Mommy's Light Annual Report 2010

TheCarlinskyFamily

Photograph byScott Pfeiffer

REMEMBERING MOMSix-year-old Matthew bakes cupcakes on his mom’s birthday

FUND A TRADITIONLearn how you can help bring joy to a child by funding afavorite tradition

LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOESIt's time to get in shape for the 7th Annual Mommy’s LightRace for Traditions

Inside this issue...

Published annually byMommy’s Light Lives On Fund®

www.mommyslight.org

DECEMBER 2010

A MESSAGE FROMMOMMY’S LIGHT’SPRESIDENT OF THE BOARD:

This year’s annual report invitesus into the lives of the peoplewho are Mommy’s Light – fromthe children and teens we serveto the directors, staff, volunteersand donors who have made it

possible for us to have served our 210th child and fulfilledour 727th tradition request. We are a diverse family unitedby the universal and timeless nature of traditions. Regard-less of race, religion, culture, gender or socio-economicstatus, every one of us has traditions that we cherish, thatsimultaneously give us feelings of being connected to ourpasts and hopeful about our futures. For children and teenswhose mothers are dying or have died, continuing traditionsis a comforting and uplifting way to navigate the painfuljourney that is bereavement.

Fourteen years ago, I made a personal promise to MaryMurphy to get Mommy’s Light up and running and serveour first child. Two of the first children we served, Max Cardand Jackie Nunery, are graduating from our tradition fulfill-ment program in a few months. I feel tremendous joy as Iwatch Max and Jackie reaching out to help other mater-

nally bereaved children and teens. And I have tremendousgratitude for those who not only have participated in get-ting Mommy’s Light’s doors open, but have embracedhundreds of grieving children and their family members.

So what’s next? An organizational promise to the morethan 626,000 maternally bereaved children and teens inthe US that we will find ways to make our tradition fulfill-ment process available to all of those in need. A personalpromise from our supporters that we will find ways tofund traditions.

What are your favorite traditions? I’m fairly certain that youwill find at least one child in our program who shares yourlove of holiday or birthday celebrations, walking on thebeach or riding roller coasters, going out to dinner orwatching a movie. Please sign up now to support a child’scherished tradition.

Warm regards,

Laura MuntsPresident of the Board

P.S. I want you to meet Jackie Nunery who is graduating from ourprogram this year.I met Jackie in March 2001 just two weeks after her mom died. Over the course of the last nine years, I havecome to know her as a dedicated student, compassionate friend and quiet leader. This past October, Jackiereceived her final visit as a participant in Mommy’s Light’s tradition fulfillment services as she will turn 18 in afew months. As we sat side by side looking at a chocolate chip cookie cookbook, we acknowledged how bitter-sweet milestones can be. Now, I welcome Jackie as a frequent volunteer and spokesperson for Mommy’s Light!

“I was about seven when my mom died,” says Jackie. “The first thing that comes to mind when I think ofher is cookies. We were baking all the time. After she passed away, I was devastated. Laura came to me likean angel, swept me under her wing and asked me about my mom and what I loved to do with her.Mommy's Light helped my grieving process. I feel like I'm surrounded bylove. I know I am.”

Listening to Jackie talk about her mom and their cherished traditions wasa sacred privilege. One of her favorite things about her mom was her pas-sion for baking, particularly chocolate chip cookies. When she decidedthat baking them was the tradition she wanted Mommy’s Light to help herkeep alive, I asked her what time of year she would like us to deliver hertradition fulfillment package. After several moments of silence, Jackiereplied that she wanted to bake them on October 8th, her mother’s birth-

day. We are all proud of Jackie and are thankful that shewill remain a part of Mommy’sLight’s family.Fund a Tradition

Celebrations2

https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1001913





LIGHT POST DECEMBER 2010 3

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Message from the Presidentof the Board

