2021 MEMBER HANDBOOK Society

Founded in Washington, D.C. in 1887 by Mary Virginia Merrick

A Non-Profit Organization

2021 Columbus, Ohio Chapter P.O. Box 340091 Columbus, Ohio 43234-0091 Founded in 1981

www.ChristChildSociety.org [email protected]

Our Mission: The Christ Child Society is a non-profit organization of members dedicated to service to children in need, for love of the Christ Child. Our Purpose: We are an organization dedicated to serving the needs of children and youth regardless of race or creed, through the personal service of our members.

This Directory is for the sole use of Christ Child of Columbus, Inc. chapter members and for chapter business ONLY.

2 Remember in this sacrifice of Your own and only Child all children everywhere throughout the world, and grant that, like Your Son, as they increase in years, they may grow in grace and wisdom before You, and in the sight of all, for the improvement and saving of the world.

0 Jesus, the Friend of little children, bless the little children of the whole world. Amen.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Past presidents ...... 5

Officers ...... 6

Committee chairs ...... 7

Fundraising chairs ...... 8

Service projects ...... 9

Service agencies and organizations ...... 10

Board meetings ...... 11

General membership meetings ...... 12

Calendar of events ...... 13

Parish Representatives ...... 14

National Christ Child Society ...... 15

Membership responsibilities ...... 22

Volunteer Hours Tracking FAQs ...... 23

Volunteer Hours Worksheet ...... 26

Members ...... 27

Addendum

4 Past Presidents

Mary Ann Celebrezze 1981-1983 Kay Gibbons 1983-1985 Sheila Bettendorf 1985-1986 AliceHeller 1986-1987 Gail Feck 1987-1988 Tina DiLorenzo 1988-1989

Janet Piero 1989-1990 Marianne Vargo 1990-1991 Sally O'Keefe 1991-1992 Ellen Ryan 1992-1993 Mary Jane Brown 1993-1994 Kathleen Kohler 1994-1995 Kathryn Schirtzinger 1995-1996 Cathie Hayes 1996-1997 Sue Dilworth 1997-1998 Liz O'Brien 1998-1999 Kathie Rupp 1999-2000 Norma Johanni 2000-2001 Elaine Bokach 2001-2002 Madelyn Visconti 2002-2003 Shirley Powers 2003-2004 Juanita Steilen 2004-2005 Barbara Monnaville 2005-2006 Antoinette Mitchell 2006-2007 Alice Tyler 2007-2008 Rose Reymann 2008-2009 Theresa Lembach 2009-2010 Judy Walton 2010-2011 Pat Reynolds 2011-2012 Barb Rowland 2012-2014 Molly Fanning 2014-2016 Beth Kistler 2016-2017 Kathy Kelly 2017-2019 Michele Bianconi 2019-2020

5 The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan Bishop of Columbus, Ohio, Spiritual Advisor Msgr. John K. Cody, Moderator 2021 Officers President Barb Groner 614-595-9959 [email protected]

1st Vice President Fundraising Catherine O’Connell 614-214-2861 [email protected]

2nd Vice President Service Projects Lisa Davies 614-582-8487 [email protected] Molly Wood Treasurer 614-464-6212 W, 614-560-4572 C [email protected]

Millie Watkins Assistant Treasurer 614-210-1035 H, 614-260-5605 C [email protected]

Recording Secretary Kay Gibbons Corresponding Secretary 614-395-5002 [email protected]

Directors of Management Information Diane Giffin Jeannette Oxender 614-687-8836 C 614-282-5326 [email protected] [email protected] Director of Communications Debbie Luffy 614-329-8787 C [email protected] Director of Membership Julie Smerdel 216-389-4028 [email protected] Past President Michele Bianconi 614-560-9621 [email protected]

6 2021 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Directors of Management Information Diane Giffin, Jeannette Oxender Labels and Lists Diane Giffin, Jeannette Oxender Membership Directory Diane Giffin, JeannetteOxender Hours Diane Giffin, Jeannette Oxender Name Tags/Welcome Irma Dagam Dues and Updates Diane Giffin, Jeannette Oxender

