The Twenty-Five Club is dedicated to advancing newborn medicine, focusing on prenatal and neonatal research and clinical care.
Our Purpose
To provide such support to a hospital of Pittsburgh as decided upon by Club members. Children’s departments preferred.
“He that so loves a child loves not himself but God” ---- Phillips Brooks
Our Accomplishments – What We Do!
This mission has been the heart of our work for over eighty-five years, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to UPMC Magee, the NICU, and the vulnerable newborns who need our support. The legacy of the original twentyfive women, whose modest beginnings had a profound impact, inspires us as we look toward the future. Since 1981 alone, The Twenty-Five Club has contributed over $7 million to UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, MageeWomens Research Institute, and associated research initiatives.
It all began with a simple gathering. Eight women, meeting regularly for afternoon tea and bridge, were inspired by the infectious enthusiasm of Lillian Reese, who was passionate about supporting infant care. As the group grew, on September 21, 1939, Mrs. Reese gathered twenty-four prominent women to form a new charity club. They were invited to hear a presentation by researcher Dr. Murray Ferderber, who asked the newly formed club to fund a physician for the fever therapy department at Children’s Hospital. From this meeting, The Twenty-Five Club was born—named for the 24 women and Lillian herself who came together that day.
Membership was strictly limited to twenty-five women, each committed to working on the club’s special projects. Their monthly bridge parties became fundraising events, with contributions supporting the attending physician in Children’s Hospital’s Fever Therapy Department.
Their first major project was to pay the salaries of key doctors and purchase the equipment necessary to study the RH blood factor. Over the following years, they funded research on infant brain structure, thyroid, stomach, and intestinal tracts. Their efforts expanded to include research on Hyaline Membrane Disease, a respiratory condition that was the leading cause of death among newborns—tragically, even President John F. Kennedy’s son succumbed to this illness. Today, respiratory and lung diseases remain the most significant threats to premature infants.
In 1942, a dedicated Infant Research Department was established at the Elizabeth Steel Magee Hospital, and The Twenty-Five Club redirected all fundraising efforts towards infant research there, marking the beginning of their 82-year affiliation with Magee.
Evolving Over the Years...
The Twenty-Five Club has since grown into a major force in fundraising for prenatal and neonatal care at UPMC Magee, research at Magee-Womens Research Institute, and the NICU at UPMC Children’s Hospital. We are proud to be a community of women united by our shared commitment to this vital cause.
Milestones in Fundraising and Support for Infant Health:
In 1954, The Twenty-Five Club purchased the first Thermo Incubator used in Pittsburgh.
In 1969, the club funded the creation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Magee-Womens Hospital—the only NICU in Western Pennsylvania and one of the few in the country at the time.
In 2008, under the leadership of former president Carol Massaro, The Twenty-Five Club established "The Twenty-Five Club Endowed Chair in Newborn Medicine." Groundbreaking research projects at Magee-Womens Research Institute have included Dr. Yoel Sadovsky’s Placental Immunity Project and Dr. Stephen Emery’s pioneering work diagnosing and treating Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). The club has also supported Dr. Emery’s in-utero fetal spina bifida repair, Dr. Thomas Diacovo’s fetal blood bank, and numerous other research and clinical initiatives that continue to impact the tiniest lives, both locally and globally.
Through these efforts and more, The Twenty-Five Club remains deeply committed to improving infant health and supporting the research that will benefit babies worldwide for generations to come.
Paul and Patti Matty raised over $1,200,000 with a series of “Sales in the Park”.
The profits from early fundraising efforts enabled the establishment of the Developmental Respiratory Physiology Laboratory in 1984 and the Laboratory of Developmental Molecular Biology in 1991. As the scale of these efforts grew, a 200-member auxiliary became essential. Paul and Patti Matty, along with their dedicated volunteers, worked tirelessly to make this a reality. The Twenty-Five Club’s "Gallery and Estate Auction," conducted by C.B. Charles’ Galleries, was a major success thanks to member Ann Kerr, who traveled the world at her own expense to purchase items for the auction. All proceeds from the auction benefitted The Twenty-Five Club. In recognition of their contributions, the Mattys were honored with a plaque commemorating their commitment to research at Magee, which remains on display today. Ann Kerr was also honored for her extraordinary efforts between 1983 and 1985, during which she raised funds to establish both the Neonatal Research Laboratory and the Neonatal Physiology Laboratory at Magee. Her remarkable generosity provided The Twenty-Five Club with the foundation to continue growing throughout the decades.
