tHe radle - The Cradle

cradle RETROSPECTIVE, from page 1The Cradle Nursery, a desperate yet determined Florence Walrathsought to root out the cause. She enlisted the help of renownedphysician Dr. Gladys Dick, who along with her husband Dr. GeorgeDick had developed an immunization against scarlet fever. Dr.Dick came to the Nursery and discovered that the powdered milkused in the baby formula – which at the time couldn’t be boiled orsterilized – had become contaminated with germs. The report shepublished led manufacturers to change their formulas and makepowdered milk boilable. The Cradle Nursery went on to pioneermany other techniques that helped prevent disease transmissionand reduce infant mortality.That spirit of innovation propelled The Cradle through the 20th centuryand continues today, nearly three generations after Mrs. Walrathenlisted those five tycoons to her cause. We have seen major changesto the physical structure of The Cradle – from the construction ofa permanent facility in 1939, to the addition of a dormitory wing forCradle nurses in 1958, to extensive renovations in 1999 – as well asseismic shifts in adoption philosophy and practice.The Cradle is still guided by Florence’s vision, but has expandedupon that vision as the demographics and the needs of our clientshave changed. In the early days of The Cradle, virtually all of thebabies placed for adoption were white and in good health. Today,Cradle babies represent every racial, religious and socioeconomicbackground, as do the families that adopt these babies. Aroundhalf of the infants entrusted to our Nursery are healthy, while theother half face some degree of medical risk. Our counselors devotewhatever time and resources are necessary to find the perfect familyfor every baby.When The Cradle Nursery first opened, it could accommodate upto 60 infants and was often near capacity. The average Nurserycensus has declined significantly over the years, due in part to asharp drop in adoption activity in the 1970s and 1980s resultingfrom factors such as more effective methods of birth control andthe greater acceptance of single parenting. These days, you mightsee five to eight tiny newbornsin the care of Cradlenurses and infant aides onany given day, although as wesaw in 2008, the census canspike without anticipation.The 1990s was also a periodof dramatic change at TheCradle. To help revitalizethe organization, increaseplacements and boostfinancial support, the Boardof Directors launched aResurgence Campaign in1992. Two years later, recognizingthe urgent need to findmore families for black and biracial babies, The Cradle institutedan African American Infant Adoption Program (later renamed theArdythe and Gale Sayers Center). The Cradle Society in the RussianFederation, established in 1996, became our first foray into internationaladoption. Also during this period, The Cradle began toincorporate a philosophy of openness in its practice, and to educatefamilies about the advantages and realities of open adoption.The Cradle continues to grow and evolve in the 21st century. Oneway is by embracing new technologies and thereby expandingour reach. AdoptionLearningPartners.org, The Cradle’s coursebasedwebsite launched in 2002, is helping to educate thousandsof adoptive families and adoption professionals around the world.Another way is by continuing to advocate for improved adoptionpolicies and child-friendly legislation. We think Florence Walrathwould be proud of the work The Cradle is doing today and howher remarkable legacy has been honored.Here’s to the next 85 years!HAPPY MEMORIES I Are Made of THISCradle families will gather to welcome the holiday season on Saturday,December 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at The Cradle.Our annual family Holiday Party offers joy for everyone. The newest Cradle babieswill greet Santa Claus, and experience the sparkle of brightly lighted trees andwarmth of the holiday spirit. Older children can enjoy a variety of craft activities,learn about Kwanzaa and Chanukah, hear seasonal stories and decorate cookies.Domestic and international Cradle families, grandparents, birthparents and siblingsare all welcome. However, reservations are mandatory. Because of safety considerations,attendance is limited to the first 300 people who reply. To RSVP, just call847.475.5800, ext. 395, or send an e-mail to lfirestone@cradle.org. If you areinterested in volunteering at the party, call Lynne Firestone at 847.733.3229.2 The Cradle Newsletter

