St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will add three new members to its Hall of Friends on Friday, May 17. John McCarthy, Stephanie Sue Stein and Milwaukee Alderman Russell W. Stamper II will be recognized at a special reception at 10 a.m. at the center’s Stein Campus, 2801 E. Morgan Ave.
Established in 2014, the Hall of Friends Award recognizes people who have dedicated their time, talent and passion to furthering St. Ann Center’s mission of providing health and educational services for children, the elderly and adults with disabilities. “These talented people have made valuable contributions to St. Ann Center and the Milwaukee community,” said Sr. Edna Lonergan, president and founder of the unique day services center for both children and adults. “They have made service to others, including our most vulnerable, their priority.”
John McCarthy, founder of McCarthy Grittinger Financial Group, lent his expertise to St. Ann Center as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee that spearheaded fundraising for construction of St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus. He also helped develop a successful planned giving program. His daughter is an occasional guest at the center’s overnight respite and the subject of “Maggie’s Angels,” a book McCarthy authored about life with a child with special needs. “John has done great work building St. Ann Center’s endowment,” Lonergan said. “And his love, caring and respect for people living with disabilities is an inspiration.”
Stephanie Sue Stein, retired director of the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, has served on St. Ann Center’s Board of Directors and Finance Committee. She and Lonergan also worked together to create an Intergenerational Council as part of the county’s Commission on Aging. “Stephanie is a faithful friend and a very smart and strong advocate for older adults,” Lonergan said. “She’s never afraid to speak out for justice.”
Russell W. Stamper II, is Alderman of Milwaukee’s 15th District, where St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus was built in 2015. “Ald. Stamper works hard, he cares about his constituents, and he’s an enthusiastic supporter of our mission,” Lonergan said. Stamper played an important part in developing the North Side Business Incubator in collaboration with the Bucyrus Campus—designed to help jumpstart locally owned businesses that can generate income for the 15th District. He’s also active with Lonergan in the Marketplace Business Improvement District #32 and the North Avenue Streetscape Committee.
Lonergan will join St. Ann Center staff, day care children and adult clients in presenting the awardees with special gifts made by the youngsters and adults. Plaques with the names of the new Hall of Friends members will be added to a wall above the center’s grand staircase.