In 1996, the Elizabeth McCullough Award was established to honor Elizabeth “Libby” McCullough for her exceptional dedication to Magee. This award is given to individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding energy, commitment, and success in fundraising for Magee.
Notable Twenty-Five Club members who have received this award include (from left to right) Ann Kerr (1998), Jettie Mooney (1999), Dolores Bold (2005), Carol Massaro (2007), Janice Hackett (2012), and Debbie Barbarita (2013).
PRESENTED EVERY FIVE YEARS
In celebrating the 70th anniversary of the 25 Club, we created a Lifetime Achievement Award, entitled the Lillian Reese Award, after our founder! The first award was presented to Mrs. Dolores Bold (2009), a Pittsburgh socialite who was a member of the 25 Club for over 30 years. Dolores gave us decades of unwavering support and endless hours of service, plus chairing The Holiday Ball in 1999. She has been a guiding light for all of our members
Carol Massaro (2014), was a member of The 25 Club since 1992, chairing The Holiday Ball in 1994 and our Cradle Will Rock event in 2008 and 2015. She was one of the most stylish women in Pittsburgh, and she founded an Alzheimer's Foundation in our city. Her 2008 benefit "Please Take A Seat" auctioned off artistic chairs, with its process helping to establish "The 25 Club Chair in Newborn Medicine "
Doris Shepherd (2014), joined the club in 1983; for a decade, she was the only Lifetime Active member (a designation earned after 30 years of membership). Her daughter also became a member of The 25, and their artistic talents in painting and sewing lent great creative pieces to our auctions and vendor areas Doris is a great supporter of our cause
Barbara Norris (2019), joined The Twenty-Five Club in 1988 and has been instrumental in the successes through the decades and remains an Active Lifetime Member today. She cochaired "The Evelyn Lauder Luncheon (1996)" and the "Preemie's Purse Luncheon- A Tribute to Judith Leiber" in 2018. She served as President of the club from 1995-1997.
Dani Grego (2019), became a member in 1989 and has consistently served on the Executive Committee for decades; she is our go-to person for the history and background of The TwentyFive Club. She served as President from 2011-2013. Dani co-chaired the 2010 "Whipping UP Healthy Futures Luncheon" and cooking demonstration with The Duquesne Club chefs. She remains an Active Lifetime Member today.
The 25 Club Story CONTINUES
A significant milestone was reached in July 2008, when The Twenty-Five Club, under the leadership of then-president Carol Massaro, established "The Twenty-Five Club Endowed Chair in Newborn Medicine," to be held by Dr. Gary Silverman. This $2 million chair was made possible through a $1 million donation from the club, matched by an additional $1 million from Magee-Womens Hospital. In June 2010, the club provided funding to Dr. John Watchko for research and treatments aimed at preventing brain damage in newborns with severe jaundice.
That same year, The Twenty-Five Club contributed to the creation of a Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, directed by Dr. Stephen Emery, specializing in in-utero surgery for the diagnosis and treatment of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome—a disease of the placenta that affects identical twin pregnancies. These commitments, often fulfilled over the span of two to three years, continued to impact infant health. In June 2011, The Twenty-Five Club also funded Dr. Emery’s research for inutero repair of fetal spina bifida.
Our history of funding initiatives spans decades and continues to this day, with every cent of donations directly supporting research, medical advancements, and clinical care for the most fragile lives.
We have supported a wide array of research initiatives dedicated to improving outcomes and survival rates for infants and premature babies. For years, The Twenty-Five Club has also been a key supporter of the NICU Reunion, celebrating the remarkable journeys of NICU graduates.