Message from the PresidentDear Friends,The end of a fiscal year is a goodopportunity for us to review themajor activities and accomplishmentsof that year and reportthem to you, our Cradle family.Fiscal 2008 was especially momentous,not just because it was TheCradle’s 85th anniversary year,but also because it was a year ofexpanded activity throughout the organization. The Nurseryadmitted more babies than it had in three decades, domesticplacements were significantly higher than in 2007, and AdoptionLearning Partners enrollments continued to soar. The Cradle Balldrew many first time attendees and new corporate sponsors.This issue of The Cradle Newsletter is devoted to looking backon the last 85 years, while celebrating the achievements of thepresent.On the flip side of this robust picture is the nationwide economiccrisis, which inevitably has impacted The Cradle. Most nonprofitsrely on their endowments and investments to shore upthe institution’s financial health and, when necessary, fill budgetshortfalls. The Cradle’s investment portfolio, needless to say, hasbeen hurt by the precipitous drop in the market. Nonetheless,our Board and management are working intently to ensure thatCradle programs and services can be sustained at the same levelin fiscal 2009. We will closely monitor our budget and economizewherever possible.Despite the insecurity of the current situation and uncertainty ofwhat the coming year holds, we remain committed to servingchildren and families with the excellence and empathy that arehallmarks of The Cradle.As a final note, I would like to remind our readers that Novemberis National Adoption Awareness Month. This month, all acrossthe country, events and observances are being held that celebrateadoption as a positive way to build families. We like tothink that every day at The Cradle is a celebration of adoption.Thank you for being part of the festivities!Warmest regards,POST ADOPtion WorkshopsOpen to the CommunityATTACHMENTSaturday, January 31, 2009, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane Street, Glen EllynGuest Speaker: Myra Lawrence, PsyD, child psychologist andCEO/Clinical Director of Shared VisionIt is not uncommon for internationally adopted children to taketime to attach to their new family. Participants in this workshop willexplore how pre-adoption experiences impact children’s attachmentstyles and learn effective interactions that promote attachmentfor each type of parent and their adopted child.OVERCOMING SENSORY/REGULATORYISSUES IN ADOPTED CHILDRENSaturday, March 21, 2009, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.The Cradle, EvanstonGuest speaker: Dan R. Griffith, PhD, clinical pediatric psychologistDepending on their early care-giving setting, internationally adoptedchildren may have trouble processing sensory information and/or regulating their attention, behavior and emotions. This workshopwill help parents identify different types of sensory/regulatorydifficulties common in children, describe the impact such difficultiesmay have on the parent/child relationship, and learn appropriateintervention strategies to help overcome these challenges.Fees: $20 per person per workshop, $10 for second familymember; non-refundable. Pre-registration is requested. Registeronline at www.cradle.org/post_workshops.html or by calling847.733.3233.The Cradle received the following message from adoptiveparents Laura and Steve Edgar via our website on themorning of September 11, 2008. On an otherwise somberday, it provided a welcome ray of light and hope:Today is the anniversary of the day you made us a family.Delaney is now 10 and thriving with all of the joy and loveof life that we should all have, regardless of our age. As Isit here remembering the call that came on September 11,1998 to “come and pick up our daughter” I cannot help butto be overwhelmed once again. Thank you for all you do– the birth parents you help to make the right decision forthem and the families you help create. Thank you for helpingus celebrate our Gotcha Day!Sincerely,Julie S. TyeThe Edgar FamilyIf you would like to share your adoption story with otherCradle families, please go to www.cradle.org and click on“Forum” at the bottom of the home page.

FOUNDATION BRIEFS2009 SIRAGUSA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMSiragusa Scholarship applications were mailed in October to all families who adopted a childthrough The Cradle since 1991. This program, currently in its ninth year, enables The CradleFoundation to award grants of up to $1,500 to families who have an adopted child or childrenwith special needs. The deadline for submission is December 19, 2008.If you have questions about the program, or if you didn’t receive an application and would likeone, please contact Heidi Bloom at 847.733.3240 or hbloom@cradle.org.FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITY 2009For the fourteenth consecutive year, The Cradle will take part in First Look for Charity, anexclusive black-tie gala and preview of the Chicago Auto Show benefiting The Cradle and 17other Chicago area nonprofits. The 2009 event will take place on Thursday, February 12 atMcCormick Place, where