OAK PARK ON TAP TOURISM FAMILY EVENTS

PLEASANT HOME FOUNDATION

ARTISTIC PROGRAMS ARCHITECTURE TOURS

COACH HOUSE TOUR ART GLASS CAMPAIGN JUNE REVEL GALA

Contents
Letter from the Executive Director and Board President 2
2017 Accolades 3
Financial Summary 4
Performance Overview 5
Investing in Preservation 6
Community Partners 7
New Acquisitions 8
Volunteers 9
Donors 10
Corporate Partners 11
2018 Calendar 12
Board of Directors 2017: A Year of
Firsts, a Year of
Liz Holt, President Thanks and a Ye
Jeff Schroeder, Vice President 2017 was a year ar of Action
of
been restored an firsts at Pleasant Home: the firs
Jim Oles, Treasurer d t
Rada Burns, Secretary a complete replacereinstalled in the front entry doors; time the art glass windows have
only for one day!) me nt of our roof; the first time the first time we ha
Michael Bassett ; we ve planned for
Kathleen Cummings 2nd and 3rd floors and the first time the original paint have air conditioned the home (if
of the Home. Wha co
John Dortch t a year we have lors have been reinstated to the
None of this coul had!
d
Doug Gilbert talented staff, pass be accomplished without the de
dic
Barbara Gordon this momentum an ionate volunteers and committed su ation of our Board of Directors,
d develop a strate
Cathy Kestler gic plan to guide uspporters. In 2018 we will build on
Jim Kutill With generous do for the next 3-5 ye
na ars.
Sandy Lentz, Park District of Oak Park Liaison four front entry ar tions raised last year, we will cont
replaced by mid-20 t gla ss wi ndows. In partner inu e to oversee the resto
ship with ration of
Retired 2017 Members to utilizing the whole18, so be on the lookout for new clathe Park District, our roof will be
Shaun Banks house to tell the st y roof tiles! We als
ory of the Farson o
Paul Greenberg We would like th and Mills families. look forward
an
Foundation, who k Nancy Norton, one of the or
Nancy Norton re igi
Michael Poirier and countless hour tired from the board. We are grate nal founders of Pleasant Home
s of co m m itmen t. ful for Nancy’s 27
served as our Vis
itor Services Man We also said a fond farewell to El years of service
ager since 2013. iss
Best wishes Eliss a Ledvort who
Staff Finally, we want
to
Park, the owners thank the Park District of Oak
of Pl ea sa
a & Nancy!
Heidi Ruehle-May, Executive Director ued support for the nt Home, for their
contin-
Sarah Najera, Program Director works to ensure Pleasant Home Foundation, who
Alice Kloska, Event Coordinator this National Histo
restored, maintaine ric
Paul Neumann, Volunteer Coordinator d and utilized for Landmark is
the community.
So welcome to 20
and celebration. Co18! A year of growth, hard work
me join us and ge
t involved!

