CRADLE Events - The Cradle

L a t e F a l l | 2 0 0 6
THE CRADLE PARTNERS l With DCFS
Imagine a group of children who
have suffered the trauma of being
removed from their biological parents
due to abuse or neglect. These
children stay within the Department of
Children and Family Services (DCFS)
foster care system until they finally
find a home with an adoptive family.
Tragedy strikes again, however, when
their adoptive parents die or become
incapacitated, leaving these children
parentless yet again.
This is the situation for thousands of
children in the care of Illinois DCFS –
true “orphans” who have experienced
unimaginable losses. A DCFS program
called Family Placement and Support
Services, now managed by The Cradle,
is working to help these children to be
re-adopted by family members of their
deceased parents. Last year, this oneof-a-kind
program served 99 families
and 167 children throughout Northern
Illinois, providing legal assistance to
facilitate the new adoption, grief counseling,
and practical assistance such as
clothing, school supplies and beds, to
help these children recover from their
multiple losses and find the love of a
family once again.
Family Placement and Support Services
began in 2000 when DCFS requested
support for the agency’s Post-Adoption
Unit. An intense national effort
launched in the late 1990s to find
permanent families for children who
were waiting in the foster care system
resulted in a significant increase in the
number of adoption cases. In some
cases the foster families decided to
adopt the children they were fostering.
In many cases, relatives of the
children came forward and legally
adopted them. These relatives often
were single, older individuals, including
grandparents. Subsequently, in the last
six years a large number of children
were left without a parent due to death
or incapacitation.
A majority of the children placed
through this program are considered to
have “special needs,” such as prenatal
exposure to alcohol or drugs, trauma
resulting from neglect or abuse, or the
fact that they are in sibling groups.
These needs qualify the adoptive family
for an adoption subsidy. To continue
to benefit from the subsidy, the child
must have a legal parent or guardian.
Under our contract with DCFS,
The Cradle will handle the adoption
procedures for the new family as well
as the transfer of the adoption subsidy.
This year’s contract, which began on
July 1, anticipates a caseload of 80
families at any given time. Program
Director Nancy Crouch and her five
permanency specialists serve families
in Cook County and the collar counties.
The team’s varied duties include
conducting initial and ongoing risk
assessments; completing home studies
and monitoring the home post-placement;
providing medical and educational
advocacy; and completing adoption/guardianship
subsidies.
When The Cradle was approached last
March by DCFS and asked if we might
CRADLE Events
CRADLE HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, December 2, 2006
The Cradle, Evanston
RUSSIA HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, January 20, 2007
White Nights, Rosemont
FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY
Thursday, February 8, 2007
McCormick Place, Chicago
Join us for this exclusive private reception and
preview of the Chicago Auto Show benefiting
The Cradle and 18 other Chicago-area
charities. Black tie. For more information,
contact Bonnie Krasny, Events Manager, at
847-733-3234 or bkrasny@cradle.org
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Alyson Green and Kevin
Gudahl, who brought their son Nathaniel
home on November 1, 2006!
(Continued on page 2)
The Cradle's mission is to benefit children... by providing education, guidance and life-long support on parenting choices.
Our commitment is to serve as a partner in creating and sustaining nurturing families.

DCFS | ...Continued
be interested in assuming oversight of this program, we were
honored and proud, and looked at this challenge as an opportunity
to assist even more children. As a leader in child welfare, we
look forward to strengthening our relationship with Illinois DCFS
and expanding The Cradle’s role in the public child welfare sector.
MAKING THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHTER
With the holidays approaching, we wanted to do even more.
The Cradle Associates, the young professionals board of The
Cradle, has committed to helping make the holidays brighter
for these children by donating gifts. With 80 families and more
than 200 children in the program, we have also reached out to
Cradle staff, donors and friends for assistance.
Each family identified two items for each child in their household
– a “want” and a “need.” The children, ages 1 to 18, have
made requests ranging from a set of Sponge Bob sheets, to a
soft pak for an insulin pump, to a computer for a family with 7
teenage boys. Wrapped gifts will be distributed to the children
by their family's caseworker. If you are interested in helping
with this effort, please contact Maureen Kelly at 847-733-3230.
We are delighted to report that thanks to the generosity of The
Cradle Associates and everyone else involved in this effort,
there will be a gift for every child on the list!
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends,
Although we are immersed in the
practice of adoption every day at The
Cradle, National Adoption Awareness
Month gives us pause to reflect upon
the work we do and its meaning in the
lives of our clients, staff, supporters,
and – most importantly – the children
we serve.