News Highlights

Remembering Mom

Fund a Tradition

Message from ourCo-Executive DirectorsRace for Traditions with theTodd Family

Financials

Volunteers of the Year

Sponsors of the Year

Upcoming Events

Board MembersMichael A. Doyle, Chairman of the BoardLaura A. Munts, President of the BoardAnna Hillman, CPA, MBA, TreasurerJ. William Widing, III, Esq., SecretarySandra D’AmicoEllen LangasAndrew MuntsDonna M. Phillips

Advisory Board MembersPaulette BattenfelderHillary DeLoneHope EdelmanMonica JusticeJoan KistlerReverend John MortonRussell NaylorDr. Leroy Nunery, IIMally RoncalDarcie Sims, PhD, CHT, CT, GMSLinda SwainNellie Walter, RNMarisa C. Weiss, MD

StaffMilly Tome Elrod, Co-Executive DirectorJoan Jackwood, Co-Executive DirectorBeverly Abbonizio, Program DirectorDonna Fischer, Operations Specialist

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Year’s Highlights in BriefThe best news this year is that Mommy’s Lightreached a landmark by fulfilling the cherishedtraditions of our 200th and 201st children,Robert (13) and James (10), whose motherdied from esophageal cancer. With supportfrom Mommy’s Light, Robert is continuing hisfavorite tradition of riding roller coasters at SixFlags, just like he loved to do with his mom, and James will remember herby celebrating his birthday at the family’s favorite New Jersey beach.

Since our inception in 1997, Mommy’s Light has served 210 maternallybereaved children and teens, 132 of whom are still receiving our annualtradition fulfillment services. Technology is playing an important role in ourgrowth. See Page 7 for the details of our first interview conducted via Skype!

What’s Cooking?Make this the favorite giftyou give this year!One of the most heartfelt projects to benefitMommy’s Light is a keepsake cookbook calledMommy’s Light In the Kitchen. Created by Jean-nine Ginsburg, a mother with metastatic breastcancer, and her three friends, its 200 recipes cele-brate family food traditions and honor the specialbonds between children and their mothers.

The young cook who submitted a heavenly recipe for Divine Cheesecakesays, “We are not only making a cake, we’re making memories that will last alifetime.” Jeannine’s story has received tremendous media attention, includ-ing an article in People magazine, resulting in more than 1800 books sold todate. Please help Mommy’s Light reach this year’s goal of selling 2000 morecookbooks. The perfect holiday gift for family, teachers and friends, it isavailable for a $15 donation (includes shipping) at www.mommyslight.org.Group purchase inquiries are welcome.

Click here for a free recipe from the book.

Mommy’s Light’sLeadership Team GrowsDonna M. Phillips, President of BrynMawr Rehab Hospital, was named toMommy’s Light’s Board of Directorsand Monica Justice, Senior VicePresident, Production at Rue La La inBoston, MA and former Vice Presi-dent of Creative at QVC, Inc., hasjoined Mommy’s Light’s Board ofAdvisors. “Along with their passionfor our mission, Donna and Monicabring invaluable professional skills to Mommy’sLight,” says Laura Munts, President of the Board.“They will help us reach our most important strate-gic goal – to serve a greater percentage of themore than 626,000 maternally bereaved childrenand teens in the US.”

http://www.mommyslight.org/mllo/page.php?89

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ix-year-old Matthew Carlinskymay have just started first grade,but he already knows that he’dlike to be a pilot or an astronautso he can see Mars. “Or the Presi-dent of the United States,” hequickly adds. And on more thanone occasion, Matthew has saidthat he’d like to be a doctor so hecan help cure cancer. In the mean-time, animal posters from maga-zines decorate his room, where hekeeps a collection of rocks andSilly Bandz®. “And I want to starta bug collection!”