Director of Communications Debbie Luffy Email Toni Mitchell Marketing/Publicity Debby Luffy Newsletter Michele Bianconi Parish Representative Coordinator Millie Watkins Website Coordinator Debbie Luffy Social Media Julianne Ward

Director of Membership Julie Smerdel Day of Reflection/Memorial Mass Kathy Murnane, Julie Smerdel Founder's Day/New Members Julie Smerdel Sustainers Luncheon Kathy Kohler

Audit Committee Chair Budget Millie Watkins

Committee Finance Committee Molly Wood, Millie Watkins

Scholarship Committee Barb Groner, Lisa Davies

Steering Committee

Nomination Committee Michele Bianconi

7 2021 FUNDRAISING 1st Vice President - Catherine O’Connell

Annual Giving Campaign Jeannette Oxender & Judy Walton

Baby Shower Trudi Elberson & Carol Simpson

Grant Writers Cheryl Brown, Theresa Lembach & Kathy Kohler

Mother's Day Layette Fund Janey Davies & Dee Sutor

Memorials Theresa Lembach

Red Wagon Fare Catherine O'Connell & Kathy Milligan

8 2021 SERVICE PROJECTS 2nd Vice President - Lisa Davies

Crib Club - Co Chairs Linda Vorisek & Leslie Williamson Scheduling Mary Halas & Mary Ellen Williamson Buyers Merchandisers Trudy Elberson, Carol Simpson, Stock Room Kathy Arnold, Mary Nelson & Lori Hamrock

Layettes - Chair Lori Caldwell Co-Chair Karen Kleinhenz Buyers Doreen Schostek & Roberta Stewart Hospitals/ Agencies Karen Kleinhenz Drivers Angel Gowns/Blankets Mary Ailabouni Co-Buyers Terry & Joan Rovak

Run the Race Club Missy Lorenz & Debbie Luffy

Christ Child Learning Center Located at St. Stephen's Community House Literacy Mary Cartwright Literacy Enrichment Barb Rowland Teacher Support/ We Joy Sing Nova Vulanich

Tutoring - Literacy St. James the Less Kathi Helmrath

9 2021 SERVICE AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

St. James the Less 1652 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, OH 43224 614-262-1179

Crib Club - Women's Care Center Director, Madeline Pesavento 614-251-0200 935 East Broad St, Columbus, OH 43205 CCS contact: Linda Vorisek & Leslie Williamson 614-296-4766

Layette Packing St. Therese Retreat Center 614-451-2671 5277 East Broad Street, Columbus OH Packings - 2nd Monday each month, 9:30am CCS contact: Lori Caldwell & Karen Kleinhenz

Run the Race Rachel Muha, President [email protected] 614-276-2171 880 South,Wayne Ave, Columbus, OH 43204 CCS contact: Missy Lorenz & Debbie Luffy 614-565-6682

Christ Child Care Center @ St. Stephen's Marilyn Mehaffie, Director 614-294-6347 Kristen Dillard Giger, Youth Services Director 1500 East 17‘” Ave, Columbus, OH 43219 CCS contact: Barb Rowland 614-436-5518

10 CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF COLUMBUS

2021 BOARD MEETINGS

St. Therese Retreat Center 5277 E Broad St, Columbus Ohio

All meetings take place on Wednesdays at 10 am

January 13 February 10 March 10 April 14 May 12 June 9 July - summer break August 11 September 8 October 13 November 10 December TBD, Old/New Board gathering

Finance and Budget Meetings - TBD

11 Christ Child Society of Columbus General Meeting Dates 2021

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 St. Therese Retreat Center 6- 8 pm

