Junior Board of Christiana Care, Inc.
Summer Edition Newsletter June 2025
Speechless inWilmington...............
Reaction to ‘Food is Medicine’ ContributionAnnouncement
Junior Board members and guests enjoyed an interesting, heartwarming, and informative General Meeting and delicious buffet Luncheon on June 10, 2025, at the Wilmington Country Club. After our member business meeting, we invited ChristianaCare’s Michelle Axe, Community Health Program Manager, and Jacqueline Ortiz, Chief Community Impact Officer, to join us as we unveiled the BIG check for our JB Cause 2025 Fundraising/Event. When Michelle and Jackie saw the $100,000 amount for ‘Food is Medicine’, they were speechless! This is the first time since COVID that the Junior Board has raised this phenomenal amount.
“Community Health Impact is beyond grateful to the Junior Board of Christiana Care for your generous $100,000 gift supporting our Food is Medicine work Your investment will allow us to expand our Food is Medicine program portfolio including new culinary medicine interventions to help patients heal, thrive, and lead healthier lives. This donation isn’t just funding; it’s a powerful catalyst for health equity, community connection, and whole-person care. Thank you for believing in the transformative power of food and helping change the lives of the communities we serve ” MichelleAxe
Bravo to our Fundraising Committee, chaired by Kaye Crouch, to our Event Planning committee, chaired by Claudine Richardson and Diane Thomas, and to our generous JB members, Corporate and Friends donors. We can all be proud and maybe a little speechless about this tremendous community support!
To Market, to Market...Jiggety Jig
“My collaboration with the Junior Board is a major highlight of my year as a physician and person in this community. The area of focus ‘Food is Medicine’ is spot on with what we need to bolster health. Thank you, Junior Board, and everyone who contributed to this top-notch cause!”
JB Cause 2025 Event May 2, 2025Ammon Center
Even with a last-minute change of venue, JB Marketplace bustled with excitement as JB members and guests browsed and purchased items from enticing vendors of jewelry, food, and home goods; as well as raffled their way to desirable gift cards, gift baskets, and gift items; and listened to the unique sounds of The Brandywine Riders.
Kudos to our dedicated, talented, and flexible Event Planning Committee co-chairs Claudine Richardson and Diane Thomas, and to our day-of-event volunteers In addition, thanks to our honorary chair, Dr. Allen Friedland, for his enthusiastic support before, during, and after the event.
With everyone ’ s generous effort, we all went “home again, home again... jiggety jog” feeling great about our contributions to ‘Food is Medicine’.
KayeCrouch,JacquelineOrtiz,MichelleAxe, DianeThomasandClaudineRichardson
Dr AllenR Friedland, HonoraryChair
Junior Board Summer Edition 2025 Newsletter With Gratitude and Appreciation to our Generous 2025 Donors
Your donations make our impact possible and lasting!!
PLATINUM
Junior Board of Christiana Care, Inc
GOLD
Drs Janice Nevin & Charles Pohl
SILVER
Lammont D. Copeland, Jr.
Dr. Patricia Curtin and Family
Charles H and Ella Emery Rutledge Fund
BRONZE
The Rocco A and MaryAbessinio
Charitable Fund
Joanne Abruzzese
B & F Towing Company
Denise M Bree
The Delaware Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Claudia and Richard Fischer
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute
Old Country Gardens
PNC Financial Services Group
Dr and Mrs Howard Zucker
PEWTER
Richard and Barbara Burd
Michael and Tookie Clark
Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory
Kathy Fenimore
Dr Richard Cuming and Mr John Lally
Brian and Kathy Lessard
Ann S. Kappel
Milestone Construction Company, Inc.
Dr. Renee O’Leary
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate
R L Laboratories
Seiberlich Trane Energy Services
W L Gore & Associates, Inc
Drs. Jeffrey and Susan Zern
FRIEND
Charles and Phyllis Adams
Robert Asante
Breakwater Accounting and Advisory Services
Brew Ha! Ha!
