"Serve an Ace Against Cancer"

The seventh annual “Serve an Ace Against Cancer” tennis tournament, hosted by Philadelphia Country Club on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 was yet another successful fundraiser.  All proceeds benefited The Wellness Community of Philadelphia.

Spectators enjoyed an afternoon of champagne and hors d’oeuvres while watching a Pro-am round robin doubles tournament, followed by another round robin tournament played by club pros from area clubs.  The total amount raised over the last six years is close to $30,000.  Special thanks to Philadelphia Country Club’s director of sports, Andrew Hocker, and Event Chair Maria Barrett for making this event possible.

Come back soon for photos from the event!

Click here to see pictures of the 2007 "Serve an Ace Against Cancer" event.

The Wellness Community of Philadelphia held its tenth annual Evening in the Park gala on a cold and rainy May 16th. In fact, the weather inside the tent was warm and cozy as close to 300 supporters gathered at The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland to honor three amazing women whose lives and deeds are an inspiration to all.

Honorees and top level sponsors were feted at a VIP Reception in the main house at Ridgeland prior to joining the rest of the guests for a Martha’s Vineyard themed party. The tent was decorated in blue toile, fairy lights, and pink roses. Delicious food provided by Patrick Loumagne’s Catered Events, and sparkling music by Eddie Bruce Entertainment’s Miami added to the ambience.

The program began with a greeting by board chair Marcie Kennedy, who welcomed the guests and thanked the Gala Committee for their hard work, before introducing Keith Morgan, Chair Emeritus. Keith presented the video that celebrates TWCP's 15th Anniversary and was specially created by Nancy Glass. Following the video, Tom Dooney, TWCP Emeritus board member, presented the "Ridgeland Award” to Jill Durovsik, outgoing Board chair and founding Board member, for her years of dedication and support of TWCP. Jill spoke eloquently about what TWCP means to her and why she has given so much over the years. After Jill, Kim Hinkelman, Executive Director, spoke about the evening’s success as a fundraiser (over $270,000 for operating support of TWCP) and thanked our wonderful sponsors:

Presenting Partner

MDS Pharma Services

Pearl Sponsors

ENDO Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

GlaxoSmithKline Oncology

The Suzanne Morgan Foundation

Weight Watchers of Philadelphia, Inc.

Platinum Sponsors

The Brun Family Foundation

Comcast Family of Companies

Merck & Co., Inc.

John & Leigh Middleton

University of Pennsylvania Health System

Print & Radio Sponsors

B101

Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News

Kim then introduced James Pusey from MDS Pharma who encouraged everyone to buy raffle tickets – which they did! Kim next announced a special gift of $25,000 from Keith & Alix Morgan, through The Suzanne Morgan Foundation which will be used to provide resources for capital improvements to Ridgeland as well as expansion of the Jean C. Holler Contemplation Garden. They have set this up as a matching gift to encourage other donors to help TWCP maintain its remarkable property.

Kim asked the event co-chairs and board members, Patty Isen and Richard Halloran, to say a few words. Both Richard and Patty spoke of their own commitment to TWCP and how Jill is a constant inspiration to them.

After dinner, Kim asked Betty Rollin, our Medal of Inspiration honoree to join her in presenting the Medal of Courage to Carol Fisher. Carol spoke of her long term survivorship and how The Wellness Community of Philadelphia has given her so much since 1994 when she first started coming to programs. Carol now gives back by volunteering at our Newcomer’s orientations, so she can help others navigate their cancer diagnosis.

Joy Shugrue, Emeritus Board Member, then came on stage to present the Medal of Inspiration to Betty Rollin. Joy spoke of Betty’s career and her trailblazing book, First, You Cry; and Betty’s exemplary efforts to help people with cancer and their loved ones improve the quality of their lives by providing better resources for them. Betty spoke about her cancer journey with wit and compassion for others on this path.

Following dessert, the raffle drawing was held and several lucky guests won prizes, including a one-year lease on a Nissan 350Z convertible from Exton Nissan.

At the end of the evening, guests left knowing how their support helped TWCP continue its mission of helping people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being through participation in a professional program of emotional support, education, and hope. Many thanks to all of our sponsors and honorary co-chairs Senator Arlen Specter, Governor Edward G. Rendell, Keith and Alixandra Morgan, and Kim Thiboldeaux, President/CEO of The Wellness Community – National, for making this all possible.