“Matthew was just four when hismother Lisa died from non-smoker’s lung cancer,” says hisdad, Mark. “Lisa was diagnosed inApril 2006 at Stage 4 and theprognosis was three to six months,but she responded quickly andwell to treatment. Her scans wereclear for about one year, but thecancer recurred, then began toworsen. The social worker atMatthew’s preschool introducedus to Mommy’s Light. Although itwas a tough conversation to have,Lisa and I were grateful that she

could participate in the planningof Matthew’s tradition. We felt theconcept was a fantastic idea andwould benefit him later in lifewhen he could look back on theexperience and understand whyhis mom fought as hard as shedid. She wanted him to have afoundation of his own memoriesof her, and Mommy’s Light is partof that.”

Because the Carlinskys live in theChicago suburbs, Mommy’s Lightinterviewed the family by phoneas part of a pilot program the or-ganization conducted with fivefamilies to test its ability to servechildren nationwide. A speaker-phone was sent along with a vari-ety of small introductory gifts forMatthew. On March 12, 2009, Lisa,Mark and Matthew participated inthe phone call with Mommy’sLight volunteers and plannedMatthew’s tradition; 13 days laterLisa died.

“Matthew wanted to continue thetradition of baking cupcakes, andchose to bake them every year on

Lisa’s birthday,”says Mark. “Birth-days and Christmaswere always veryspecial for her. Sheliked the celebra-tory aspect of bothand enjoyed bak-ing on our birth-days to makethem that muchmore special. Wewere introduced

to Mommy’s Light at just the righttime so Matthew and I could jumpin and start the tradition of bakingcupcakes for Lisa on what wouldhave been her birthday in June.”

“I remember decorating theChristmas tree, hunting for Eastereggs and making cupcakes withmy mom,” Matthew points out. “Ihelped her bake. My favorites arevanilla and chocolate cupcakes.”

“Mommy’s Light volunteers askedgreat questions during the inter-view and tended to the details torecreate this tradition,” says Mark.“The first year was a very happyoccasion when Matthew receiveda package in the mail with cooltoys and books and cupcake-mak-ing materials. Lisa had a greenapron, so Mommy’s Light pro-vided a child-sized green apron.

This year, when they

RememberingMomMaking the Cupcake Connection

Matthew and his dad Mark remember Matthew’smom Lisa and talk about his cherished tradition ofbaking with her on their birthdays

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These Are a Few ofMy Favorite Things…Traditions Kids Loved toDo WithTheir Moms

Did you know that Mommy’s Lighthas fulfilled more than 700 traditionssince its inception? Here are someof the most frequently requestedcherished traditions:

Movie NightEating at a RestaurantCelebrating Birthdays/HolidaysGame NightGoing to the MallBeach FunAmusement ParkBaking and CookingA Trip to the ZooAttending a Cultural EventRoller SkatingGardeningGoing on a PicnicArts and CraftsBowlingIce SkatingWatching a Pro SportA Trip to the AquariumVisiting the Museum

You can bring joy to a child by funding atradition. Go to www.mommyslight.org,call 610-458-1690, or see details on thefollowing page.

discovered he loved Spiderman, they added a hand-painted Spider-man design to his apron. That was the kicker! He received Spider-man PEZ, candy, sprinkles, decorations, even plates!”

“I like decorating the cupcakes,” says Matthew. “Daddy only lets meeat them one at a time, sometimes two. But I would like to eat them allat one time…like ten!”

“After Lisa passed away, I felt 10,000 pounds on my shoulders everyday while I tried to work and be strong for Matthew,” Mark says. “Mybiggest connection to Lisa the first year was the pain of losing her. Butit didn’t feel right to make the connection revolve around pain. On thefirst anniversary of her death, a friend told me, ‘Lisa would want you togo on being strong for Matt and to be happy for the rest of your life.She has given you the greatest gift in Matthew.’ Since then my outlookhas been much more positive, and I truly believe that Matt and I can

draw from Lisa’s strength. It’s amuch stronger connection.