guests at The Cradle’s private reception will enjoy food and cocktails,have souvenir pictures taken, bid on silent auction items, take a chance on the raffle, hit thedance floor and meet other Cradle supporters. They’ll also get to check out North America’slargest auto show before it is open to the public, and be entered in a drawing to win one of twonew cars. Over the years, First Look has raised nearly $1.3 million for Cradle programs and services.For more information, visit www.cradle.org or call Bonnie Krasny at 847.733.3234.MARY POPPINS IN CHICAGOThere are still tickets left, but they’re going fast! Cradle Connections has secured a limitednumber of select orchestra seats for a Saturday matinee of the Tony Award-winning musical onMarch 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Original Broadway stars Ashley Brownand Gavin Lee will be featured. Tickets are $125, with a portion of each benefiting The Cradle.Reserve your seats now at www.cradle.org or by calling 847.733.3230.MOTORCYCLE POKER RUNAre you – or someone you know – a motorcycle enthusiast? A group of longtime Cradle volunteersis discussing the possibility of organizing a unique and fun event to benefit The Cradle.Here’s how it works: Motorcycle riders gather at a specified location and ride a set route, withset stops. At each stop riders pick up a playing card. At the end of the ride, participants enjoya casual reception and show their poker hands from the cards they picked up along the way.The winner receives a prize and The Cradle receives a portion of the proceeds from registrationfees. If you are interested in helping to plan such an event or participate as a rider, please contactBrooke Voss at 847.733.3204 or bvoss@cradle.org.4 The Cradle Newsletter

Are you taking required minimumwithdrawals from your IRA?If so, you can benefit from the extended IRA charitablegiving legislation. Don’t write a check for your 2008 year-enddonation, transfer funds from your IRA directly to The Cradleinstead!Through December 31, 2008 and again in 2009, donors whoare 70 ½ or older may transfer up to $100,000 from an IRA orRollover IRA account to The Cradle or other private charity.Under this legislation your gift is not tax-deductible, butit is also not taxed as regular income as it would havebeen. Funds must be transferred directly from your IRA toThe Cradle.Please call Jenny Merdinger at (847) 448-8752 for more informationor email her at jmerdinger@cradle.org. As always,please consult a professional advisor in the execution of anygifts affecting your savings and retirement funds.BBQ I FundraiserA TRIBUTE TODr. Richard BurnstineSpeaking of anniversaries,we have anotherimportant milestone tocelebrate. Dr. RichardBurnstine, The Cradle’sMedical Director, will bemarking his 45th year ofservice to The Cradle.This exceptional physicianhas been caring for Cradlebabies for more than halfthe life of the organization!Richard C. Burnstine, M.D. graduated from HarvardMedical School in 1954 and did postgraduate training inpediatrics at hospitals in New York and Boston, beforemoving to the Chicago area and joining the staff ofEvanston Hospital. In early 1964 he began his affiliationwith The Cradle as Associate Attending Pediatrician, andin 1968 he became Attending Pediatrician. Dr. Burnstinewas named Medical Director of The Cradle in 1981 andwas elected to The Cradle Board of Directors in 1992. Heis also Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at NorthwesternUniversity's Feinberg School of Medicine.During his decades-long tenure with The Cradle, Dr.Burnstine has supervised the care of more than 5,500babies who have been admitted to the Nursery. And hehas performed this extraordinary task with no remuneration.Today, every Cradle baby is examined and assessedby either Dr. Burnstine or his colleague, Dr. Ira Salafsky.Rob Nicholas and Mike Stobart turned their annual summer barbecuefor family and friends into a fundraiser for The Cradle. Mike’ssister-in-law had been a Cuddler and knew firsthand the needs ofour little ones and their caregivers. The generous folks at the August16 barbecue donated $2,600 to the Nursery, as well as a supply ofdiapers. Here, Mike (center) and Rob (right) man the grill with theirfriend Andy Pieri. We are grateful to them for organizing this terrificevent!In honor of Dr. Burnstine’s inestimable contribution toThe Cradle, we are planning to establish the Richard C.Burnstine, M.D. Fund for the Care of Cradle Babies. Thisfund will help us to continue providing outstanding care24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to some of society’s mostvulnerable members. It will also celebrate the extraordinarylegacy of a man who has become an integral part ofCradle history.For more information about the Burnstine Fund, pleasecontact Brooke Voss at 847.733.3204 or bvoss@cradle.org.