Liz Holt, Board Pr

esident
Heidi Ruehle-May,
Executive Director

2
Community Partners
We established and strengthened
partnerships with like-minded com-
munity organizations to host artistic
performances, children’s events and
even a beer tasting!
Programs
We entertained over 2,100 guests at
our architectural, artistic, educational
and community programs. We set
ticket prices to be very affordable or
sometimes even free.
Fundraisers
We hosted our bi-annual Fall House
Tour with a “Coach House” theme
and our June Revel was the most
successful yet. “Oak Park on Tap”
grew to include a pub crawl.
Restoration
We accomplished our ambitious goal
of raising $40,000 to restore four of
the historic front entryway stained
glass windows. We’re looking forward
to revealing them in 2018!
Board Development
We updated our board structure to
include more opportunities for fund-
raising, program leadership and
building awareness. We added two
new members in 2017.
Grants
We were awarded $16,400 from
private and governmental foundations
to support school field trips, arts
programming, architectural education
and general operations.
Tourism
We welcomed over 3,800 new visitors
to Pleasant Home; 1,800 of which
were part of the Open House Chicago
free tour. Our Tour & Tea program
grew by 25%!
Event Rentals
We enjoy being the location for so
many special events such as social
receptions, business meetings and
fundraisers. Rental income has
increased by 16% since 2015.
 Financial Summary
2017 Actual 2017 Budget
REVENUES
Grants $31,650 $34,000
Corp Sponsors $13,142 $16,500
Individual Donations $55,090 $77,000*
Tourism & Programs $30,325 $31,500
Fundraisers $34,640 $38,700
Rentals $33,826 $30,000
Miscellaneous $3,070 $3,750
TOTAL REVENUES $201,743 $231,450
EXPENDITURES
Contract Services $17,696 $21,000
Facilities $26,743 $58,660*
Operations $16,123 $10,300
Payroll $119,617 $121,995
Fundraisers $10,548 $10,000
Miscellaneous $3,131 $8,305
TOTAL EXPENDITURES $193,858 $230,260
NET SURPLUS $7,885 $1,190
* Restoration project expenses lower than anticipated, resulting in less income raised for this purpose.
4
 Performance Overview
TOURISM AND PROGRAM ATTENDANCE = 250 guests

2014 2015 2016 2017

EARNED AND CONTRIBUTED REVENUE

$60,000 2017: $201,743
2016: $181,038
2015: $136,550
$40,000 2014: $155,266

$20,000

$0
Rentals Fundraisers Programs Tourism Individuals Sponsors Grants
5
 Investing in Preservation
An important part of the Pleasant Home Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to
restore the home back to the original vision of architect George W. Maher. In 2016,
we began a campaign to remove, restore and reinstall the two exterior art glass
windows in the front entryway, as well as restore and install for the first time in
modern history the original art glass windows in the two entryway doors.
With generous donations from individuals and family foundations, we successfully
raised $40,000 to complete this project. The income raised is above and beyond
what is necessary for our organizational operations - quite an accomplishment!
Our Restoration Committee was instrumental in creating the specifications for this
project, interviewing potential contractors, and being on-site both at Pleasant Home
and at the shop to view and approve the progress. Drehobl Art Glass, a 3rd genera-
tion family company, was selected to take on this monumental task, and we antici-
pate an early summer completion, just in time for our annual June Revel fundraiser!
Beginning in 2018, we will take on a new fundraising campaign to raise funds to
replace decorative elements on the roof which have been missing since the mid-20th
century. This project will complement the roof restoration project being completed
this year as part of the Park District’s capital improvement plan.
6
Community Partners
Pleasant Home Foundation partners with local community organizations to co-host
artistic and architectural programs, provide educational opportunities for children
and college students, and offer free events for all to enjoy!