“Mommy’s Light helps tie into theoverall support people may getduring the time a mom is ill. Whenit comes to fulfilling a tradition, Icouldn’t even imagine how to do itwith the level and detail thatMommy’s Light does. I never eventhought of the idea until I heard ofit. It’s brilliant. The concept is sim-ple and meaningful, but carrying itout to the extent that Mommy’sLight does is not so easy.

“When the tradition package arrives, we put everything else on theback burner and focus on it. The tradition underscores the impor-tance of family. It helps Matt openly acknowledge how near anddear Lisa is to him. This year we were in the midst of a crazy summer.On Lisa’s birthday, Matt put on his new apron and we decorated thecupcakes together. It stopped time for us. We didn’t rush, we totallyimmersed ourselves in the tradition. We both look forward to contin-uing it, and I can’t wait to see how he wants to expand upon it astime goes by.

“This very special tradition is going to help Matt continue to honorhis mom because he knows why we are doing it. We’ve connectedit to how much Lisa loved him and how much people will always re-member and love Lisa. The impact of fulfilling the tradition on herbirthday is very positive because that’s something he shared withher from the beginning.”

“It makes me happy, and I hope she is having a good time in heaven,”agrees Matthew. “We won’t want to ever stop this because it’s sa-cred,” says Mark. “There’s no other way to describe it.”

Photo by Scott Pfeiffer

Making the Cupcake Connection (cont’d)


You can help bring joy and comfort to a maternally bereaved child by funding a special tradition thisyear. Each child’s tradition is unique and prepared with the utmost attention to detail. Here are a fewexamples of traditions Mommy’s Light has fulfilled for children and teens.


Bring Joy To a Child By Funding a Tradition

Gifts made to fund a tradition represent a gift to the entire mission. To help the greatest number of bereaved children and teens, Mommy’s Light does not use its limited resources totrack tradition gifts from donation to tradition fulfillment. We use your gifts where they can do the most good by pooling them with the gifts of others to meet the tradition fulfillmentrequests of all children in the program. And, because you are helping Mommy’s Light support bereaved children and teens, your gift is tax deductible.

Fund a TraditionWhat’s Cooking?

A gift of $50I would like to bake chocolate chip cookies on my mom’s

birthday with my dad and sister.Ingredients for chocolate chip cookies

2 new cookie sheets2 dozen pre-made chocolate chip cookies to enjoy

Set of clear glass mugs hand-painted with achocolate chip cookie on bottom

A gift of $75After dinner all nine of my kids get into a big puppy pile to

watch their favorite movies!Home Movie Night for the Family

2 DVDsMicrowave popcorn

Bags of Swedish fish (Mom’s favorite)Two 2-liter bottles of sodaFestive popcorn bowls

A gift of $100Thank you for helping us share in our mom’s love of garden-

ing by planting flowers in her garden on Mother’s Day.Supplies to Create a Flower Garden

1 hanging flower basket3 flats of annual flowersLarge bag of potting soil

Planting supplies including gloves, hoe, spade, trowelGarden memory stone kit

A gift of $150Every year my mom would take me to see the Nutcracker.

It’s a happy night for us.A Family Outing to The Nutcracker BalletPennsylvania Ballet Nutcracker tickets for the family

Colorful nutcracker and walnuts

To fund a tradition or a portion thereof, please go to www.mommyslight.org, or sendyour donation to PO Box 494 Lionville, PA 19353.

There are many costs associated with fulfilling each tradition such as tradition items,outreach to families, volunteer training, staff time and more. Last year, the averagecost for fulfilling a tradition was $1,446. And since Mommy’s Light fulfills traditionsevery year until a child reaches 18, the average cost to fulfill a child’s traditionthroughout the time they remain in the program is $11,600. Your donation of anyamount is appreciated and can be used to fund a portion of a tradition.

Fund a TraditionCozy at Home

Fund a TraditionIn Bloom!Fund a Tradition

Celebrations

Which one would you like to help bring to life?




