The 14 th annual I Cradle BallThe Cradle Foundation’s premier annual black-tie gala washeld on Saturday, September 27 at The Ritz-Carlton inChicago. This year’s Ball was the centerpiece of The Cradle’s 85thanniversary celebration and a splendid tribute to Cradle founderFlorence Walrath’s vision of a loving family for every child.Thanks to title sponsor Northern Trust, and all of the evening’sother generous sponsors, auction donors and attendees, the Ballraised nearly $150,000 in support of The Cradle’s outstandingadoption programs and services.An impressive turnout of 275 guests enjoyed cocktails and horsd’oeuvres in the twelfth floor Loge of The Ritz, while browsing atempting array of silent auction items and taking a chance on the"Key for The Cradle" game. Tiffany & Co. generously donatedfive beautiful jewelry items that were individually wrapped inTiffany’s signature blue boxes and displayed in a padlockedacrylic case. Participants had the opportunity to purchase keys,and if the key they selected from a crystal bowl opened the lock,the winner could take out one of the boxes. With each success, acheer went up through the room!Guests moved into the elegantly appointed Ballroom for theevening’s program, a gourmet dinner and dancing to the GlenTraeger Orchestra. Each table was challenged to a game ofCradle trivia that tested players’ knowledge of Cradle history andpractices spanning more than eight decades (see questions onpg. 9).Janet Davies of ABC7 Chicago and Steve Cochran of WGNRadio did a superb job as celebrity emcees. Both have anadoption connection. Janet is Mom to two Cradle sons andSteve is an adopted person who told the group about his recentreunion with his birthmother. Janet and Steve auctioned offdeluxe prizes including a three-night stay at the Four SeasonsResort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and a private, catered fivecoursedinner party for ten courtesy of The Hearty Boys. Theyalso conducted a very successful revenue auction to raise fundsfor essential items such as special needs evaluations for Cradlebabies, TV ads targeted to expectant women, and Nursery supplieslike diapers and pacifiers.“The Ball was an incredible success,” said Erin Dickes, 2008event Chair. “The room was filled with new and exciting energy,as many of our guests had never been to a Cradle Ball andimmediately became attached to our cause – the babies!” Erin,who is also a member of The Cradle Associates professionalboard, announced the recipients of the 2008 Silver Cradle, anaward presented annually by the Associates to Chicago areacompanies that offer exceptional adoption-related benefits.This year’s ten recipients included Allstate Insurance, BaxterInternational, CB Richard Ellis, CME Group, W.W. Grainger, Inc.,JPMorgan Chase, McDonald’s Corp., Northern Trust, NuveenInvestments and PricewaterhouseCoopers.The Cradle extends its sincere thanks to Erin Dickes and TheCradle Benefit Council for organizing such a magnificent event,and to everyone who attended or volunteered at the Ball. Onthe pages that follow, we acknowledge the generosity of our Ballsponsors and the many donors who contributed to the success ofCradle events in 2008.2008 Silver Cradle recipients, from left:Jeanette Beard, Allstate; Joel Jaglin,PricewaterhouseCoopers; Laura Coy,Grainger; William McClintic, NorthernTrust; Sheri Wielgat, McDonald’s;Corrine McClintic, Northern Trust;Charles Van McClellan, CB Richard Ellis;Erin Dickes, Cradle Ball Chair; PaulaEvans, CME Group; Barry Fulk, BaxterInternational; and Robert Luse, NuveenInvestments.6 The Cradle Newsletter

The Haughey family came all the way from West Virginia to attend the Ball. From left,Cradle adoptee Andy Haughey, his wife Erin, and parents Linda and Fred Haughey.OUR SINCERE GRATITUDETO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS AND ABIDING SUPPORT OF ADOPTIONPLEASE JOIN US IN EXPRESSING APPRECIATION BY PATRONIZING THEIR BUSINESSESCradle parents Denis and Eleanor Daly had a wonderfultime at the Ball.TITLE SPONSOR ($25,000 LEVEL)GOLD SPONSORS ($6,000 LEVEL)Marge and Kevin KellenSILVER SPONSORS ($3,000 LEVEL)A Friend of The CradleErin and Scott DickesAndrea and Edward HerchenbachBAR SPONSOR ($2,000 LEVEL)Mary and Geoffrey BloomConnie Perino GoggioCorrine ReichertPhyllis S. ThomasKatherine WhippleWinnetka Auxiliary of The Cradle