7
 Tony Buttitta
Elite Tile Services
Volunteers Upon our move to Oak
Park in 2013, my wife,
Thanks to our many volunteers who serve as docents, special event volunteers, office administration, dog and I ventured out
committee members and restoration professionals. We couldn’t accomplish our mission without you! in the new neighborhood
and came across Pleasant
Mark Anderson, Kristen Aukstik, Kurt Bachman, Joe Banks, Rachel Baum, Debbie Becker, Erica Berg, Karen Blatch- Home and its beautiful grounds. Little did we know
ford, Jens & Cara Bogehegn, Melissa Bogusch, Kelly Breen, Rob Buerglener, Tony Buttitta, Lawrence Caponigri, Chan- how much time we'd be spending at the unique
tal Carney, Charlie Carpenter, Julie Carpenter, Shannan Cassel, Mike Connolly, Jim Corcoran, Heather Cronin-Conaway, homestead over the course of the next few years.
Elizabeth Cummings, Pam Deady, Laurel Marie Delacroix, Josephine Desir, John Dortch, Celia Doyle, Rachel Edsill,
John Elliot, John Elliott, Tim Esposito, Paula Fenza, Nora Flint, Brian Flora, Kathy Gemperle, Jami Gibson, Dawn It began with a tour of the first floor, reveling in
Glossa, Marci Goldberg, Steve Gorski, Lisa Green, Paul Greenberg, Deb & Bob Hammond, Kelly Hanley, Jan Hanni- the beautiful finishes, antique furniture, and story of
gan, Rose Marie Healy, Frank Heitzman, Mitch Hendrickson, Racquel Hernandez, Larry Howe, Patty Hunt, Aubrey the lives that occupied the home over the years.
Jacknow, Yanez Jamnik, Barry Jung, Doug Kaarre, Nick Kalogeresis, Sandra Kaufmann, Yana Keane, Steve Kelley,
Mary Kelly, Cray Kennedy, Julia Kloska, Zack Kloska, John Kokoris, Joe Kreml, Elissa Ledvort, Roslyn Leehey, Dan As a tile craftsman, the intricate designs and colors
Lempa, Jack Lesniak, Megan & Justin Lewis, Michelle Loconte, Ruben Macias, Laurel Marie, Claire Massmann, Chris- of everything, from the outdoor patio floors, fire-
tian Matesanz, Paul May, Bill McDonald, Kate McQueen, Ruth Meyer, Natalie Monteil, Bob Moreland, Emily Moulden, place details, to the open kitchen with its beautiful
Amalia & Paloma Najera, Rob Najera, Lisa Napoles, Paul Neumann, Catherine Niehaus, Nancy Norton, Tina Norton, stone sinks captured my attention.
Cherie Obert, Alex Oles, Wendy Owen, Chris Payne, Jamie Peterson, Grace Philion, Charlie Pipal, Mike Podpolucki, Over the past few years I have had the honor of
Frank Pond, Bob Remer, Susan Remington, Dovile Riebschlager, Jennifer Ries, Howard Robinson, Adrienne & Isaiah helping to revitalize the history of Pleasant Home
Ruehle-May, DeLacy Sarantos, Ted Sarantos, Marion Sheehan, Eleanor Siegel, Gina & Talia Sigismondi, Jim Skajbel,
by restoring tile on the front porch and Reception
Kristina Smith, Ed Solan, Linda Solan, Raeann Spencer, Tom & Diane Spenny, Karen Spitz, Kristina St. Pierre, Lois
Room, as well as refurbishing authentic Mills Novelty
Starbuck, Sharon Starkston, Jack & Nancy Strand, Ben Strokosch, Andrew Stuckart, Terry Tatum, Laura & Michael
Thompson, Joe Tomato, Elizabeth Trail, Angela Valavanis, Anne Wakely, Jeriann Walsh, Robin Wardle, Sharon Company machines - a slot machine and a juke
Wavrek, Melanie Weiss, Mary Westcott, Laura Wilkens, Rebecca Williams, Colleen Wirtz, Carol Yetken, Peg Zak box. I hope my story inspires others to fine their
own way to volunteer and contribute to making
* If any volunteers have been omitted in error, please accept our sincerest apologies.. Pleasant Home OUR home!
9
 Granting Organizations

