Merle Muskal Reskin, a native Chicagoan, was a well-loved singer, dancer and patron of the arts. She first discovered her talent and love for music and drama while a student at the Latin School in Chicago, when it was still an all-girls’ campus. Merle was a multi-hyphenate entertainer, having performed in live theater, television, radio and on the silver screen. Perhaps her most memorable performance was as Ensign Janet MacGregor in “South Pacific” which she landed after a chance cocktail party meeting with the musical’s composer, Richard Rodgers. After her run on Broadway, Merle transitioned into a life of philanthropy upon her marriage to Harold Reskin, a Chicago-area real estate entrepreneur. The Reskins became generous and active patrons of the arts, establishing the Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University and the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre Company, as well as many other arts-related causes. Merle counted many fellow performers and celebrities as dear friends which greatly enhanced her long, full, incredible life.

In the essence of Merle Reskin’s generosity, proceeds from the sale of her jewelry collection will benefit many causes that were dear to her heart, including Wounded Warriors Project, Doctors without Borders and Lurie Children’s Hospital, among several others.