Misericordia is delighted to honor our good friend Ed McGowan with the 2022 Heart of Mercy Award. Ed is the former President and co-founder of Edon Construction Company, Inc., and was key in the success and growth of the company and its prominent reputation in the industry. For more than 25 years, Ed has been a friend and generous supporter of Misericordia’s expansion efforts. This includes the building of the McGowan Home on our campus, which bears his family’s name, and is home to 16 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ed has also generously and loyally supported our fitness, sports and recreation programs with his good friend and past honoree, John Dyer. There is no question that we would not have the Misericordia you see today without Ed McGowan’s help!
The Twardak Family’s involvement at Misericordia began with a need for service hours at St. Ignatius College Prep. Their oldest daughter volunteered with Misericordia residents in the Aquatic and Fitness Center a few times a week. They wanted to become more involved as a family, so they began volunteering at our annual Christmas Brunches – and have now been a part of the Misericordia family for more than 20 years! Marcy began the “First Sunday of the Month Club” where she coordinated a group of 150 women to volunteer in our Greenhouse Inn on the first Sunday of every month. Her volunteers have no affiliation with Misericordia other than their love for our mission, affinity for our residents and admiration for our beloved Sister Rosemary.
Marcy, who serves as the CFO of Corboy & Demetrio, is the ultimate ambassador for Misericordia. She created a shopping night that has served as the kick-off party for Misericordia’s Holiday season for over a decade, as well as Spring Fling shopping nights. She has invited hundreds of friends and colleagues to Misericordia to introduce them to our mission. Marcy is a true believer in the magic of Misericordia and continues to expand her efforts year after year.
For almost three decades, the Wehmers have been true friends to the mission of Misericordia. They have supported us in so many of our endeavors and, it is our great honor to know them and to have them be a special part of our Misericordia family. Both Dorothy and Ed have been passionate supporters through their financial resources, their time and talents, and their gift of friends. They have truly made a difference not only at Misericordia but also in so many other lives.
Ed is founder and CEO of Wintrust Financial Corporation, and Dorothy has long been dedicated to the mission of Misericordia through various leadership positions on the Women’s Auxiliary, including serving as its president in 2000. Through their example, they have taught their children to be involved, caring and compassionate as longtime supporters of our Misericordia Family Association Dinner Dance, Candy Days, Artist in All Exhibit and our Young Professionals group. We are blessed to claim their entire family as our own. In addition to the entire Wehmer family, we personally thank Wintrust Financial Corporation for their continuous devotion to the mission of Misericordia.