Kenny has organized a group a trip to the Misericordia holiday event. This day includes a champagne brunch, holiday shopping, and performances by the Heartbreakers and Heartzingers (residents of Misericordia). Attendance has gradually risen, according to Kenny.
“This year we have 18 women attending. Two of the women have children that are residents here,” she said.
Sun City residents attend the annual holiday event by Misericordia, which provides care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Photo by Christine Such/Sun Day)
Misericordia is an organization that provides a continuum of care and a network of services for people with intellectual and developmental abilities. The shopping, the bakery goods made on site, raffles, luncheon, and the moving programs help support the 600 residents of Misericordia. Over 350 women attended this year’s event.
Judy Cieciwa said, “This is my first year attending and I love the shopping. There are such beautiful Christmas items and clothing. It’s hard to resist.”
Kathy Pott agrees.
“I enjoy the time with friends. It’s fun to be with these women. Having a solid group of friends is incredible,” she said.
Donna Newbanks has been attending this annual event for a number of years.
“I love the program,” she said.
Twenty percent of the Misericordia residents either come from impoverished families or have no families and are wards of the State.
Rita Schank, a first-time attendee, was amazed.
“I have never seen anything like this. I am glad I came,” she said.
Suzanne Hardy, auxiliary president, welcomed first attendees with, “If you have never been here before you will walk away a believer.”
Sister Rosemary Connelly, executive director of Misericordia, encouraged attendees to shop at this year’s Women’s Auxiliary Holiday Luncheon.
“I see a lot of shopping going on today. It is a painless way to do God’s work”.
Connelly came to Misericordia in 1976.
“We had 29 children and 35 staff. One of the children that came to us then as a baby is still with us. His parents have died, but he is still taken care of here. What a miracle it has been for me to see so many walk this journey with us and now we have 600 children and adults here and 1100 in staff. We have CEOs here helping in the bakery. There are so many good and generous people who have found their way to Misericordia.”
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