All future 2021 General Meetings TBD due to Covid-19

12 2021 Calendar of Events

Founders Day Mass and Luncheon - May 19, 2021, 10 am, Our Lady of Victory

Red Wagon - October 20, 2021, The Exchange at Bridge Park

Sustainer Luncheon - TBD

Book Club Monthly Gatherings - TBD

CCS Columbus Chapter 40th Anniversary Celebration - TBD

13 Parish Representatives

Parish Coordinator: Millie Watkins

Parishes at Large (no CCS members) Millie Watkins

Church of the Resurrection Leslie Williamson Holy Cross Eileen Kiersh Holy Family Newman Center at OSU Our Lady of Peace Ruthie Fortkamp Our Lady of Perpetual Help Lori Caldwell Our Lady of Victory St. Agatha Barbara Wookey St. Andrew Monica Brown St. Brendan Kathy Murnane St. Kay Gibbons St. Catharine Carolyn Peterson St. Cecilia Gloria Basobas St. Christopher St. Elizabeth Seton Judy Westfall St. Candy Gioffre St. John Neumann St. Mary - German Village Peggy Hartshorn St. Barb Sohner St. Matthew Jo Ann Carpenter St. St. Paul Chris Grindley St. Peter Dee Sutor St. Timothy Nancy Goss

14 National Christ Child Society, Inc. National Headquarters 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 504 Rockville, MD 20852

Telephone: (301) 881-2490 or (800) 814-2149 FAX: (301) 881-2493 Email: office@nationalchristchildsocorg

www.NationalChristChildSociety.org Member sign in: Username: chapter Password: redwagon

President: Molly Fanning Executive Director: Moira Lynch

The National Christ Child Society is a non-profit organization of members dedicated to service to children in need, for love of the Christ Child.

Our Vision: "Nothing is ever too much to do for a child." Mary Virginia Merrick

Our Purpose: We are an organization dedicated to serving the needs of children and youth regardless of race or creed, through the personal service of our members.

Our Objective: The charitable objective of the national organization shall be to serve the needs of children at risk; by promoting effective volun-teerism through education, service and leadership development; by developing and chartering Chapters; by maintaining standards and guidelines for the Chapters; by coordinating the work of the Chap-ters through unified programs; and by promoting the purpose and activities of this organization nationwide.

15 In April 2011, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, the current Archbishop of Washington, officially decreed that he is ”initiating the Cause of Beatification and of the , Mary Virginia Merrick.”

With the opening of the official cause the Diocese will inquire further into her reputation for holiness and virtue. After this portion of the investigation is completed and approved, the cause will be sent to the Congregation of the Causes of for the Roman phase of the investigation.

Prayer: Lord God, in your special love for children, you chose to raise up Mary Virginia Merrick to be the servant of the poor children. In laboring to serve the young and those without hope because of crushing weight of poverty, she proclaimed the love of your Son. She made her life’s work a demonstration that “nothing is ever too much to do for a child.”

Grant that her example of selfless charity and courageous virtue in the face of her suffering will inspire us to be as generous in the service of others. We humbly ask that your servant Mary Virginia Merrick be numbered among the Church’s canonized saints for the edification of your holy will. Through her intercession, please hear and answer my request (name your intention). Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please keep the cause for the canonization of Miss Mary in your prayers.

Kindly forward information in regard to all favors received through the intercession of Mary Virginia Merrick to: Kathleen Asdorian, Postulator ln care of the National Christ Child Society 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 504 Rockville, MD 20852 [email protected] www.maryvirginiamerrickorg

16 GENERAL MEETING NOTES

17 MEMORIAL/HONORARIUM FUND A donation to the Christ Child Society Memorial/Honorarium Fund is a thoughtful gift, a living Memorial, that will help others. Your generosity will assist the Christ Child Society of Columbus, lnc., a nonprofit organization, provide services for the needy children in our community, regardless of race, color or creed. A donation can be made to our Memorial/Honorarium Fund in memory of someone, or in honor of a special person or event. Donations can be made on our website.

Notification of the donation will be sent to the family of the deceased person or the person honored. The name(s) of donor(s) will be stated; the amount of the donation is not indicated. If a Mass card is requested, it is enclosed with the acknowledgment. A Memorial Mass is held annually to remember and honor each recipient. There is another card to be enclosed if the donation is in honor or, rather than a memorial.

In Memory of: OR In Honor of:

Occasion:

Mass Card: Yes No Donation Amount: $

Recipient Name: Recipient Street Address: Recipient City/State/Zip:

Donor Name: Donor Street Address: Donor City/State/Zip:

Donor Phone: Checks may be made payable to Christ Child Society with "Memorial/Honorarium Fund" in the memo line.