BRONZE SPONSORS ($800 LEVEL)Pamela AmosAmy and Clay BrockCB Richard Ellis Group, Inc.Paula and John DixMartha KingMary and John MeanyMichelle McKennaLarry RublyDiana and Jerry DutkaGlenn’s Duxler Tire Co.Karla and Vincent JohnsonJanet and Stephen McDonaldBeth and Alan SingerPhyllis S. ThomasVirginia and Paul UhlenhopNURSERY ANGELS ($1,500 LEVEL)Kathleen and William MyersBarbara and Peter SeredaSwitchfast TechnologiesCradle Associate Michelle McKenna, left, with friends Tara Sadera andJody FisherCelebrity emcee JanetDavies won a stunningnecklace in Tiffany’s “Keyfor The Cradle” game!A special thank you tofor the Key for The Cradle Gamefor donating the prizes6

Auction, Raffle, & Special Prize DonorsThank you to all of the individuals and businesses that donated gifts and services to The Cradle Foundation’sfundraising events in 2008. We deeply appreciate your generous support!A Friend of The CradleAbt ElectronicsAdler PlanetariumAlley GalleryJuliet AmantePamela AmosArlington ParkA La CarteArgo TeaArt + ScienceLenore and Frank ArviaBalloon EndeavorBally Total FitnessThe Barn of BarringtonMaria BayerBeBee HVACBecky & Me ToysBedside ManorBernardi SecuritiesBest Buy in GenevaBest PlumbingBill Stasek ChevroletBling BabyBliss SalonBob Chinn's Crab House RestaurantBook BinThe Book Stall of Chestnut CourtRobert BourkeBoxes and BindingsRick BoyntonBrenda Bendel Day Spa and Make Up StudioHoward and Jennifer BrinnBrunswick Bowling & BilliardsBuild-A-BearThe CanvasbackCar-ismaCasteel & Company Coffee RoastersCatch 35Catering by Max’s – Larry EstesCatering by Michael'sThe Celebration Chef – Karen FriedenbergCentre East, Inc.Chalet Nursery & Garden ShopsWill ChanaCharlie Trotter'sRoberto ChavezChelsea Fine Art – Warren WrightChelsea & ScottChicago BearsChicago Blackhawks Hockey Team, Inc.Chicago BullsChicago Children's MuseumChicago Cubs8 The Cradle NewsletterChicago FireChicago Shakespeare TheaterChicago Symphony OrchestraChicago White SoxChicago's Essex InnCity of EvanstonClaim Jumper Restaurants, LLCClean Plate ClubClub LuckySteve ColeColumbia College Chicago Theater CenterMary and James ConnellyContinental CaféConway Farms Golf ClubCoopers' Hawk Winery and RestaurantCorry ConnellyCosi Inc.Costco WholesaleCountry Companies Insurance in HuntleyThe Cradle AssociatesCrate and BarrelThe Crystal CaveCulinary Arts Program at Lake Country HighSchool – Andrew Meyerda VINCI GroupDance Center EvanstonChristopher DeeneyDeerfields BakeryDePaul University Merle Reskin TheatreThe Denim Lounge/Madison and FriendsDenis DalyDesigned Cuisine, a division of Michael’sCatering – Fran Young and Harry LitbergDesigns of the InteriorErin DickesSue and Byram DickesDon Roth's Blackhawk in WheelingJudy and Dan DorrEdward Fox PhotographyEdwards Florist and Greenhouses Inc.Elegance in Meats – Eddie ManacekEli's Cheesecake WorldFantasy KingdomThe Finishing TouchField MuseumFirehouse GrillJohn FixLori and Dan FlahertyFlat Top GrillThe Frame Forum of Lake ForestFrancesca's NorthFranz ExcavatingNicole FryBarry FulkState Senator Susan GarrettGiacomo’s Ristorante Italiano – Anna Mariaand Jack ZitoGlenbrook Racquet ClubGlenbrook Sports AcademyGlenbrook Racquet ClubGlenbrook Sports AcademyGlen Club – Jim SmirlesGlessner House MuseumGlitter and Gold LLC – Sally MishoulamGolfTECGood's of EvanstonThe Great EscapeRob GuglielmiFour Seasons Resort - Jackson HoleHairsayTom HartleLinda and Fred HaugheyHealth Matters Therapeutic Massage –Deb ReedMarc HeidkampCriss HendersonPeter HickeyHillcrest Country ClubHolidazzleHot Rod AutomotiveNancy IidaIllinois Sports Facilities AuthorityImage Motor SportsJ. Alexander's RestaurantThe James HotelJeffro Furniture - Larry LucasJewel-OscoJoel JaglinThe Joffrey BalletJoseph Michael's SalonSharon and Greg KaczmarekKane County CougarsMarge KellenKidsnips in WilmetteKnauz Auto GroupKohl Children's MuseumFrank KuzelLa De Da!La Donna Italian RestaurantLa Mirage Restaurant, Elegant Banquet, Bar& LoungeLake Forest SymphonyLambrecht's Jewelers Inc.Larry MacyLazar's Juvenile FurnitureLettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc.Levy RestaurantsLifeline TheatreLincoln Park ZooElaine and Leonard LirtzmanThe Little Gym of Glenview