FRIEND
(continued)
John A. and Lena Elzufon
Dr. Marciana Filippone
Chris Frysztacki
Tina Furman
Gunnip & Company LLP
Judith Holloway
Mary and Francis Julian
Alan and Susan Katz
Irene Larson
Alice S Missimer
Barry and Susan Niziolek
National Philanthropic Trust
Pratt Insurance, Inc.
Janet Protack
Nancy and Dan Rich
Mr and Mrs Paul Riley III
Matthew Rubino
Pamela Russo
Paula J. Cobb Sheldon
Troy and Greer Silliman
Diane H. Thomas
Today Media
Judith Townsley
PATRON
Debra Ackerman
Joan Altmaier
Zita Aquino
Sylvia Bachman
Nancy Barefoot
Mr and Mrs John P Bonarigo
Ellen Brannen
Georgia Brereton
Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Broll
Lois Capone
Susan Carty
Dr and Mrs Charles G Case, Sr
Morganne Castiglione
Jeanne T. Checkel
Donna M. Cohen
CokesburyVillage Residents Association
Rhonda Combs
Barbara Del Duke
Dr and Mrs John Donnelly
Thomas Dougherty, MD
PATRON
(continued)
Katelyn A. Fritzges, MD
Linda Fritzges
Carol Gallagher
Cynthia Griffen
Mary Hannagan
Johnathan Hanninen
Marie Hanley
Claire Herrington
Drs Megan Mickley and Kim Imbesi
Airlee R Johnson
Kathleen Johnson
Lamar Johnson
Karen Kaminski
Steven Kushner, MD
Judy Legge
Lolita Lopez
Maureen Namiotka
Mark Mason
Marie G. Marx
Karen and Larry Maurer
Theresa McCoy
Jane McKinstry
Mary Lou Mench
Blanche A Moaney
Debbie Mooney
Marilee Mullett
Barbara R. Morgan
Pattie Parker
Harriet Porter
Claudine D Richardson
Gretchen Rickards
Debra Ross
Nancy M. Rothman
Marie P. Rule
Joanne Rushton
Anne Saunders
Ellen and Dave Schonbach
Colleen Shields
Helen Shields
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Shumaker
Lenore Stone
Joyce Strojny
Marie Sutton
Irene C Szeto, M D
Peggy and Marty Tracy
Marlene Tribbitt
Warren Butt and Elaine Schmerling
Carolyn A. Cottrell
Carol A. Coughenour
Kaye Crouch
Judith Ann DeStefano
Diamond State Promotions
Elliott-Lewis Corporation
Mr. Stan and Dr. Joyce Drayton
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dryer
Connie L Euston
Elizabeth C Feldman
Helen A Ferris
Susan M. Fols
Chris Fraser
S. Janie Truitt
JoAnn N Vahey
Walter’s Steakhouse
Patricia Olah Waxman
Norma Jean Welsh
Kevin and Linda White
Francis F. Williams
Lori Wright
Focus on Giving
The Junior Board continues to give generously wherever and whenever there is a need. We are proud to share that, during our 2024–2025 fiscal year, we contributed an outstanding $265,500 to ChristianaCare!
This remarkable achievement reflects our steadfast commitment to the Junior Board’s mission: to support ChristianaCare through volunteer service and financial contributions to meaningful projects and programs.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, participated in our fundraising efforts, and supported the recipients of our funds. Your generosity and involvement make all the difference.