“For the past 14years, Mommy’sLight has workedsuccessfully with theDelaware Valley be-reavement commu-

nity and school counselors to get the word out about our servicesfor the 20,000 maternally bereaved children living in our region,”says Milly Elrod, Mommy’s Light Co-Executive Director. “About fiveyears ago, we began to attract national attention through mediacoverage, educational mailings to more than 36,000 school coun-selors and our comprehensive web site, www.mommyslight.org. Asthe only bereavement organization providing tradition fulfillmentservices, and with the wealth of knowledge we have gained fromfulfilling more than 700 traditions, we began to realize we had aduty to find ways to make our services available to the more than626,000 maternally bereaved children in the US.

“Two years ago, we successfully launched and completed a na-tional pilot program serving out-of-state families. Initial interviewswere conducted by telephone and most recently via Skype, withtradition fulfillment packages delivered by mail.”

“While our national pilot program was very successful, the eco-nomic downturn that began in 2008 required us to put all growthon hold,” says Joan Jackwood, Mommy’s Light Co-Executive Di-rector. “In the beginning of fiscal year 2010, we had to start awaiting list for the first time so we could meet our budget. Ratherthan keep children waiting, we created a basic do-it-yourself (DIY)tradition fulfillment guide for their families. Fortunately, we wereable to address budget needs and serve those on the waiting listby March 2010. The silver lining is that we discovered a successfulmodel that will help more families in need.

“In June 2010, we made the decision to move forward with theDIY plan and broaden our scope. Our Board set major goals toserve at least 1000 children within the next four years, necessitat-ing growth in traditional direct services and the introduction anduse of a formal DIY guide. We anticipate serving about 300 chil-dren directly and 700 through the DIY program by 2014.

“That’s an exponential leap in service and we embrace this chal-lenge. We also are challenging ourselves financially to raise morefunds and support. We have expanded our Board membershipand established Board committees to support our staff. And wehave created a full-time Program Director position dedicated toproviding the skill, enthusiasm, creativity and commitment neces-sary to bring the DIY program to life, while managing direct serv-ices at the current level of excellence. Our goal is to raise the barfor our services and the entire organization.”

“We expect to have a DIY pilot ready for early 2011 and refine theprocess as it rolls out,” explains Milly. “This will broaden our out-

reach, energize our volunteer base and extend bereavement sup-port to any bereaved family, such as those in which a father, sisteror brother has died.”

“Today we serve a diverse group of families regionally,” saysJoan. “Eventually we hope to see the DIY program used univer-sally to help keep cherished traditions alive. We look forward tothe day when any bereaved child or teen in need can access anduse our services.”

Skype Personalizes Mommy’s LightMeeting Across the MilesMeeting children for an initial interview is a critical step in theMommy’s Light tradition fulfillment process. That’s when children

describe importantdetails of the traditionsthey want to continue.It’s important for vol-unteers to create apersonal, trusting at-mosphere. So whenPennsylvania-basedvolunteers DonnaKostesich and DaleBennett set out to servethe Kibbey family in

Texas, they had to seek an innovative solution.

They found the answer in Skype, a software application that en-ables users to communicate via the Internet using free video calls.

Ashton and Graycen Kibbey’s mother died in 2008 from pancreaticcancer and they are in the loving care of surviving parent Jennifer.Prior to making a connection, Donna and Dale mailed ice-breakergifts and an information packet to the family. “When we placedthe call, Jennifer and the kids were all together,” says Donna.“The kids were animated and interested in talking with us. Weasked Jennifer to give them their gifts, and they were surprisedand excited. Ashton received an I Spy book, so we asked him tofind specific items in the book. He told us he used to go to themuseum and the zoo in Houston with his mother and liked seeingthe dinosaurs. Together the children recounted their trips toGalveston to visit the beach and collect rocks to take to theirmother’s grave.”

“We clearly made a connection,” says Dale. “It was a more per-sonal way to meet the family and get the kids involved than witha phone call. We could watch their reactions and they couldwatch what we were doing. Connecting with voice and a facebuilds a relationship.”