Donors
Anthony Ambrose, Danielle Aukstik & Megyn Byrnes, William & Ann Baker, Gary & Susan Balling, Shaun Banks, Michael Bassett &
Sandra Kaufman, Raymond & Susan Bell, Susan & Wayne Benjamin, Sue & Jeff Blaine, Timothy & Mary Blatner, Milton Blouke Carus
& Marianne Carus, Cara & Jens Bogehegn, Reg & Linda Bogusch, Karen Borgstadt, Glenn Brewer, George Brixie, Rob Buerglener &
Paul Jaskot, Radmila Burns, Andrew Taylor, Carey Carlock, Kristin Carlson Vogen, Paulette Cary, Virginia Cassin, Greg Cegielski, Robert
& Deborah Christensen, Stephanie Clemens, Michele & Roy Collins, John & Peggy Coon, Dan & Kathy Cummings, Mary D'Amico, C..
Jackson, Brian De Vinck, Patrick Dooley, John & Jill Dortch, Karen Doty, Jan Dressel, Ray & Jane Drexler, Ralph Eads, LaVergne
Fanta, Nora Flint, Brian Flora, Gabriella Freese, Thomas Gallagher, Erica Gehrig, Douglas Gilbert & Melissa Bogusch, Dan & Georgia
Gooch, Barbara & Joe Gordon, William Gradishar, Paul Greenberg & Julie Bauer, Wendy Greenhouse, Elinor Hamer-Crane, Christine
Hauri, Victoria Herget, Bill Hinchliff, Liz Holt, Larry Howe & Judith Frei, Yanez Jamnik, William & Caroline Judd, Stephen & Susan
Kelley, Cathy Kestler, David Klans, Jacob Koch, Roy & Marie Kruse, Roslyn Leehey, Bruce Lehman, Sandra Lentz, John MacManus, Dave
Malhiot, James & Lynn McClure, Bill McDonald, Kathryn McKee, Richard McKinlay, Dan & Jennifer McNulty, Scott & Heather McQueen,
Melissa Mickelberry, John & Nan Morris, Eric Mullendore, Sarah Najera, Paul Neumann, Michael & Susan Nielsen, Christina Norton,
Nancy Norton, Deborah & Mark Nussbaum, Jim Oles & Sharon Starkston, Alex Oles, Paul & Barbara Oppenheim, Edith Payne, Frank
Pellegrini, Burt & Diane Pickard-Richardson, Charlie & Sue Pipal, Mike & Lynette Poirier, Frank Pond, Teresa Powell, Steve Puiszis &
Claudia Marciniak, John Rafkin & Anita Levin, Graham Rarity, Susan Remington, Pamela & David Reynolds, Marija Rich, Nancy Rohn,
Mia Rubinstein, Ronald & Jan Scherubel, Julie Schneider, Jeff Schroeder, Mary Jo Schuler, Kellie Scott, Mark Scott, Ilene Shaw, Betty
Shubeck, Howard Siegel & Susan Solway, Mary Small, Yvonne Smith, Edward & Linda Solan, Christine Sowers, Jack & Nancy Strand,
Laura Thompson, Thomas & Kathleen Thorpe, Catherine Tokarski, John Toomey & Lucy Toomey, Daniel Valcek & Stephanie Eiger,
John Vinci, Albert Walavich, Jeriann Walsh, Margaret Walsh, Cynthia Woods, Mary Westcott, Craig & Bette Williams, Mark & Randi
Woodworth, Mary Woolever, Christa Woss, Carol Yetken, Margaret Zak, John Zuraw
10 * If any donors have been omitted in error, please accept our sincerest apologies..
Corporate Partners
It is with the financial and in-kind donations of our Corporate Partners that we are able to
offer unique programs and raise funds for our operations and restoration projects.
THANK YOU!

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April May June
21 20 23
Crab Tree Farm Tour Walk & Talk Tour, Blue Island June Revel Gala Fundraiser
27 24 TBD
Compass Rose Sextet Architectural Lecture Series Walk & Talk Tour

August September
3, 10, 17, 24 6
Silent Movies on the Porch Architectural Lecture Series
5 23
Ice Cream Social Ask the Experts Event

October November December

13-14 9-10 9
Open House Chicago Petite Boutique Holiday Market Father Christmas Candlelit Tour
19 16 Jan 15, 2019
Don Stille: Silent Horror Film Oak Park on Tap: Beer Parlour PHF Annual Meeting
The Pleasant Home Foundation is dedicated to restoring, preserving and operating Pleasant Home as a historic house museum while presenting a
year-round schedule of tours, educational programs, community events and cultural performances.
Pleasant Home is a historic property of the Park District of Oak Park, operated by the Pleasant Home Foundation.
Photo credits: James Caulfield, Eileen Molony, Eric Allix Rogers, McDowell Photography.
Pleasant Home is located at 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708.383.2654 | www.pleasanthome.org