This November, we celebrate all of the birthparents, adoptive
parents and Cradle babies who are part of our world. We celebrate
our partner organizations and those working to find safe,
permanent homes for children in foster care. We congratulate
the 225 Cradle families who welcomed a child into their hearts
and their homes in the past year.
Adoption has touched each of us differently and continues to
impact our lives in remarkable ways. As we look ahead to a new
year, we are thankful for the opportunity to continue doing this
work, and for every member of our extended Cradle family.
With best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday season,
Julie S. Tye
ADOPTION CLASSES | Open to the Community
PROMOTING CHILDREN’S LANGUAGE SKILLS
Saturday, January 20, 2007, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., The Cradle
For a variety of reasons, children adopted internationally or domestically
may be at risk for communication delays and disorders. This
class will address expectations for typical language development
and second language learning; strategies for home language
stimulation; red flags for speech impairments; and how to access
appropriate support services.
Presenter Renee Reilly, Ph.D., CCC/SLP is a licensed speechlanguage
pathologist, a professor of communication sciences and
disorders at Northwestern University, and the parent of two
children adopted from Guatemala.
NAVIGATING EARLY INTERVENTION AND
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Thursday, March 1, 2007, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Cradle
This class will provide an overview of the Early Intervention system
for infants and young children up to 3 years of age, and of the
Special Education system for children from 3 years to young adulthood.
Parents will learn about common risk factors; how and when
to search for services; eligibility requirements; types of service
plans; and how these services can help meet their child’s developmental
and learning needs.
Presenter Pat Kluzik-Stauch, MA, is an adoptive parent and Early
Intervention Specialist with 20 years of experience as a teacher and
educator.
Fees: $20 per person per class; $10 for second family member; no
fee for Cradle pre-placement clients. Register online at
www.cradle.org or by calling 847-733-3233.
2 The Cradle Newsletter

NOTEWORTHY
CRADLE FAMILIES FEATURED IN
NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
SAYERS CENTER l News
On August 17, 2006, the New York Times ran a cover
story on transracial adoption entitled “Breaking Through
Adoption’s Racial Barriers.” Two Cradle adoptive families
and one waiting family are featured in the article, which also
quotes Cradle counselor Judy Stigger.
You can read the article on our website at:
www.cradle.org/about_news.html
A CRADLE FAMILY ON NPR
The subject of transracial adoption is also addressed in a
National Public Radio story that aired on August 23, 2006.
To listen to Sarah and Dan Giloth’s story about adopting
their daughter Shelby, enter the following link in your web
browser:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.phpstoryId=5696238
SPECIAL THANKS
We extend our sincere gratitude to Sidley Austin LLP for the
many hours of pro bono legal work the firm has done on
behalf of The Cradle in the last year.
Sidley Austin’s contribution of time, expertise and concern
for our mission has provided a tremendous benefit to The
Cradle and our continuing ability to advocate for children
while bringing families together through adoption.
SIGN-UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER
Would you like to stay up-to-date on Cradle news and
events If you have an email address, we'd love to keep in
touch with you through our Cradle Connections E-newsletter!
We send our newsletters out about six times each year,
highlighting program news, upcoming events, interviews
with Cradle families and much more! If you'd like to receive
our email newsletter, please send an email to Lisa Vellenga
at lvellenga@cradle.org and let her know that you'd like to
sign-up for the newsletter.
Delcenia Jones, the Sayers Center Community Outreach Manager
We are delighted to announce that Delcenia Jones is the
Sayers Center’s new Community Outreach Manager.
Del comes to The Cradle with over five years of outreach
experience, most recently as Director of Outreach at Action
for Children, which provides services to children and at-risk youth
in low-income communities. She is excited at the chance to make
a difference in raising awareness of the Sayers Center and educating
the community on the joys of adoption.
The Sayers Center has served the African American community
since 1994 by placing African American infants in loving homes.
We have also formed alliances with area churches and organizations
to help educate the community about adoption and the
need for more families to adopt African American and biracial
children.
Two upcoming events will raise funds in support of The Sayers
Center. On Sunday December 3, Sayers Center volunteer Rebecca
Holbrook will host a Christmas Bazaar in her home, with a
percentage of proceeds benefitting the Center.
SAVE THE DATE! - THE COLOR PURPLE
On Wednesday, April 18, The Cradle Foundation and Sayers
Center Advisory Council are hosting a special preview performance
of the Tony Award-winning musical, The Color Purple, at
the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago. Tickets are $100, with net
proceeds benefiting the Sayers Center. Seats are limited and must
be reserved by February 15, 2007. For more information, contact
Maureen Kelly at 847-733-3230 or mkelly@cradle.org.

