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The Ascension Illinois Foundation

The Ascension Illinois Foundation raises tens of millions of dollars annually to advance the mission of Ascension Illinois across the greater Chicago area. Our community's generosity supports the work of our healthcare ministry across 15 hospitals, 230 sites of care and numerous programs and services that address our communities’ health needs.

Our Mission 

Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.

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Our Origin Story 

Long before Ascension became our sponsor, faith inspired a number of individuals — Catholic religious sisters and brothers — to use their gifts to serve those most in need in the greater Chicago area. Today, the healthcare ministries they started continue through Ascension Illinois. Here is a closer look at those whose work the Ascension Illinois Foundation carries on today:

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Our Foundation Boards

Inspired by our religious founders, a dedicated group of Foundation Board members, including community leaders, physicians and Ascension Illinois associates, lead the Ascension Illinois Foundation today. They are passionate about using their gifts to serve those most in need and make a positive impact on the health of our communities.

Ascension Illinois Foundation Board
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Ken Bauwens

Co-Chair

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Reinhold Llerena, MD

Board Member

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Mike Benoit

Co-Chair

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Dominic Mangone

Board Member

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Polly Davenport

Board Member

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Melissa Pontikes

Board Member

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Melanie Furlan

Board Member

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Larry G. Swets, Jr.

Board Member

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Terry Graber

Board Member

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Matthew P. Walsh II

Board Member

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Ted Kanellakes

Board Member

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George Wienold

Board Member

Ascension Illinois Regional Foundation Boards
Chicago Board

Ken Bauwens | Co-Chair

Matthew Walsh II | Co-Chair

John Baird

Gary Binder

David Bordo, MD

Bob Dahl

Dennis Garlick
Diane Latta

Michael Neller

Raymond Parmer

Eric Rhodes

George Wienold

Jim Wienold

Len Wilk

Suzanne Zaccone

Ratna Kunwar | Junior Board Nick Wienold | Junior Board

OurTeam

Our Team

Melanie Furlan

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Melanie.Furlan@ascension.org

224-273-4110

Joan Matthys

Executive Assistant

Joan.Matthys@ascension.org

224-273-4104

Katelyn Olszak

Stewardship Officer

Katelyn.Olszak@ascension.org

815-382-7016

Cate Osterholz

Development Director

Catherine.Osterholz@ascension.org

815-509-3523

Foundation Grants

Anne Carmack

Grant Writer, Government

Anne.Carmack@ascension.org

847-507-4348

Marcy Darin

Director, Foundation Grants
Marcy.Darin@ascension.org

708-369-3241

Julie Panicali

Grant Writer

Julie.Panicali@ascension.org

224-273-4107

Valerie Reiss

Stewardship Officer

Valerie.Reiss@ascension.org

 847-653-3252

Beth Rottman

Development Director

Elizabeth.Rottman@ascension.org

708-473-1252

Foundation Operations

Jill Hulten

Vice President, Foundation Operations

Jill.Hulten@ascension.org

224-273-4103

Julie Baker

Director, Events

Julie.Baker@ascension.org

224-273-4106

Margaret Conley

Communications Specialist

Margaret.Conley@ascension.org

630-707-8547

Heather Cordova

Development Associate, Operations

Heather.Cordova@ascension.org

224-273-4108

Emily Dagostino

Director, Communications

Emily.Dagostino@ascension.org

708-829-4167

Tracy Graal-Smith

Manager, Event Logistics & Third Party

Tracy.Graal@ascension.org

224-273-2652

Germaine Hill

Manager, Prospect Analysis & Development

Germaine.Hill@ascension.org

224-273-2431

Kate Minogue

Manager, Prospect Analysis & Development

Mary.Minogue@ascension.org

224-273-2656

Marilou Niggemann

Director, Annual Giving

Marilou.Niggemann@ascension.org

224-273-2653

Patti Sotos

Director, Stewardship

Patricia.Sotos@ascension.org

224-273-4112

Emily Douville

Director, Data Management

Emily.Douville@ascension.org

224-273-4102

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