“Grateful for the Small Things”: Foundation Pillar Cathy Craddock Retiring
Cathy Craddock, 71, whose friendly face has greeted visitors to the Foundation for almost 20 years, is retiring. Before joining the Foundation, Cathy worked for organizations like International Harvester, Time Life, and the National Restaurant Association—where she helped at telethons and met celebrities like Pat Boone, Donna Mills, and Lou Rawls. Cathy recalls that former Foundation marketing director Henry Kranz endorsed her as a candidate for administrative assistant.
“I found out that Henry Kranz was instrumental in suggesting to [former Executive Director] Theresa Amato that she hire me, because he had worked for the government in human resources… He saw I had more experience than the other person, so I appreciate that.” She and Kranz remain in touch and have lunch together once a year.
Overall, Cathy views her years at the Foundation as a positive experience. Her main happy memories involve meeting and greeting the many people who stop by the office—from board members to fund-holders to co-workers and volunteers.
“I’m right at the front desk, so I got a chance to interact with them and learn a little bit more about what they did,” she recalls.
“It makes me feel good that I was a part of that—welcoming people in, being the first voice that they hear when they call and ask for information.”
Cathy has several plans for retirement, including spending more time with her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is active in her church and its crocheting ministry, where she and others weave scarves for the homeless to help them handle Chicago’s tough winters. She also looks forward to returning to the bowling lanes.
“I’m in a bowling league, and the first year that I joined, we won first place, so we must have been doing something good.”
When asked to share a few life lessons she’s learned, Cathy sticks to the Golden Rule. “Treat people the way you would want them to treat you.”