A LETTER FROM THE COFOUNDERS RACHEL + ROGER REYNOLDS
Dear Friends and Supporters of CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation,
When we started CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation, Roger and I were drained and stunned by grief. We had spent the last year (over 100 days) in and out of hospitals, tending to CJ’s medical care. The one thing that kept us going in 2009 was kindness. We were overwhelmed in the most amazing way by people who demonstrated kindness.
Sometimes it was the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who provided care and comfort for a challenging diagnosis.
Sometimes it was our close friends and family, who did everything from caring for our pets and home while we traveled, making us meals, and giving us breaks when we needed it.
But some of the most amazing acts of kindness we experienced came from acquaintances and strangers. People heard our story and their hearts poured out. These acts of kindness were usually small: a coffee purchased; a $20 bill left anonymously on my car in an envelope with only the words “from a fellow mom”; a few dollars donated at a fundraiser held in our honor to support CJ’s medical and travel expenses.
It was this spirit of kindness that stuck with us as we formed CJSTUF. We knew how much these acts bolstered our spirit. They meant more, in some ways, than the tangible items themselves.
Fast forward fifteen years and we have been able to share even more acts of kindness, thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and staff. Each week, we provide food to almost 200 people. However, it is the smile, the bad dad joke, and the spirit of generosity accompanying the food that the families remember most.
Whether you have been with us from the beginning or you just recently found our organization, thank you for helping us deliver kindness to families in need. We hope to continue our mission for another 15 years and MORE.
Rachel Reynolds CJSTUF Managing Director & CJ’s Mama
CJSTUF STAFF & BOARD
BOARD - 2024
Emily Arnold Fleming (Chair and Secretary)
Aaron Gilley (Vice Chair)
Anthony Keitt (Treasurer)
Rhonda Toussaint
Julia Klauer
Matt Spangler
BOARD - 2025
Emily Arnold Fleming (Chair)
Aaron Gilley (Vice Chair)
Anthony Keitt (Treasurer)
Rhonda Toussaint (Secretary)
Julia Klauer
Matt Spangler
Dr. George Spagna
Dr. Judith McKinney
Denise Smith
STAFF - 2025
Roger Reynolds, Director of Programs
Rachel Reynolds, Managing Director
Vicki Swanson, Director of Development and Engagement
Jay Ell Alexander, Marketing and Communications Lead
Megan Vannelli, Event Coordinator