*Spiritual Care and Chaplain Services: This team of volunteers partners with caregivers, patients, families, and community clergy to offer spiritual and emotional support to people of all faiths. Donation: $7,000
*Adolescent/YoungAdult Oncology Program: These funds will go toward implementing and improving psychosocial support to address mental health concerns that focus on enhancing the continuum of care for adolescents and young adults. Donation: $10,000
*First State School: Monies will go towards activities and services such as field trips and new technologies that will help improve learning and socialization. Donation: $15,000
*iLEAD Discovery Garden (Gazebo and Greenhouse): Program funds were used to purchase a gazebo and greenhouse, located in the iLead Discovery Garden behind the hospital. This space has been transformed into an outdoor learning classroom that hosts workshops and lectures on the theme ‘Food is Medicine.’ The food grown in the garden is distributed to individuals facing food insecurity. Donation: $23,500
*Junior Board Library at the Helen Graham Center: Time to breathe new life into our important resource. Proposed updates include revamping the physical space to make it more comfortable and welcoming. There is also a vision to add new signage, expand programs and classes, and develop several other user-friendly services. Donation: $35,000
*Medical Respite Bed Program at the Hope Center: This program helps patients experiencing homelessness by providing a safe place to continue their recovery and offers many other social services and resources, such as clothing, transportation, and assistance with food insecurities. Donation: $35,000
*Ruth ShawTrust Fund: Nursing Scholarships: The Ruth Shaw Junior Board Scholarship is designed to support nursing and allied health students in their educational journey. This scholarship provides 100% tuition rt. Donation: $40,000
s Medicine Program: This program supports members of our com e experiencing food insecurity. Identified patients receive weekly y deliveries, alongwith nutrition and culinary education, as well a nated clinical and social care services. Donation $100,000
Junior Board Summer Edition 2025 Newsletter
You missed it...
...if you were not at the March General Meeting & Luncheon at PMRI!
What a wonderful turnout we had!
Nearly 50 members and guests filled the conference room at PMRI as we learned, tasted, and planted alongside our enthusiastic culinary and gardening presenters. The fun and engagingvibe was evident throughout the day, all centered around our JB Cause 2025: Food is Medicine. Dr. Katelyn Fritzges’ presentation, An Introduction to Culinary Education, was a big hit.We had the pleasure of watching her prepare two nutritious and delicious salad dishes, which delighted both our eyes and our palates.
Gardening tips from Dr. Mark Mason, Denise Taylor, and Caroline Maywere equallywell received.We even got our hands dirty (don’t worry-- we had gloves!) planting ourvery own mini herb gardens to take home and continue growing.
Aheartfelt thankyou to all of our presenters, as well as MichelleAxe and Dr.Allen Friedland, who added to this fun and productive day!
Marie Hanley
Editor’sCorner:
Theadagesays,“Ittakesavillagetoraiseachild,”andthesame canbesaidforournewsletter ittakesateamofdedicated individualstobringittolife.Thankyoutoourcontributors: Kaye Crouch,DianeThomas,ConnieEuston,andClaudineRichardson;toourwonderful proofreaders:AngelaCaseandPhyllisAdams;andtoourextraordinarypublisher, LindaWhite,whobringsitalltogether!Gracias!
“Allyouneedislove,butalittlechocolatenowandthendoesn’thurt!”CharlesM.Schulz
HOURS.......
As you volunteer, remember to submit your hours. Ellen Schonbach is waiting to hear from you!
Meet your new Co-Presidents (2025-2026)
Diane Thomas and Claudine Richardson
ElizabethDougherty DirectorofAnnualGiving OfficeofPhilanthropy ChristianaCare
Just a little thank you to Elizabeth Dougherty, who has been a cornerstone of the Junior Board for some years Her dedication and willingness to make things happen and help accomplish them are truly invaluable. Thank you, Elizabeth, for all that you do and continue to do. We’re so gr
A Little Note from Kaye
Myterm as Co-president is ending, and Iwould like to thankyou, the membership, for trustingme to help lead the JuniorBoard this past year The support has been evident while Diane and I carried out both difficult decisions and opportunities for fun and fellowship alongtheway As with all of you, I joined the Junior Board to serve the patients and families of Christiana Care by volunteering in a medical setting You realize how fortunate you are to have good health and the ability to help others while they navigate their health journey and to witness the grace these patients and their loved ones exhibit at difficult times. Thank you for your confidence, your support, and most importantly, yourfriendship I am grateful!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Important Dates to Remember
General Meetings
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Volunteer Workshop Tuesday, October 7, 2025