AUTUMN MOON | Festival
Nearly 200 Cradle and Family Resource Center parents, children and
friends gathered at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines on
Sunday afternoon, October 8, to celebrate Autumn Moon Festival.
A popular, family-focused holiday observed throughout Asia, Autumn Moon
marks the end of the harvest season and has long been an occasion to give
thanks for the bounty of the land.
Planned especially for families with children from China, Korea, Vietnam,
Cambodia and Taiwan, The Cradle’s Autumn Moon Festival incorporates traditions
from various Asian countries. The children, many in traditional dress,
participated in cultural games, activities and crafts including Vietnamese silk
painting, origami, Chinese mask making and folding Korean fans. The Chicago
North Chinese School entertained guests with traditional dances, martial arts
demonstrations and a joyful lion dance and lantern parade. Festival participants
also enjoyed a delicious Asian appetizer buffet.
Top: The children receive a martial arts lesson.
Above: Emily Mitchell, 4, wearing a traditional Vietnamese
ao dai (dress) and non la (hat), enjoys the festivities at
Autumn Moon 2006.
4 The Cradle Newsletter
Autumn Moon Festival is an annual event sponsored by Cradle Connections,
a program that works to strengthen friendships and support between Cradle
adoptive families. We would like to thank volunteer committee members Carole
Braverman, Siobhan Flynn, Andi Herchenbach, Mary Jo O’Donnell, Deb Sawyer
and Bobbi Ann Fulk for helping to organize this year’s festival. Special thanks to
6-year-old Renata Fulk for bringing her piggy bank to donate to the babies in
the Nursery! Her mom believes that events such as Autumn Moon are a great
way to expose Renata to some of her country’s traditions.
“By celebrating and embracing Renata’s ethnic culture, we are helping to instill
her with pride and knowledge of her origins, and also showing her it is something
we value and enjoy as a family,” said Bobbi Ann. “We are learning more
and more about Chinese culture, and by accepting and celebrating these traditions,
it shows our daughter that we embrace cultures that are different than
those we were raised within.”

SIRAGUSA SCHOLARSHIPS
For Families with Kids with Special Needs
In October, The Cradle Foundation mailed Siragusa Scholarship
applications to all Cradle families who have adopted children with
special needs and to every family who has adopted a child since
1990 (recognizing that special needs may arise long after a placement).
If you would like to apply for a scholarship on behalf of your
child, we ask that you please fax or send your application to The
Cradle by Friday, December 8.
The Siragusa Scholarship Fund for Special Needs Adoptive Families
has enabled The Cradle to award small grants totaling more than
$96,000 to 75 Cradle families over the past six years. Thanks to a
generous grant this year from the Topfer Family Foundation, our
pool of available funds for 2007 has doubled. Scholarship recipients
will be announced by the end of January 2007.
If you have any questions, or if you did not receive an application
and would like one sent to you, please contact Heidi Bloom in the
Foundation office at 847-733-3240 or e-mail hbloom@cradle.org.
Fax: 847-475-5871.
THE CRADLE FAMILY LEGACY PROGRAM
During the last eighty years, planned gifts have helped improve
the lives of thousands of Cradle children and their families.
Most planned gifts are simple to create. They can help you
solve certain income and tax challenges, sometimes right away.
Now is a great time for you to make a planned gift!
IRA Charitable Giving – A New Possibility
Individuals who are aged 70.5 and older may now direct gifts
to The Cradle directly from their IRA without paying income tax
on the withdrawal. Use your minimum required IRA withdrawal
for this purpose and you may gain other tax-related benefits.
Why not make your charitable gift this year with the equivalent
of pre-tax dollars The law governing these gifts expires in
2007, so don’t put it off – you can benefit now and next year
too!
Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA)
Please consider a CGA before you sell that appreciated asset
to generate annual income. This type of gift will transform that
asset into a charitable gift that provides you with annual income
at competitive rates of interest and terrific tax benefits.
THE W.P & H.B WHITE
FOUNDATION
A Decade of Support
For the tenth consecutive year, The Cradle has received
a generous grant from the W.P. and H.B. White
Foundation in support of our Nursery and Special
Needs Infant Care Program. We are very grateful for the
Foundation’s longstanding commitment to the babies in the
Nursery.