Michel Monsour Bodnar Franklin, (2023-2025) President of The Twenty -Five Club was one of the first tiniest preemies born at Magee.
She could not be weighted for two weeks since her chances of survival were so slim. Dr. McClusky cared for her at Magee, she remained in the hospital for three months folllowing her birth December 9, 1949.
Every year we invite the public in May to participate in our Tribute to Mothers. The "Tribute to Mothers" program, led by Laura Kronk for several years, has become a heartfelt and impactful way to celebrate the special women in our lives while making a real difference for local babies in need. By honoring a mother, grandmother, or any special person, contributors not only pay tribute to their loved ones but also directly support the vital work of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. The funds raised through this initiative help provide life-saving care and advanced treatments for premature infants, ensuring they receive the best possible start in life.
Every donation goes towards improving neonatal care, funding research, and supporting families facing the challenges of premature birth. By participating in this tribute, you are helping to make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of local babies. Each contributor's name is published in the November event program booklet, offering a public acknowledgment of their generosity and support.
To participate in this Tribute and help make a difference, please email Laura Kronk at lpkronk@aol.com.
Together, we can honor loved ones while giving hope and support to families in need.
Or you can donate anytime by visiting
A premature birth can turn a family’s world upside down, introducing unforeseen emotional, physical, and financial challenges. The early arrival of a baby often brings uncertainty, as premature infants face a higher risk of medical complications such as respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term health problems. Parents may experience anxiety, fear, and helplessness as they navigate extended hospital stays in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), often unsure of their baby's future.
The stress of managing daily life while constantly worrying about the baby's condition can strain relationships and disrupt family dynamics. Siblings may feel neglected, and financial burdens can mount with medical bills and time away from work. Emotional support for the entire family is crucial, as they need not only medical care but also the understanding and compassion of their community.
This is where organizations dedicated to helping premature babies, like The Twenty-Five Club, play a vital role. By funding research, offering assistance, and providing emotional support, these groups help families cope during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
YOUR contributions to hospitals and neonatal care are essential in improving survival rates and longterm outcomes for premature infants.
Supporting these organizations is more than just an act of charity—it’s an investment in the future of families and the precious lives of the most vulnerable newborns.
Since 2016, we have donated $120,619 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UPMC MageeWomens Hospital. Between June 2016 and 2024, we have contributed an additional $1,050,000 towards various fetal and infant research projects, including: Melissa Mann’s groundbreaking study on genetic advancements in embryo, fetal, and newborn development through her work on the Imprinting Cluster Project.
Thomas Hooven’s research on Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications in fetuses, potentially leading to stillbirth or long-term neurodevelopmental challenges. The World Health Organization is actively working towards developing a vaccine for GBS within the next decade.
Through these efforts and countless others, The Twenty-Five Club remains steadfast in its mission to support the tiniest and most vulnerable lives.
In keeping with the issues of contemporary society, we recently funded “Pre-delivery Risk Assessment of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome” research by Kelly DiMattio MD and Yingshi Ouyang, PhD. and a pilot outreach into the community with “Enhancing Outcomes for Newborns in the NICU Through Postpartum Doula Support” by Onome Oghifobibi, MD.
2010 Co-chairs from left, Dani Grego & Carol Massaro
Co-chairs
Eleanor Shano Feeney (left)
Jettie Mooney and Barbara Norris
Faye Sampson (left) in 2012 hosted and chaired our WESTERN Cradle will Rock evening event at her Keepsake Arabians Equestrian Center with all proceeds benefiting The Twenty-Five Club. It was a fun-filled evening of Western Music and cuisine!
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Co-chairs Judy Woffington, Barbara Mendolwicz, Dani Grego and Jill Nolan.
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the OMNI William Penn Hotel with a creative artistic Chair auction. Our Cradle will Rock evening event was chaired by (from left) Kathleen Hess, Debbie Barbarita and Jenne Caliguiri.
From left: President Arlene Sokolow, Co-chair Michel Franklin, Ann Fristoe Stewart, Director of The Judith Leiber Museum and Barbara Norris, Cochair.