Please send your check to: Christ Child Society, Memorial/Honorarium Fund Chair P.O. Box 340091, Columbus, OH 43234-0091

18 LAYETTE FUND DRIVE Mother's Day is the focus of our annual Layette Fund Drive - although please keep in mind that you can underwrite the cost of a Layette ($35) at any time during the year for any special occasion. It is a beautiful way of remembering or honoring someone who is special to you.

The person you are honoring will receive an announcement of your gift, or, if the honoree is deceased, you may indicate a family member you would like notified. An individual card with either the full or first name only of the person you are honoring will be enclosed in the individual layettes that we pack for distribution to needy Infants.

Please Remember Select one: In Memory of In Honor of On the occasion of (his/her) Honoree full name OR Honoree first name only

Send card to: Card street address Card city/state/zip

Donor name Donor street address Donor city/state/zip Donor phone

Please indicate how you would like the card signed Would you like a receipt? Yes No

Checks, for $35 per Layette, may be made payable to the Christ Child Society, Layette Fund Chair, PO Box 340091, Columbus, Ohio 43234-0091 or make a donation through our website. 19 ANNUAL FUND

Making a difference...one child at a time...one family at a time...that is what the Christ Child Society of Columbus ("CCS") does. Whether it's by providing a new mom with a layette package so that she is better equipped to care for her infant, with bottles, diapers, blankets, socks, and clothes, or ensuring that children in the greater Linden area have access to quality childcare center education to prepare them for elementary school, the Christ Child Society members are there.

You can be there too ... for each child ... for each family ... just my making a contribution to the Christ Child Society of Columbus Annual Fund. The Christ Child Society of Columbus Annual Fund ensures that CCS can continue to create lasting community change by directly supporting the mission of CCS. Your tax deductible gift changes lives.

Please give at a level that is meaningful to you. No gift is too small and the Christ Child Society of Columbus would be pleased to recognize you as a partner, supporter, and investor in making a difference in the lives of Central Ohio's children and families.

Donor name Donor street address Donor city/state/zip Donor phone

Would you like a receipt? Yes No

Checks may be made payable to Christ Child Society with "Annual Fund" in the memo line. Please send your check to: Christ Child Society, Annual Fund Chair, P O Box 340091, Columbus, OH 43234- 0091, or you may make your donation on our website.

20 NOTES

21 Christ Child Society Membership Responsibilities I. Dues a. Annual dues are payable before January 31. ll. Attendance a. Members should make an effort to attend all general membership meetings. III. Volunteer Commitment a. Members should engage in at least 30 hours of volunteer service projects on Christ Child Society administration, Priority Service Projects or Other Service Projects, and Christ Child Society Fundraisers each year. b. Volunteer hours should be tracked by each member and submitted with clues forms yearly, or entered on website. c. New members are required to volunteer as a member of the Red Wagon Committee or Celebrate Love and to provide volunteer support to the Annual Fund effort. IV. Annual Fund Campaign a. Members should support the campaign at a gift that is meaningful to them. b. Members should provide additional business and individual contact names for the Annual Fund solicitation. V. Red Wagon Fare a. Members should plan on attending Red Wagon Fare or making a $50 contribution to support Red Wagon Fare. VI. Other Fundraisers a. Members should plan to attend other fund raisers or support with a donation of the cost of one admission. Vll. New Member Recruitment a. Members are encouraged to assist in the recruitment of potential new members.

Optional support: Memorials/Honorariums Layette Fund

22 Volunteer Hours Tracking FAQs

Christ Child Society members are expected to volunteer at least 30 hours per calendar year. Christ Child Society encourages all members to experience the wide scope of fundraising and community service projects to fully understand the legacy and community impact of Christ Child Society. You can login to our website, member portal and input your volunteer hours as you accummulate them. Or use the attached tracking form to track your hours so that we can join you in celebrating your volunteer efforts at the end of the year.

Why should I record my volunteer hours? The Christ Child Society relies on you to record your volunteer hours, for the following reasons: It’s a great way to celebrate and recognize our members. ✓ We want to understand what projects you like best based on where you spend ✓ your time. Some grant applications as well as the national office would like us to share our ✓ volunteer hours with them. Showing off your volunteer hours to donors is a great way to show them the dedication of our members. Each Active member is expected to volunteer at least 30 hours a year and the form is a great way for you to make sure that you are meeting your commitment.