William P. White, along with his two brothers, founded the
White Cap Company in 1926 in an old box factory on Goose
Island in the Chicago River. White Cap, a manufacturer and
designer of caps and closures for the food industry, invented
and patented vacuum-sealed bottle caps and pioneered the
twist-off style of closure. Besides being innovators, the White
brothers were known to be outstanding employers, offering
good pay and job security, loaning money to workers in need,
and providing a free hot lunch for all salaried employees. In
the early days of the company, William’s wife Hazel would
prepare and serve lunch every day for the employees in the
Goose Island facility.
The Whites established a charitable foundation in 1953 “to
give back to the community in which his business prospered
and his employees lived,” said foundation Executive Director
M. Margaret Blandford. Today, the W.P. and H.B. White foundation
provides funding to many educational, social service
and health care organizations in the Chicago metropolitan
area, with an emphasis on helping those most in need.
In the award letter The Cradle received with our September
2006 grant, Ms. Blandford writes, “the Board’s deliberations
focused on how valuable your hard work is to assuring a better
life for those you serve as well as the future good of the
country.” The Cradle’s onsite Nursery, in existence since 1923,
enables us to offer every baby entrusted to us the best possible
start in life and a chance for a healthier future. We thank
the W.P. & H.B. White Foundation for their continuing friendship
and support.
Call Jenny Merdinger at (847) 448-8752 for details. Remember
to discuss any planned giving idea with your professional
advisors prior to making a gift.

THE CRADLE BALL | Celebrates Diversity
The Cradle Foundation hosted its 12th annual gala, Home
Is Where The Cradle Is, on Saturday evening, October 21,
in the elegant Sidney Yates Gallery of the Chicago Cultural
Center. Every aspect of the event – from the entertainment, to
the food, to the wide array of items offered at our silent auction
– reflected the diversity of our city and our Cradle families.
Cradle Foundation President Brooke Voss with Ball co-chair Margaret
Bengtson and chair Alyce Caspers
Guests dined on gourmet ethnic fare representing the Chicago
neighborhoods of Greek Town, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown and
the Gold Coast. Another highlight of the evening was the superb
multicultural entertainment. The Chicago Lion Dancers snaked
through the room to the beat of a drum, holding aloft a brightly
colored lion’s head and tail. The South Shore Drill Team gave
a thrilling performance of rifle and flag twirling set to hits from
the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Russian folk dancers from Ethnic Dance
Chicago and belly dancers from Namaste delighted the crowd.
After dinner, Brazilian music group Chicago Samba took to the
stage, performing traditional Latin dances and luring guests onto
the dance floor!
Fox News Chicago reporter and Cradle adoptive mom Anne
Kavanagh emceed the evening’s program with skill and aplomb,
sharing her own family’s adoption experience, conducting our
exciting live auction, and introducing speakers. The room fell silent
when a Cradle adoptive father got up to tell the amazing story of
bringing his two children home from Guatemala. A Cradle baby
adopted in 1946 paid eloquent tribute to his adoptive parents and
his birthmother. The final speaker, a young Cradle birthmother,
spoke openly and passionately about her decision several years
ago to entrust her son to a couple better able to give him the life
she wished for him. All three spoke about the wonderful support
they received from The Cradle.
The Chicago Cultural Center’s Sidney Yates Gallery provided a beautiful
setting for the gala.
We are grateful to Cradle Benefit Council Chair Alyce Caspers,
co-chair Margaret Bengtson, and the entire committee for their
hard work in planning Home Is Where The Cradle Is, which raised
$130,000 for The Cradle's programs and services. We would also
like to thank all of our attendees, sponsors, item donors, volunteers
and speakers, and everyone who supported the evening’s
auctions and raffle. Congratulations to John Meany, winner of our
$5,000 cash raffle!
46 The Cradle Newsletter

Left: This smiling group
includes, from left, Jane Swan,
Bob Tesar, Judy Herbst, Larry
Rubly, Cradle Presient Julie Tye,
Carol Herlache and Peter Swan.
Above: Celebrity emcee Anne Kavanagh introduces Cradle
adoptive parent Kevin Reilly.
Middle Left: Members of the South Shore Drill Team display their skill.
Bottom Left: Enjoying the evening’s festivities are, from left, Stuart and
Jennifer Litwin, Beth Bronner Singer, Paul and Nadine Heidrich and Peg
Cartier.

AUCTION, RAFFLE & SPECIAL PRIZE DONORS
Thank you to all of the individuals, businesses, retail shops and corporations that donated gifts and services to The Cradle
Foundation’s fundraising events in 2006. Your support helps The Cradle continue to provide outstanding programs and services to all
members of the adoption circle.
