2022 Christ Child Starlight Soiree raises funds to challenge childhood poverty

“Nothing is ever too much to do for a child,” said Mary Virginia Merrick, who founded the Christ Child Society in 1877 in Washington, D.C.

The Christ Child Society of Cleveland, the nonprofit’s fifth chapter, was organized in 1916 and since then has continued to respond to the changing needs of the community’s children.

The 2022 Starlight Soiree -- Christ Child’s 71st annual fundraiser – which helps fund the organization’s programs, was Nov. 4 at the Intercontinental in Cleveland.

Rich and Julie Jerdonek, parishioners at St. Basil the Great Parish in Brecksville and St. Wendelin Parish in Cleveland, were honored as the organization’s 2022 Persons of the Year.

(See photo gallery above.)

Special guest Bishop Edward Malesic said, “The Christ Child Society makes us keenly aware that nothing is ever too much to do for a child. Tonight, we honor Julie and Rich in a special way for all they have done. May they continue to inspire us.”

Paula Conrad, Christ Child Society president, welcomed the 200 attendees and outlined the many ways the organization challenges childhood poverty in Greater Cleveland including:

• Layettes – 902 infants received sleepers, onesies, bibs, a sleep sack, hooded towel, washcloth, books and receiving blankets in a diaper bag.
• “My Stuff” bags – 2,115 children in shelters or transitional housing received a gender and size-specific cloth bag with a seasonal outfit, socks, underwear, hygiene and school-related items, and a fleece snuggle blanket for toddlers that was handmade by members or youth groups.
• Winter coats – 797 infants and children living in poverty received new winter prams or jackets and donated hats and mittens.
• Uniforms – 2,594 children received a package of two school uniforms or outfits, two pairs of underwear and socks, a backpack with supplies, a hygiene kit, a mask and $25 shoe-shopping pass.
• Beds and cribs – 397 babies and children received a crib with sheets or a new bed with a pillow, blanket and sheets. I’m In Ministry delivers and sets up the cribs.
• Hygiene – 1,023 children in three schools in impoverished neighborhoods received monthly supplies of bar soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, loofah and deodorant in this new program.
• Books – More than 6,000 books were distributed to children through schools, parishes and community organizations. The Christ Child Society considers literacy as a path out of poverty and supports reaching enrichment for preschoolers, with 126 children served in two locations, and staffing/funding libraries at St. Francis and St. Rocco schools in Cleveland, serving nearly 350 children at or below poverty level at these schools. Christ Child volunteers also read to kindergarteners and primary pupils and assist students in choosing books to promote a love of reading. The organization also provided funds to help computerize the two school libraries.

The Christ Child Society also operates two Showcase Resale Shops, one in Lakewood and one in Fairview Park, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s programs.

She introduced the Jerdoneks, who each spoke briefly. The have led many parish and school ministries and fundraising efforts, as well as being active in philanthropy with more than a dozen organizations that challenge childhood poverty in Greater Cleveland. They have volunteered for 25 years with the West Side Catholic Center and led a capital campaign raising $3 million to build Moriah House family shelter and to renovate WSCS’s other facilities.

The couple also are Project Redwood volunteers with Stanford Graduate School of Business alumni (Rich’s alma mater) and are members of the Loyola Service Team.

Julie Jerdonek, a registered nurse case manager, is active with the Christ Child Society and served on the Executive Committee as service vice president. She was instrumental in launching the new school hygiene program and was involved in updating and improving other initiatives. She also helped develop the alumnae program at Zelie’s Home.

Rich Jerdonek, a management consultant, is a WSCS board member and has served as board chair. He also is active with the Jesuit Retreat Center.

“Rich and I are humbled to be here and to be honored for doing what we love,” Julie Jerdonek said. “We will do whatever we can to help children in poverty. These women inspire me with their joy and compassion,” she said, referring to fellow Christ Child members.

Rich Jerdonek recalled seeing – and being moved by -- a painting of Jesus in a bread line more than 25 years ago. “Jesus continues to call us to give, serve and respond,” he added.

The evening included a silent auction with dozens of items, including jewelry, gift cards, toys, Christmas decorations and a Nick Chubb collection including the Browns player’s autographed jersey, cereal box and a mounted trading card. A live donation opportunity raised nearly $30,000 to support Christ Child programs.

For more information on the Christ Child Society of Cleveland, click here.