Donors, ContinuedLiving in the City TransportationL'oran SalonLou Malnati'sLuLu's Dim Sum & Then SumLynfred WineryMaplewood HotelJeff MarcellaMark Brown PhotographyMarked for Dessert – Mark SeamanJanet McDonaldMcGaw YMCAMary and John MeanyMedieval Times Dinner & TournamentSheryl and Eric MersmannMetropolis Performing Arts CentreMoody's UpholsteryMorningstarMrs. Murphy and Sons Irish BistroMuller HondaMusic Institute of ChicagoMy Creations Company, LLCNabiscoNew York Fire DepartmentNorth Shore Racquet ClubNorth Shore RodsNorth Shore YogaNorthshore Cookery – Ruth RossNorthwestern UniversityNotebaert Nature MuseumNot Just Haircuts styling salonNuveen InvestmentsOceaniqueOld Town School of Folk MusicOm on the Range Yoga StudioThe Oprah Winfrey ShowThe Palmer House HiltonKirsten PassalinoAngie and Jim PerkinsP.F. Chang's China BistroPick-Staiger Concert HallPhilly G's RestaurantThe Popcorn FactoryPotbelly Sandwich WorksPrairie MoonPRP Wine InternationalQuade ProductionsQuartino Restaurant & Wine BarQuince RestaurantRaffin ConstructionRoberto ChavezRed Door Salon – EvanstonRenaissance Oak Brook HotelMarcia ResnikRestaurant MichaelReydog, Inc.Rising Star DanceSportRitz-Carlton ChicagoRocky Mountain Chocolate FactoryRussian Gifts & CollectiblesSam's Club in GenevaSam's Wines and SpiritsSandy SantangeloGeorge SargentGale SayersSeacord House Bed and BreakfastSchaeffer's Wines, Foods & SpiritsSherie SchleichThe Second CitySecret TreasuresAnn and Steve SergesketterMary SergesketterJohn G. Shedd AquariumKim and Matt SimontonSix Flags Great AmericaSpice HouseBeth SquiresBill and Linda StasekSterling Silver Dragonfly JewelrySt. Mary’s Quilters of EvanstonStrasburg ChildrenThe Strike ZoneStuart-Rodgers PhotographySunset FoodsSYMS CorpTarget in AlgonquinTarget in ElginTeddie Kossof SalonTexas de BrazilPhyllis ThomasThree Tarts Bakery & CaféPam and Robert TichyTiffany & Co.TipsyCake LLCTop Shelf Wine & SpiritsTonelli's RestaurantHelen TrageVirginia and Paul UhlenhopUncommon GroundUrban OasisVermilion RestaurantLois and Griswold WareWendella BoatsWGN RadioWhirlyballWilmette Tailors & CleanersWines for HumanityWinesellers Ltd.Wine StylesWinnetka Auxiliary of The CradleWomen and Children FirstWoodbine Golf CourseWooden SpoonMatt ZagorskiZanies Comedy ClubOh Baby!Cradle Trivia ChallengeTest your knowledge of Cradle history and services byanswering the following questions that were posed toguests at The Cradle Ball:1. What is the name of the woman dedicated toestablishing The Cradle’s mission of providing a loving,permanent home for every child?A. Gracie AllenB. Dolores HopeC. Florence WalrathD. Donna Reed2. Which of the following programs were added toThe Cradle since its establishment 85 years ago?A. Adoption program for African American childrenB. Permanent homes for former foster children inIllinoisC. International adoption options including RussiaadoptionD. All of the above3. Who among the following is NOT a Cradle adoptiveparent?A. Bob HopeB. Barbara WaltersC. George BurnsD. Janet Davies4. Under what circumstances would The Cradle turnaway a birthmother?A. If she is under the age of 15B. If the biological father is unknownC. If she is not a US citizenD. If she or the baby has special medical needsE. None of the above5. An epidemic of what disease threatened the nationin 1927, causing major breakthroughs in baby care atThe Cradle?A. Scarlet FeverB. CholeraC. MeaslesD. GastroenteritisAnswers: 1-c; 2-d; 3-b; 4-e; 5-d

The year I In ReviewAs we’ve reported in previous newsletters, fiscal 2008 was anespecially busy year at The Cradle. Besides celebrating a milestoneanniversary, we experienced a 23% increase in Nursery admissionsover 2007, a 21% increase in domestic placements and an11% increase in the number of inquiries made by expectant women.International placements were down somewhat, due to factors beyondThe Cradle’s control – i.e. significant restrictions placed on internationaladoption activity by many foreign countries. In all, 2008 was a strongand positive year for The Cradle, and for the women, children andfamilies we serve. Following are some key statistics and highlights:MAKING THE HOLIDAYSBRIGHTER• The Cradle placed 99 babies with loving families through itsdomestic adoption program and completed 3 home studies forclients who adopted through another agency.• Of our 99 domestic placements, 41 were African American orbiracial babies placed through the Sayers Center.