57th Street Books
A La Carte
ABC7
Abt Electronics
Ace Hardware
Adler Planetarium and
Astronomy Museum
Air Ride Systems
Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant
Alley Gallery
American Girl
Amm’s Limousine Service
Andies Restaurant
Art of Healing
The Art Store & Gallery
Arts 220
Lenore Arvia
Ashor’s Room
Associates for Dental Care, P.C.
Baby Signs
Michelle Bacchus
Backyard Barbecue Store
The Bagby Collection
Bally Total Fitness
Be Small
Beading Hearts
BeBee HVAC
Margaret and Dale Bengtson
Margie Bennett
Florin and Jane Hampson Berca
Bernardi Securities, Inc.
Big Stick, Inc.
Blue Plate Catering
Body and Sole Dancewear
David Boettcher
G. Bradley Publishing
Braids by Kandi
Brenda Bendel Day Spa and
Make-Up Studio
Jennifer and Howard Brinn
Brunswick Bowling & Billiards
Burhop’s Seafood Stores
Elizabeth Busch
Café Selmarie
Calo Ristorante
Cama Salon
Campagnola
Georgene Campion
The Canvasback
Caribou Coffee
Carlucci
Casella Interiors
48 The Cradle Newsletter
Alyce and Richard Caspers
CBS 2 Chicago
Centre Club
Centre East, Inc.
Chalet Nursery & Garden Shops
Charlie Trotter’s
Chicago Architecture
Foundation
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Cubs
Chicago Kids Company, Theatre
for Children
Chicago Partners, LLC
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago White Sox
Children’s Museum of
Indianapolis
Chopra Center of The La Costa
Resort
Classic Kids Photography
Clean Plate Club
Steve Cole
Harriet Coleman
Comfort Inn
Corry Connelly
Denise and David Cortesi
Cosi Inc.
Costco Wholesale - Niles
Crocodile Pie, a Children’s
Bookstore
Crown Golf Properties, L.P.
Crown Theatres
The Crystal Cave
D. Grunwald Fine Jewelers
Dallia Tile
Christopher Deeney
Gerald Deeney
Design by Rox
Desiree Chocolates
Erin Dickes
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dinner at Eight
Don Roth’s Blackhawk
Don’s Fishmarket
Judy & Dan Dorr
William Doyle
The Drake Hotel, Chicago
Dreams Come True
Drury Lane Theater Oakbrook
DuPage Children’s Museum
E.D. Granite
Edwards Florist and
Greenhouses Inc.
CRADLE BALL SPONSORS
TABLES
MICHIGAN AVENUE TABLE
Alan and Beth Bronner Singer
WATER TOWER TABLE
Polly and John Dix
Cynthia and Robert Sargent
Phyllis Scholl Thomas
Larry Rubly
STATE ST. RESERVATION
Michael E. Gordon and
Mary Quinn
Patricia and E. Hoy McConnell II
Ginny and Paul Uhlenhop
NURSERY ANGEL
SPONSORS
Aristotle Foundation
First Nonprofit Insurance
The Reichert Foundation
Janice and Mark Scott
Lynntia and David Sutton
Macy and Robert Swift
CITYWIDE SPONSORS
The Reichert Foundation
NEIGHBORHOOD SPONSORS
Elkay Manufacturing Company
SPECIAL SPONSORSHIPS
Myers-Briggs and Co., Inc.
Phyllis Scholl Thomas
Ginny and Paul Uhlenhop
FRIEND SPONSORS
Dave Arthur of Warehouse
Direct
Michelle Bacchus and
Marc Van Allen
Sharon and Greg Kaczmarek
Patricia and Carl Overhuls
In memory of Dom A. Perino,
from Connie Perino Goggio
Pinnacle Development Group
Savant Capital Management,
Inc.
Cary Shevin of Dard Products
Eugene Sunshine of
Northwestern University
Women’s Energy Based
Healing
IN KIND DONORS
Chris Devane, Big Stick, Inc.