Special thanks to our major partners:

Presenting Partner


Pearl Partners
   

Radio Sponsor                                     Print Sponsors       

Click here to see pictures of the 2008 "Evening in the Park" event.

The Wellness Community of Philadelphia congratulates the “Strides for Hope” team for their participation in the Penn Relays Distance Classic on April 20, 2008.  “Striders” capped off their months of training on a crisp and cool morning and did an amazing job!  Some ran or walked 5k or 20k and achieved their own personal best records.  Each team member accomplished something special, supported each other’s efforts, and through the combined fundraising efforts, provided services at The Wellness Community of Philadelphia for persons affected by cancer.  The team’s fundraising efforts amounted to over $16,000.

We’re proud to announce that the 20k Strides for Hope team came in 3rd in the competition. “Strides” runners and walkers who participated in the PRDC included Jay Boal, Jill Dolgin (Board member), Jon Erhlich, Stephen Frishberg (Board member), Barbara Frishberg, Laura Frishberg, Rachel Frishberg, Concetta Gonnella, Tom Hazelwood, Edna Hecht (who is a Penn Relays Wall of Famer and came in 3rd in her age group!), Jon Lustig, William Toffey, and Jo-Ann Zoll (Board member).

Some “Striders” opted for different venues, all the while raising money for this cause that is so dear to them.  Team Landue (Victoria and Shannon) took their race to the Broad Street Run on May 4th and Trish Furman plans to run in the New Jersey Marathon.

Special thanks to “Strides” trainer Jessica Lutkenhouse, who came in second overall for the women’s 20K, and to celebrity chair Kristen Welker, NBC10 anchor/reporter.

Click here to see pictures of the 2008 "Strides for Hope" event.

The Wellness Community of Philadelphia hosted its fifth annual fashion show on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.  It featured Paris design team REQUIEM and was presented by SAKS FIFTH AVENUE.  Guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon provided by Culinary Concepts in the lovely home of Michelle Ball, had the chance to meet Raffaele Borriello and Julien Desselle of REQUIEM, and saw a showing of their exciting Spring/Summer 2008 line available at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE in Bala Cynwyd.  The event was co-chaired by Jill Durovsik and Patty Isen and raised over $36,000 for TWCP.

Click here to see pictures of the 2007 "In Fashion!" event.

Malvern Prep hosted its eighth annual 5-mile Malvern C.A.R.E.S. (Cancer and AIDS Reach Everyone Somehow) Walk on Sunday, October 7, 2007. This unique outing provided an opportunity for families and friends to come together to help raise money for four local cancer and AIDS non-profit organizations. The day began with a mass at 8:30 AM, followed by a run/walk at 9:30 AM. Malvern Prep students, community members and friends of the beneficiary organizations participated and collected donations in support of their effort. As one of the designated recipients, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia’s board member Bruer Kershner was on-site to educate participants about TWCP’s mission and to lend his support to the Malvern Prep community. Past C.A.R.E.S. events have raised a total of $22,600 for TWCP. This one brought in another $6,250 for The Wellness Community. Thanks to the Malvern Prep community for walking or running in support of those with cancer and AIDS, and for the leadership of Malvern Prep president, James Stewart, and director of community relations, Larry Legner.

The Wellness Community of Philadelphia held its fourth annual "Help Make it Happen!" mini golf tournament on September 28, 2007 at Tees Golf Center in Conshohocken. Over 100 children and 50 adults participated, raising over $35,500 for TWCP. This is the only event to benefit TWCP that is organized for kids, by kids. It was made possible by a committee of dozens of children, including event co-chairs Will Field, son of Jaimie and David Field, and Kaitlin Tarte, daughter of Karen and Scott Tarte, and vice chair Grant Bianchi, son of Gwen and Dennis Bianchi.

Committee members sent invitations, sold raffle tickets, and staffed the tournament. Special thanks to the committee and all the generous individuals and corporations whose donations of products and services have once again helped to make it happen.

Click here to see pictures of the 2007 "Help Make it Happen!" event.