MOMMY’S LIGHT’S TRADITION FULFILLMENTSERVICES EVOLVE TO EMBRACE ALL MATERNALLYBEREAVED CHILDREN AND TEENS

Co-Executive Directors Milly Elrod and JoanJackwood describe Mommy’s Light’s growth andexciting Do-It-Yourself plans


Nearly 1000 people are expected to partici-pate in the Mommy’s Light Race for TraditionsBenefiting Bereaved Children 7th Annual 5K& 1 Mile Race, historically sponsored byKensey Nash Corporation, IMS, Smart Parkand Aramark.

Festivities include music, entertainment, freeice cream for the kids, a dog agility show,cash prizes, and a complimentary hot break-fast buffet provided by the Brickside Grille forregistered race participants. A Stroller Startand Tot Trot for kids ages 2 to 5 help geteveryone involved in the action! Participantscan register online as of Jan. 18, 2011 atwww.active.com, by mail or on-site.

LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES!

Racing Angel ReflectsSpirit of Supporters

Tara Todd leads the pack as Race Chairwith support from her family

I was asked by friends to get involved with therace a few years ago because I’m a runner andhave a degree in sports marketing. Sincehelping with that first race in 2005 that HillaryDeLone founded and chaired, I’ve stayed in-volved. Initially, I joined the race committeebecause of my background and because it wasa good cause. Once I had children, however, Irealized just how important Mommy’s Light is.It brought a whole new perspective and moti-vated me to become even more involved insupporting the organization.

I committed to chair the race in 2008. My hus-band Ryan has been so supportive. After thefirst year he said, “We have to be part of thisagain next year.” He has served as my co-chair for the past two years. We are verydedicated to family and think it’s important for our children to see us working to-gether with an organization like Mommy’s Light. It gives us an overwhelming feelingof connection to family and community. Being a young mom has really impacted myparticipation, and I love having our kids involved. Killian (2) and Hannah (1) are justgetting involved, but I know our oldest son Ryan, Jr., who is five, already under-stands the importance of this race.

The Mommy’s Light staff and volunteers I’ve met are doing such good for all theright reasons. I’ve never been around a group that is so concerned with the detailsnecessary to make another person happy. I think traditions are an amazing way tohelp grieving children and teens. It sounds so simple, but has such a profound im-pact for so many. So much thought, love, time and preparation go into everythingMommy’s Light does; it’s inevitable that it shines through.

We are so grateful for our wonderful sponsors that have grown with us. We valuethem and appreciate how they continue to increase their involvement. It’s become acommunity event that people look forward to every year.

You won’t want to miss this special morning of fun-filled activities for the whole fam-ily. You will feel you have accomplished something bigger than yourself and feelgreat knowing you supported something wonderful!

Please join us as a race sponsor. Thereis an event sponsorship package availablefor every budget level ranging from a$200 Friends Level that features thesponsor name on 6000 registration formsand includes two complimentary entriesand t-shirts, to our $10,000 PlatinumLevel that spotlights the sponsor name inthe subtitle of the race, all correspon-dence and publicity, includes the logo on600 t-shirts, plus provides 10 entries andt-shirts, prime name recognition at theevent and so much more! Contact JoanJackwood for details at:[email protected].

“Again this year, we are encouraging race par-ticipants, supporters and community groupsto see how many Racing Angels they can sellfor a minimum of one dollar each. Our RacingAngel is an irresistible cut-out angel completewith running shoes, and all proceeds benefitMommy’s Light,” says Joan Jackwood, Co-Ex-ecutive Director of Mommy’s Light. “Restau-rants, stores, school groups and organizationsare helping us raise awareness and much-needed funds by distributing Racing Angels inexchange for donations.”

Order Your Angel Today: Contact Mommy’sLight at 610-458-1690 or [email protected] to purchase a Racing Angel, or toorder a quantity to sell to your friends andwork associates.