Jim Beam Brands

AUCTION, RAFFLE & SPECIAL PRIZE DONORS
Eldorado Hotel
Embassy Suites Hotels
EMD Designs
erwin - an american café and bar
Jenny Espencheid
Evanston Athletic Club
Fantasy Kingdom - A Magical
Children’s Play Place
Feng Shui Transformations
Firehouse Grill
Ginger Fisch
Susan Fitch Inc.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel in
New York
John Fix
Flat Top Grill
Flourish
Forty One North
Edward Fox Photography
Fox News Chicago
Franz Excavating
A Friend of The Cradle
Barry Fulk
George Salon
Glenbrook Racquet Club
Glenbrook Sports Academy
Glessner House Museum
Globe Builders
Globe Café & Bar
Gordon in Lakeview
Michael E. Gordon
Rob Guglielmi
H. Marion Framing Studio
Hands With Heart Massage
Health Matters Therapeutic
Massage
Hearthaven Cottage
Hecky’s BBQ
Heidel House Resort
Marc Heidkamp
Peter Hickey
Hilton Garden Inn - Orlando
International Drive North
Hotel Orrington
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Hunn Lifting Devices
Hyatt Vacation Club
Nancy Iida
Images
J. Alexander’s
Jacky’s Bistro
James Martin Associates, Inc.
Jane Hamill Boutique
Jewel-Osco
Jim Beam Brands
The Joffrey Ballet
Kristen Jones
K40 Electronics
Gregory Kaczmarek
Kane County Cougars
Kate Olerich Photography
Anne Kavanagh
Kidsnips
Jill King
Martha King
Knollwood Club
Kohl Children’s Museum
La Costa Resort & Spa
La Donna Italian Restaurant
Lad & Lassie Shop
Lake Forest Symphony
LakeView Applicance
Distributors
Lambrecht’s Jewelers
Landmark Shops of
Andersonville
Leider Greenhouses
Leonidas Café Chocolaterie
Lester Lampert Inc.
Lettuce Entertain You
Liberty Tax Service
Lifeline Theatre
Living in the City Transportation
Erica Lofquist
Lotus Furniture
Kathy Lotz
Lou Malnati’s
Amy Lowry
The Lukasik Family
LuLu’s Dim Sum & Then Sum
Lurvey’s Garden Center
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Doug Mabie
John MacArthur
Lawrence Macy
Maplewood Hotel
Marc Hauser Photography
Maria Elizabeth, Inc.
Mark Shale
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
Jack Mazzucchelli
Janet McDonald
McDonald’s Carpentersville West
Michelle and William McKenna
Mary and John Meany
Medieval Times Dinner &
Tournament
Eric Mersmann
Metro Premium Wines
Milton Silver Charity Auctions
Autographed Memorabilia
Mity Nice Grill
Moller Financial Services
Morgan Perris Salon
Moto Photo
Mud Pies, Children’s Clothing
and Toys
My Creations Company, LLC
Narra
North Shore Dental
North Shore Optical
North Shore Racquet Club
North Shore Yoga & Fitness
The Notebaert Nature Museum
Old Town School of Folk Music
Keith Olson
Onwentsia Club
Lorraine Orbon
Oscar Isberian Rugs
The Palmer House Hilton
Marta Pappert
Glenn Pawlak
Pamela Pease
Penny’s From Heaven
The Pfister Hotel
Pirates Cove
PitPros
Plate of the Art
Toni Platt
Portraits by Thomas Balsamo
Prairie Moon
Pretty Good Stuff
Quade Productions
Salvatore Quatrochi
Ravinia Festival
Kevin Reilly
Renaissance Chicago North
Shore Hotel
Renaissance Oak Brook Hotel
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Ritz Camera Centers
Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Kristi and Mark Ryken
S&S Automotive
Salpicon
Sam’s Wines and Spirits
Sandy Santangelo
Sarah’s Pastries
Cynthia M. Sargent
Ardythe and Gale Sayers
Schaefer’s Fine Wines, Food &
Spirits
Anne Schleich
Sherie Schleich
Ann and Jim Scott
The Second City
Secret Treasures
Six Flags Great America
Skechers Footware
Skyline Mortgage Services, Inc.
James Smirles
Claudia Smith
Southwest Airlines
Spatulatta.com
Nancy Spaulding
Star Plaza Theatre
Starwood Corporation
Stasek Chevrolet
Linda and Bill Stasek
Stonewall Orchard Golf Club
The Strike Zone
Stuart Rodgers Photography
Summit Studio
Sunset Foods
Sutton Studios/David Sutton
Lynntia Sutton
Peter Swan
Sway Jewelry
Sweet Occasions
SYMS Corp.