• The Cradle’s Russia Adoption Program completed 27 placementsin fiscal 2008. An additional 46 home studies were completed forfamilies adopting children from 11 countries, bringing our total forinternational placements to 73.• Family Placement and Support Services finalized the re-adoptionor permanent guardianship of 99 children. There were 70 openfamily cases comprising 85 children as of September 30.• 822 women facing an unplanned pregnancy contacted The Cradlefor information or guidance; 288 of those women met with aCradle birthparent counselor to discuss their options.• The Cradle Nursery admitted 121 babies, 67 of whom weredetermined to be at-risk for special medical needs. As ofSeptember 30, 79 babies had been placed with adoptive families,40 had gone home with their birthparents, and 2 remained in theNursery.• The average daily census in the Nursery was 8 babies and theaverage stay was 24 days.• 282 prospective adoptive families met with a Cradle counselorfor an initial assessment and 199 home studies were completed.• Post Adoption Services assisted more than 1500 individualsthrough counseling, non-identifying medical and socialinformation, the mutual consent registry, outreach to birthrelatives, educational workshops and other services.• AdoptionLearningPartners.org logged 27,727 total courseenrollments (4,332 more than in 2007), registered more than 8,000new users and issued nearly 20,000 certificates of completion.We are grateful to all of our clients, ALP users, volunteers, staffmembers, donors and friends for a banner year at The Cradle!Volunteers prepare to make holiday deliveries to families in lastyear's gift drive.At just 23 years of age, Michelle (not her real name) wasalready struggling to work full time, attend college andcare for her three-year-old son when disaster struck. Hergrandmother, who had been raising Michelle’s teenagesisters since their biological mother abandoned the family,died, leaving the girls without a home. Despite her limitedresources and already stretched budget, Michelle maderoom in her heart and her home for her little sisters, determinedto make a better life for her family.Michelle’s family is just one of nearly 70 families servedby The Cradle’s Family Placement and Support program.This unique project helps older children (former wards ofthe state) who lose their adoptive parents to be readoptedwithin their extended family. Each year at Christmas, TheCradle Associates and a number of churches and donorstry to make the holidays a little brighter for these strugglingfamilies.Michelle’s wish this year is for board games (Monopoly,Scrabble, Yahtzee) so that the family can have regulargame nights. They also need kitchen and houseware itemssuch as cups, dishes, towels and sheets, since Michelledoubled the size of her household when she said yes toadopting her two younger sisters.We currently are seeking sponsors for 25 families throughthis holiday giving program. If you or your company wouldlike to help, please contact Joan Evanich at jevanich@cradle.org or by phone at 847.446.4214.10 The Cradle Newsletter

NOTEWORTHYALP UpdatesAdoption Learning Partners has had a very full docket, with recordcourse enrollments as well as the addition of new courses, staffmembers and partnerships. In August ALP launched “MaintainingConnections,” a course created by the Family Connections Project tohelp child welfare professionals recognize the benefits to older youth infoster care of maintaining connections with birth families. The websitenow offers twelve online courses and is poised to launch #13, a coursedesigned to help adoptive parents develop an effective discipline planfor their children.New to the ALP team are Kevin Hampton, Web Developer, VenitaGriffin, Interactive Engagement Specialist, and Barbara Supergan,Education and Training Consultant/ALP Sales Manager. ALP also recentlysigned a contract with Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI)to host three of their courses covering the Chinese adoption process,culture, history and traditions. Hosting courses for organizations such asCCAI provides these agencies with the distribution network they needwhile enabling ALP to expand its curriculum.Go to www.adoptionlearningpartners.org to see what’s new!Staff MilestonesCongratulations to the following staff members who recently celebratedanniversaries of a decade or more of service to The Cradle:Jadwiga Nowakowski, Infant