What does travel time refer to? Travel time refers to the amount of time you spend traveling to and from meetings, and service projects.

Which activities count towards the Christ Child Society membership commitment? The Christ Child Society Board has identified the following activities to track for the 2019 Christ Child Society year: Administrative: General Membership Meetings: attendance at General Membership Meetings Operational Activities: Operational activities include the time you spend working on administrative and other operational tasks, including preparing reports, preparing the CC5 newsletter, etc. Membership Events: Membership events include Founder’s Day, Memorial Mass and the Day of Reflection. Please list the mem- bership events THAT YOU HELPED ORGANIZE. These member- ship events are considered social and do not count toward ad- ministrative hours.

23 Volunteer Hours Tracking FAQs (continued)

Fundraisers Christ Child Society fundraisers to track for hours include: Working on the Annual Fund solicitation, including mailings, follow up phone calls, and solicitation Planning, implementing, and volunteering at the Christ Child Society Baby Shower Planning, implementing, and volunteering at Christ Child Society’s Celebrate Engaging in layette fundraising Engaging in fundraising through Memorials Planning, implementing and volunteering at Red Wagon Working on grant writing Other CCS fundraisers refer to additional fundraising opportunities approved by the Christ Child Society Board as opportunities arise.

Priority Service Projects . Priority Service Projects refer to the volunteer opportunities identified by the Strategic Planning Committee and approved by the Christ Child Society Board as the areas of focus for the Christ Child Society. Christ Child Society service projects to track hours for are limited to discrete projects with community partners identified and approved by the Christ Child Society Board, including: Volunteering in the Crib Club at the Women’s Care Center. Other volunteer opportunities at the Women’s Care Center such as the parenting classes, are extremely meaningful and we encourage you to participate, but are not counted toward your Christ Child Society hours of service. Planning, implementing, and volunteering to prepare and distribute layettes Planning, implementing, and volunteering for Christ Child Society projects at St. Stephen’s Community House as well as for classroom volunteering. Tutoring at All Saints Preparing and delivering meals to Run the Race Other Priority Service Projects refer to additional service project opportunities approved by the Christ Child Society Board as opportunities arise. Please list any additional Christ Child Society service projects that you worked on in, addition to the number of hours you were there.

24 Volunteer Hours Tracking FAQs (continued)

Which activities do NOT count towards the Christ Child Society membership commitment? Please note that exclusions include: Any time spent socializing before/after engaging in activities Any time spent reading publications like the Christ Child Society Newsletter or general membership informational emails Any time spent at a fundraising event that is not in a volunteer capacity

Can volunteer hours worked in one year be carried forward to the next year? No, they cannot be carried forward. All volunteer hours must fall within the Christ Child Society’s year, which corresponds to a calendar year.

25 NAME: CCS HOURS REPORTING FORM JAN 1 - DEC 31, 2021

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TOTAL ADMINISTRATIVE: ALL MEETINGS ADMINISTRATIVE* MEMBERSHIP EVENTS** REPORTS OTHER FUNDRAISERS: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TOTAL ANNUAL GIVING BABY SHOWER GRANTS LAYETTE FUND MEMORIALS REBATE PROGRAMS RED WAGON FARE OTHER FUNDRAISER SERVICE PROJECTS: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TOTAL CRIB CLUB LAYETTES LITERACY ALL SAINTS RUN THE RACE STEPHENS OTHER SERVICE PROJECTS 2021 GRAND TOTAL

*Administrative - Newsletter, Publicity, Directory, Parish Rep, etc. **Member Events - Founder's Day, Day of Reflection, Memorial Mass, etc KINDLY RETURN BY JANUARY 31, 2022 to Jeannette Oxender at 6362 Mar Min Ct. Worthington, OH 43085, or submit your hours on our website under "Member" tab. 2021 MEMBERS