SaturdayApril 30, 2011Eagleview

Corporate CenterExton, PA

For information:[email protected] call 610-458-1690

Running the Race!

mailto:[email protected]



THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010

In anticipation of a challenging fiscal year, the Mommy’s LightBoard of Directors elected to approve a 2010 budget with adeficit of $29,100 because of our strong asset base. We areproud to report that, through expense containment and devel-opment of new revenue sources to replace a portion of the sig-nificant reductions in corporate and foundation donations, wenot only met but reduced the anticipated loss by year end.

FY10 FY09RevenueInternal Special Events $98,578 $165,728External Special Events 48,825 69,816Gifts In-kind 23,310 40,205Corporations 29,903 39,023Foundations/Trusts 40,534 70,430Individuals 37,500 40,884Other 26,866 11,082

Total Revenue $305,516 $437,168

ExpensesProgram 243,778 276,521Operating 20,804 33,989Fundraising 67,135 59,695

Total Expenses $331,717 $370,205

Increase (Decrease) in Fund Balance ($26,201) $66,963

June 2010 June 2009ASSETS

Cash and Cash Equivalents $336,710 $375,391Accounts Receivable 2,000 12,400Other Assets 1,491 1,568

TOTAL ASSETS $340,201 $389,359

LIABILITIES & EQUITYTotal Liabilities $7,903 $30,859Board Restricted Funds 150,000 150,000Fund Balance 182,298 208,500

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $340,201 $389,359

What does it take tofulfill a child’s traditionrequest each year?In 2010, we fulfilled 113 traditionrequests at an average cost of$1,446 per tradition, for a total of$163,353. This includes out-of-pocket expenses for requestedtradition items which can rangefrom sprinkles for decoratingcupcakes to overnight accommo-dations for three nights at thebeach. It also includes the ex-pense of 37.8 staff hours requiredfor processing applications, on-going communications with thefamily, recruiting, training andmanaging tradition fulfillmentvolunteers, and participating incommunity outreach. In addition,our volunteers spend approxi-mately 15 hours fulfilling eachchild’s tradition request.

Mommy’s Light Lives On FundPROFIT & LOSS

BALANCE SHEET

The percentage of total expenses dedicated toprogram expense in FY10 was 73.5% Thank you for sending us to Hershey

Park. Mom loved going there everyyear with us.

— Shane and ChelseaFund a TraditionOut and About!







VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEERS,GENEROUS FRIENDS AND STAFF

Lisa Cline and Michelle Witzky are two wonderful women who are dedi-cated not only to their families, but to children everywhere. They startedhelping Mommy’s Light through their MOMS Club of West Chester a fewyears ago and became determined to do more. Since then, they have en-couraged their friends, their children’s school, Max and Erma’s restaurant,and anyone who will listen, to support Mommy’s Light. When they come tothe office to help out, they come with family and friends, do the work withmuch enthusiasm and leave our office lighter and brighter than they foundit. They also decided to host an annual “Light the Night” fundraiser which

has raised more than $15,000. Thank you, Lisaand Michelle, for all the joy and love you bringwith you.

Rebecca Lynch has a knack for doing everything well. In addition to serving our chil-dren, she never hesitates to lend a hand to assist other volunteers. Always going theextra mile, she worked until the wee hours of the morning after last year’s Margari-taVilla benefit party to make sure all accounts were in order. And for two years shehas produced a hair-raising ghost hunt benefit for Mommy’s Light, raising a combinedtotal of more than $4,000. Thank you, Rebecca, for your time, talents and, most of all,for sharing your heart with us and the families you serve.

Laura and Maura, friends at Lionville Middle School,held a party to celebrate their graduation from 8thgrade and requested that, in lieu of gifts, peoplemake donations to Mommy’s Light. Their generosityresulted in nearly $1,700 being contributed!