The Talbott Hotel
Target - Elgin
Target - West Dundee
Teddie Kossof Salon
Ian Tepper
Texas de Brazil
Theatre Building Chicago
Therapeutic Bodywork
Phyllis Scholl Thomas
Three Tarts Bakery & Café
Tin Fish
Maureen Tinley
Tommy Nevins Irish Pub
Tonelli’s Restaurant
Toujours Spa & Salon
Shana Trombley
Two Kitchens
Universal Orlando Resort &
Orlando Homewood Suites
Urban Oasis
Walmart - Algonquin
Walmart - Crystal Lake
Wancket Studios
Griswold Ware
Whole Foods
Wildberry Pancakes & Café
Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort
Wilmette Tailors & Cleaners
Constance Wilson
Windy City Fieldhouse
Winnetka Auxiliary of The Cradle
Wishbone Restaurant
Women and Children First
Woodbine Golf Course
Wooden Spoon
Yogaview
Zanies Comedy Club

POSTCARD l From Russia
In late October, Judy Stigger, The Cradle’s recently
appointed Director of International Adoption for
Russia, and Merrilee Hepler, Vice President of Human
Resources and Administration, traveled to Russia to visit
our Moscow office and some of the regions in which The
Cradle is working. Their goals included gaining a better
understanding of the adoption process and what our families
experience in country, and getting to know Cradle
staff in Russia. They were pleased to be traveling with
adoptive parents Scott and Meg Costello, who made this
trip to finalize the adoption of their son Ilyin.
The Cradle Society in the Russian Federation was established
in 2002, and since then, more than 200 Russian
children have been placed with Cradle families in the
United States. Valentina Krasnova directs a very dedicated
staff of five in our Moscow office. Regional agents in
the program’s five regions work closely with our families
in a variety of ways, including taking them to the ministry
for their referral and to the orphanage to see their child,
meeting with physicians, and transporting them to and
from the airport, train stations and their hotel. “I was
delighted beyond my expectations with how competent
and gracious our staff is,” said Judy. “They are fluent
both bilingually and culturally and go to extraordinary
measures to help our families.”
Judy and Merrilee visited an orphanage in the Smolensk
region, around 250 miles west of Moscow. They also traveled
to the Republic of Buryatia in Siberia – a journey
across five time zones! – and Judy went on to the city
of Nizhny Novgorod on the Volga River, southeast of
Moscow. In each region they met with ministry officials to
discuss the child referral system, and to let the officials
know that The Cradle’s staff in Russia is supported both
organizationally and emotionally by an agency in the U.S.
committed to the welfare of Russian children. “We came
to learn,” Judy explained, “not to dictate standards.”
Although there was precious little time for sightseeing,
our travelers did what Merrilee referred to as the “Cliffs
Notes Tour” of Moscow one Sunday afternoon with
Cradle Russia translator/interpreter Oleg Derendyaev.
They enjoyed a stroll around Red Square and admired
the Kremlin’s imposing facade. Another highlight of the
trip was having the privilege of joining Scott and Meg for
their final court appearance. The Costellos brought Ilyin
home on October 25.
Judy and Merrilee at the Cathedral of St. Basil in Moscow’s Red Square.
Moscow staff member Oleg Derendyaev captivates a baby at the orphanage
in Smolensk.
ON THE HOME FRONT
Here in Evanston, Judy’s team includes Russia Program Specialist Sue
Petersen and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Squires. Currently, there
are 25 families enrolled in The Cradle Russia program. On January 20,
2007, The Cradle will be hosting a festive Russia Holiday Party for families
with children from Russia at White Nights restaurant in Rosemont.
In April, the Cradle Cares Humanitarian Assistance Program will be
hosting its second annual “Night of Promise” benefit to raise funds for
Russian orphanages in the regions where The Cradle works. The generosity
of Cradle Cares donors enabled the orphanage in Smolensk to
purchase space heaters, furniture and kitchen equipment.
10 The Cradle Newsletter

EDUCATING l The Community
CRADLE l Highlights 2006
We are pleased to share with you some of The Cradle’s
activities and accomplishments of the past fiscal year, which ended
on September 30, 2006:
• The Cradle placed 87 babies with loving families through our
domestic adoption program.
• Thirty-four of The Cradle’s domestic placements were black
or biracial babies placed through the Ardythe and Gale
Sayers Center for African American Adoption.
Seminar attendees go over adoption legal information at The Cradle.
On November 2, 2006, health care social workers gathered in
Evanston for a continuing education seminar hosted by The Cradle.
The seminar focused on changes in Illinois adoption law, and provided
information and training for health care professionals working
with expectant parents. Christina Schneider, Special Assistant General
Counsel with DCFS, spoke about the Illinois Adoption Reform Act.
Tom Hanrahan, an adoption attorney, explained the legal intricacies
of adoption law as it applies to the health care setting.
Cradle Outreach Manager Stefanie Dziedzic remarked, "This seminar
was a great opportunity for The Cradle not only to provide training
to health care workers, but to advocate for best practices in working
with clients who may be considering adoption for their child."
