St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will add four new members to its Hall of Friends on Friday, May 18. Les Weil, Doug Barnes, Betty Glisch and Marguerite Woodfill 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 people have put their hearts into making sure St. Ann Center fulfills its mission of serving the most vulnerable and ensuring quality of life for people of all ages,” said Sr. Edna Lonergan, president and founder of the unique day services center for both children and adults.
Les Weil, a philanthropist and active community volunteer, is a member of the Capital Campaign Committee that spearheaded fundraising for the multimillion dollar construction of St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, which opened at 2450 W. North Ave. in 2015. “Les has been a mentor to me, and he’s introduced countless people to the work we do,” Lonergan said. “He’s generous with his knowledge and words of advice—and I take it to heart.”
Doug Barnes, vice president at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, is a member of St. Ann Center’s board of directors. He’s also active on the Capital Campaign Committee and chairs the Mission Effectiveness Committee. Barnes leads the team that designed the award-winning Bucyrus Campus, including a 350-seat community band shell that’s scheduled for completion this year. “Doug worked closely with our staff to ensure our design would meet the needs of the neighborhood while remaining authentic to its culture,” Lonergan said. “Most importantly, he understands and believes in our mission.”
Betty Glisch has been a St. Ann Center volunteer for 30 years, assisting with special events, administration, the café and the center’s vintage jewelry collection. She helped to build a dynamic team of jewelry volunteers who clean, sort, repair and price donated heirloom and costume jewelry for sale to the public.
Marguerite Woodfill, one of Betty’s outstanding recruits, is equally dedicated to the jewelry program. She participates in monthly jewelry sales throughout Milwaukee and creates eye-catching displays that have customers flocking to buy. “Betty and Marguerite are talented, dedicated and have a wonderful fashion sense,” Lonergan said. “They’ve turned our jewelry collection into one of our major fundraisers.”
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.