CHICAGO — Treasurer Michael Frerichs today urged volunteers to participate in Misericordia’s annual Candy Day fundraiser on April 29 and 30.
More than 10,000 volunteers are needed in Chicago and the suburbs to pass out candy and informational tags in exchange for donations. Frerichs agreed to volunteer and urged others to do the same during a visit to the campus where he returned more than $15,000.
“Mike’s willingness to help as an individual and to encourage others to volunteer is greatly appreciated,” said Sister Rosemary Connelly, executive director of Misericordia. “The delightful surprise of unclaimed money certainly will go a long way to help our children and adults here at Misericordia.”
Misericordia cares for more than 600 individuals with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom also are physically challenged. Caregivers and volunteers help individuals to live as independently as possible and in the highest level of community integration feasible. Some residents work at Chicago businesses while other companies outsource projects to be performed on the 31-acre campus.
Candy Day Volunteers can sign up www.misericordia.org or by calling (773) 273-2768.
Frerichs also returned to Misericordia more than $15,000 in unclaimed money. Although bequeathed to the institution, the dollars inadvertently were not delivered and eventually were surrendered to the Treasurer’s Office. The office safeguards unclaimed property including lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, and unpaid rebate cards. Items are surrendered after private entities tried for at least five years to locate the owner. Once surrendered, the Treasurer’s Office continues to locate the individual through direct mail, telephone calls and events.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, he actively manages approximately $25 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state governments.
The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.
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