HOLIDAY PARTY - DECEMBER 2
One child whispers a special wish to Santa Claus. Another
shares the excitement of a spinning dreidel. Another begins
to learn the principles of Kwanzaa. All are part of The Cradle’s
annual Holiday Party, to be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday,
December 2. When families gather to welcome this magical
time of the year, The Cradle overflows with smiles. There are
holiday refreshments and a variety of children’s activities. A
storyteller will provide tales of the season.
Often, The Cradle Holiday Party becomes an important part
of family traditions. Many families create their own ornaments,
which reflect their heritage. Each year, these ornaments reappear
on one of the trees at The Cradle.
Girls and boys can attend with their parents, grandparents or
siblings. Frequently, families also invite their children’s birthparents.
International and domestic families are welcome. For
many party guests, a highlight is a visit to the Nursery, where
the nurses always look forward to greeting the children.
• Our international program facilitated the placements of 138
children from 8 countries into permanent, nurturing homes in
the U.S.
• The Cradle Society in Russia was designated a
non-governmental organization as of August 30.
• Nearly 800 expectant women contacted The Cradle to
inquire about our adoption services. More than half of those
women met with a birthparent counselor to discuss their
options.
• The Cradle Nursery provided outstanding care for 98 infants,
58 of whom had some degree of special medical need. The
average daily Nursery census was 8 babies and the average
stay was 31.6 days.
• The Cradle received over 1100 inquiries from prospective
adoptive families and completed 190 home studies. More
than 1200 people enrolled in our parent preparation classes
such as Adoption 101, Making Connections and
Transitions to Openness.
• Adoption Learning Partners launched its eighth course,
Lifebooks: Creating and Telling Your Child’s Story, and
began development of two new courses. ALP course
enrollments in FY06 totaled a record 20,196!
• More than 1500 individuals made inquiries to The Cradle’s
Post Adoption Services department, which provides
individual and family counseling, offers educational
workshops, and conducts family searches and reunions.
• Effective September 21, The Cradle was reaccredited (with
flying colors!) by the Council on Accreditation.
Party volunteers are always needed. To volunteer, to RSVP, or to
receive additional information, please contact Lynne Firestone,
Volunteer Coordinator, at 847-733-3229 or lfirestone@cradle.
org.

2049 Ridge Avenue | Evanston, IL 60201
847.475.5800 | www.cradle.org
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Julianne S. Tye, President
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 166
EVANSTON, IL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Margarita E. Kellen, Chair
Anna Marie Hajek, Vice Chair
E. Hoy McConnell II, Secretary/Treasurer
Richard C. Burnstine, M.D.
Margaret A. Cartier
Stephen S. Cole, Jr.
Paula M. and John F. Dix, Jr.
John L. Fairfield
Raymond Grady
Fred Holubow
Rose Ann and Addison C. Hoof
DeVerille A. Huston
Catherine C. Klettke
Margaret K. and David E. Mason
Judith A. Mühlberg
Mary T. Phenner
Corrine V. Reichert
Kevin J. Rochford
Lawrence Rubly
Thomas F. Ryan
Robert E. Sargent
Ardythe E. and Gale E. Sayers
William R. Stasek
Virginia L. and Paul B. Uhlenhop
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Margaret M. Adams
W. Randolph Adams, Jr.
Harold S. Bott
Joan and Stanley M. Freehling
Jane and Allan Gunn
Nancy M. and Charles F. Hovey, Jr.
Suzanne S. Meyer
Aidan I. Mullett
Karla Scherer
Jacqueline L. Schoellhorn
Mary H. and Bernard F. Sergesketter
Lee Trager Stein
WINTER/SPRING 2007
1/20 RUSSIA HOLIDAY PARTY
White Nights, Rosemont
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
1/20 PROMOTING CHILDREN’S
LANGUAGE SKILLS*
The Cradle, Evanston
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1/31 SIRAGUSA SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
CRADLE | Calendar
2/08 FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY
McCormick Place, Chicago
6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
3/01 NAVIGATING EARLY
INTERVENTION & SPECIAL
EDUCATION SERVICES*
The Cradle, Evanston
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
4/18 THE COLOR PURPLE
Sayers Center benefit performance
Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago
7:30 p.m.
*Fees: $20 per person per class; $10 for second family member; no fee for Cradle
pre-placement clients. Register online at www.cradle.org or by calling 847-733-3233.
Sophie Lukasik, all bundled up for the cold
weather!
12 The Cradle Newsletter