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Planned Giving A Bridge to where they are trained to help in a variety of ways,
Just Got Easier PROGRAMS the Future including preopening preparations, refreshing
play settings, and organizing donated recyclables.
Here at the Chicago Zoological Stephanie Padilla is an early (Volunteers have also worked in our onsite library.)
Society, we are pleased childhood docent, a highly trained
to introduce two exciting volunteer who handles animals and presents Community Support Services, Inc. arranges for a
improvements to our Planned them for Brookfield Zoo guests to see up close. volunteer coach to help new volunteers. Coaches
Giving program: a new, innovative One of the many things that makes Stephanie shadow them while they are trained by staff
website and the rebranding remarkable is that, in the past, she was a member and support them when they are on their own,
of our Living Legacy Society. of our Bridges program. She is, in fact, the first all while encouraging them to ask questions if
member of Bridges. needed. A coach stays on site for the 10 weeks but
In 1919, socialite Edith Bridges—part of our “A Zoo for All“ can back off as a participant’s skills increase.
Rockefeller McCormick donated initiative, which provides unique engagement
a parcel of land to the Forest opportunities for children, youth, and adults
Preserves of Cook County with
the dream of building a large Early childhood docent
zoological park, one featuring Stephanie Padilla (at
modern construction and left) holds a rabbit
more open enclosures. Without for guests to meet in
her support, we would not Hamill Family Play Zoo.
be where we are today.
with disabilities—is a collaboration between After 10 weeks, participants can apply for paid
In recognition of her vision the Chicago Zoological Society and nearby and volunteer positions at the zoo. In 10 years,
and generosity, we are proud to organization Community Support Services, Inc. about half of the participants have continued on
introduce the Edith Rockefeller that began in fall 2006, with support from the for some time as volunteers or in paid positions.
McCormick Society. Formally LaGrange Area Department of Special Education. Several have moved on to jobs at other companies.
the Living Legacy Society, The program helps adults with disabilities
this program honors and develop job and customer service skills, as well Stephanie has been volunteering at the Play
acknowledges individuals who as independence, by placing them in a 10-week Zoo for more than 10 years, during which she has
make gifts through their estate volunteer position at Brookfield Zoo. Anyone worked up to her ability to handle animals and
plans to ensure a vibrant future for interested in the program contacts Community present them to the public. She has enjoyed the
the Society and Brookfield Zoo. Support Services, Inc., then participates in an experience so much that she now works at a local
interview and background check. veterinary hospital. She still volunteers at the zoo
Joining the Edith Rockefeller two days a week, adding up to more than 400
McCormick Society is now easier As with our Good Works Program, which we hours of volunteer time each year. Linda Padilla,
than ever. Visit our expanded initiated for local high school students, most Stephanie’s mother, even started to volunteer
and enhanced Planned Giving Bridges participants work at Hamill Family Play Zoo, at the zoo after seeing Stephanie’s positive
section of the Society’s website experience. Linda has volunteered for seven years.
at CZS.org/Donate to join and
learn how you can make a gift
and explore the many benefits
available to you when you
remember the Society in your
estate plans. (We are grateful to
R&R Newkirk for its guidance and
support in the development of
the new Planned Giving website.)
The Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield
Zoo cannot render tax or legal advice, and the
information provided above is not intended as
such. Please seek the advice of estate and tax
professionals in developing your estate plans.
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