27 ACTIVE MEMBERS 2021

Mary Ailbouni Lori Hamrock Celia Perez Patricia Anderson Cindi Harmon Deborah Perrin Kathleen Arnold Vicky Hart Sherry Rabold Mary Barcza Peggy Hartshorn Rose Reymann Patti Barnhart Judy Hecker Theresa Robenalt Gloria Basobas Pamela Heil Lillian Roberts Carla Bell Kathleen Helmrath Joan Rovnak Barbara Berry Janice Hogan-King Barbara Rowland Michele Bianconi Barb Hudock Kathleen Rupp Jeanne Booth Glenda Huffman Karen Schmidt Doreen Theresa Breech Jody Katerakis Schostek Eileen Barbara Gringardner Margaret Keller Schumacher Pat Martha Brinkman Carole Kelley Schroeder Cheryl Brown Kathy Kelly Carol Simpson Lori Caldwell Terri Kernan Julie Smerdel Jeanenne Carfagna Joan Kirschner Linda Smolik Mary Cartwright Bethany Kistler Barb Sohner Ann Christopher Sarah Kistner Peggy Stein Debbie Christopher Karen Kleinhenz Roberta Stewart Chris Close Laurie Knight Delores Sutor Kathleen Kohler Kristen Crane Suzanne Swartz Shirley Laudick Karen Swift lrma Dagam Beth LeCorgne DottieTalerico Susan Damopoulos Theresa Lembach Erin Vinci Victoria Daniels Loryn Lindsey Beth Vonau Janey Davies Melissa Lorenz Linda Vorisek Lisa Davies Debbie Luffy Nova Vulanich Eileen Dine Margie Mess Monica Walter Kelley DeMaria Kathleen Milligan Judy Walton Theresa Eckl Renee Milyiori Julianne Ward Trudy Elberson Toni Mitchell Millie Watkins Maria Ellis Mary Mitchell Cynthia Lee Weisenberg Molly Fanning Joan Montgomery Judy Westfall Diana Forsthoffer Kathy Murnane Leslie Williamson Ruth Fortkamp Linda Murnane Mary Ellen Williamson Mary Nelson Kay Gibbons Jo Ann Wilson Becky Murray Molly Wood Diane Giffin Jan Noble Molly Zech Candy Gioffre Catherine O'Connell Louise Zink Sheila Gottron Jeannette Oxender Carolyn Griffin Peggy Griffith Christine Grindley Barbara Groner Mary Halas

27 SUSTAINING MEMBERS 2021

Joellen Altman Margaret Lombardi Suzanne Bachmann Joan Lorenz Cecilia Bancroft Molly Marsh Nancy Biecker Eileen Martin Sheila Bettendorf Laurie McEnery Nancy Bichimer Patricia O’Dell Rose Bowers Kathleen Paolini Monica Brown Carolyn Peterson Jo Ann Carpenter Janet Piero Eleanor Conlon Lori Pisching Rebecca Cummins Julie Poirier Tina DiLorenzo Shirley Powers Sharon Eifert Marie Provanzana Paula English Patricia Reynolds Gail Feck Kay Schirtzinger Nancy Goss Paula Shaw Peggy Hartshorn Donna Stalter Susan Hickey Beverly Sweeney Joan Kirschner Susan Thornton Eileen Krotine Alice Tyler Kathleen Lauber Ann Waterman Sara Wilcox Barbara Wookey

28 PROVISIONAL CLASS 2021

Elizabeth Mitevski

Joan Schlagheck

LIFE MEMBERS CHARTER MEMBERS NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS Barbara Baker Shelia Bettendorf Donna Benhase Margaret Crabtree Nancy Bichimer Nancy Bichimer Marie Dawes Ellyn Dekker Patty Doyle Marlene Genovese Barb DeMeno Patricia Kay Gibbons JoAnn Fehring Marlene Genovese Alice Heller Mara Otey Jeanne Herbert Marilyn Kiep Louann Ransom Marilyn Kiep Jan Kreber Mary Lou Shostek Mary Lou Kreber Rita Lyons Carol O'Connor Nancy Quinllin Louann Ransom Mary Lou Shostek

29 Mary Virginia Merrick's cause for canonization as a saint in the is in process. Learn more about her at www.maryvirginiamerrickorg and follow her cause for canonization page on Facebook.

30