Aide – 30 years!George Mitchell, Driver/Building Manager – 16 yearsSandy Drumke, Infant Aide – 15 yearsGen Kimmel, Certified Infant Nurse – 12 yearsMarlene Day, Registered Nurse – 12 yearsJadwiga came to The Cradle in 1978and worked in our laundry for severalyears before transferring to theNursery, where she has fed, bathed,cuddled, diapered and loved literallyhundreds of babies, and has gone oncountless baby pick-ups, doctor visitsand lab appointments. Jadwiga’s skillsare by no means limited to infant care.She is also a master seamstress andtailor who has performed expert alterationson ball gowns, prom dressesand myriad other clothing items forCradle staff members over the years. When Nursery Director VictoriaBrooks came up with a design for an evacuation vest with “pockets” tohold several babies and be worn by a nurse in case of an emergency,Jadwiga helped create the pattern and sewed the prototype. It is withgreat sadness that we will say goodbye to Jadwiga when she retiresfrom The Cradle in March, and great appreciation for her decades ofloving and dedicated service.Autumn Moon FestivalCradle Connections hosted its annual celebration forfamilies with children adopted from Asia on Saturday,October 25. Nearly 100 parents and youngsters, manyin traditional attire, gathered at Furama Restaurant inChicago for a joyful afternoon of cultural entertainment,delicious Asian food, crafts, a lantern parade and LionDance.Autumn Moon Festival is a family-focused holidayobserved throughout Asia that celebrates the bounty ofthe harvest. The children listened attentively while sevenseniors from the Korean Club at Niles West High Schoolgave a lively presentation on Chuseok, a major annualharvest festival and three-day holiday in Korea. DuringChuseok, families visit their ancestral hometowns, pay theirrespects at the graves of their ancestors, tell stories andshare a feast of traditional Korean food.We would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts ofcommittee members Siobhan Flynn and Susan Clark, aswell as our fantastic team of volunteers, for making thisyear’s Autumn Moon Festival such a wonderful event.The Cradle and The CradleFoundation wish you andyour family a veryhappy holiday season!

2049 Ridge Avenue | Evanston, IL 60201847.475.5800 | www.cradle.orgchief executive officerJulianne S. Tye, President/CEOboard of directorsMargarita E. Kellen, ChairAnna M. Hajek, Vice ChairStephen S. Cole, Secretary/TreasurerNON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGEPAIDPALATINE, ILP&DCPERMIT# 7066Caryn Rowe AfrickPamela F. AmosJohn K. BarthRichard C. Burnstine, M.D.Margaret A. CartierJohn F. Dix, Jr.Paula M. DixTherese K. FauerbachMary L. FischRaymond GradyAndrea I. HerchenbachMelville H. Ireland, Jr.Catherine C. KlettkeJohn Salvatore Luce, Psy.DLawrence G. MacyJanet S. McDonaldPriscilla A. NewmanElizabeth ParkinsonKevin J. RochfordLawrence H. RublyThomas F. RyanRobert E. SargentArdythe E. and Gale E. SayersBarbara S. SeredaBeth Bronner SingerWilliam R. StasekVirginia L. UhlenhopGriswold L. Warehonorary directorsMargaret M. AdamsHarold S. Bott, Jr.John L. FairfieldJoan S. and Stanley M. FreehlingJane and Allan GunnRose Ann and Addison C. HoofNancy M. HoveyCharles F. Hovey, Jr.David E. and Margaret K. MasonSuzanne S. MeyerAidan I. MullettMary T. and Michael E. PhennerWilliam C. Rands IIICorrine V. ReichertJacqueline L. SchoellhornMary H. and Bernard F. SergesketterPaul B. Uhlenhoplate Fall 200812/06 CRADLE HOLIDAY PARTYThe Cradle, Evanston9:30 a.m. to NoonWINTER/EarlySpring 200901/10 RUSSIA HOLIDAY PARTYLaMirage Restaurant, RollingMeadows11 a.m. to 2 p.m.01/31 ATTACHMENTPost Adoption Workshop*Glen Ellyn Public Library9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Cradle | Calendar02/12 FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITYMcCormick Place, Chicago6 p.m. to 11 p.m.03/21 OVERCOMING SENSORY/REGULATORY ISSUESPost Adoption Workshop*The Cradle, Evanston9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.03/28 MARY POPPINSCadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Christian Norquist and his dad Mark atAutumn Moon Festival*Open to the community. Fee: $20 per person per workshop,$10 for second family member; non-refundable.Register online at www.cradle.org/post_workshops.htmlor by calling 847-733-3233.12 The Cradle Newsletter