Two of the top finishers in the Mommy’s Light RaceFor Traditions Benefiting Bereaved Children 6thAnnual 5K & 1 Mile Race, Jeff Devlin and MaddieMorgenthaler, donated their prize money back toMommy’s Light. Maddie made her gift in memory ofher mother, Carolanne Morgenthaler, who died fiveyears ago.

Milestones: Celebrating the work of LauraMunts, Tracey Oberholtzer and Dale Bennett

Laura Munts served a lucky thirteen years as ExecutiveDirector of Mommy’s Light, from the organization’s in-ception until this year when she moved to the position

of President of theBoard of Directors.Her guidance willcontinue to in-spire our families,volunteers, staff,directors, advi-sors, donors andsupporters.

We thank TraceyOberholtzer foreight years andDale Bennett for eleven years of dedicated serviceto Mommy’s Light. With their help, we grew fromserving our first child to more than 200 children.

Lisa (L) and Michelle (R) with Tracey Oberholtzer

Dale (L) and Tracey (R)

Fund a TraditionCozy at Home

With an average of 15 hours to fulfill each tradition, last year our volunteers spentnearly 1,700 hours on tradition fulfillment. We appreciate our terrific volunteers!







MEET LINDA ANDIAN SWAIN, MOMMY’SLIGHT’S DONORS OFTHE YEAR


Each year, we pay tribute to individuals and organi-zations that go above and beyond to support ourmission. Linda and Ian Swain have consistentlybeen champions of Mommy’s Light, contributingtime, money and spirit, and opening their home forfestive fundraisers.

Over the past six years, the Swains have helpedraise more than $175,000 for Mommy’s Light andbuild a broader base of support, making it possiblefor us to exponentially increase the number of chil-dren we serve.

They incorporated charitable giving during SwainTours’ annual meeting of employees and vendorsfrom around the world by donating to Mommy’sLight in the name of their employees. And they in-vited Alexis, one of the young people we haveserved, to speak at the meeting. “Our employeeswere thrilled to know that our company was givingback as a group to Mommy’s Light,” says Linda.“Alexis’ talk was validation that we were doing theright thing. Mommy’s Light has done a tremendousjob of staying true to its mission, and our hope isthat more children whose mothers have died orhave life-threatening illnesses can know the joy thatMommy’s Light brings and the light it leaves withthem for the rest of their lives.”

Fundraising Events thatHelp Mommy’s Light GrowMommy’s Light was the beneficiary of ten memo-rable special events last year which collectivelyraised more than $150,000. Thank you to everyonewho organized and supported them! Highlights in-clude:

“Keep the Light Shining” Holiday Cocktail Party,hosted by Linda and Ian Swain and sponsored bySmart Park/Expresspark and Bryn Mawr Trust.More than 125 guests joined in the merriment toraise more than $32,000.

3rd Annual Hearts for Megan Fundraiser hostedby the Riverstone Café in Exton, PA. Hearts forMegan is a special Riverstone Café Tapas Tastingparty held to honor the life of Megan Bates, a 21-year-old server at the Riverstone who was killed in acar accident in 2007. This year Hearts for Meganraised more than $25,000.

Mommy’s Light Race For Traditions BenefitingBereaved Children 6th Annual 5K & 1 Mile Racesponsored by Kensey Nash, IMS Health, SmartPark and ARAMARKHeld at Eagleview Town Center in Exton, this hugelysuccessful event included close to 1000 attendeesand raised more than $75,000.

Run Like a Mother 5K For Mother's Day hostedby the Dub C RaceCompany. This fe-male-only 5KWalk/Run located indowntown WestChester, PA, attracted500 participants andraised $2,700.

Light the Night at the Chaddsford Winery inChadds Ford, PA. Michelle Witzky and Lisa Clineled a team of friends to create a ladies night outfeaturing food, wine, music and a silent auction thatraised more than $8,500.

Best of the Main Line Party at Drexelbrookhosted by Main Line Today magazine, a divisionof Today Media, celebrated best in food, drink, en-tertainment and fun with more than 80 exhibitors,resulting in a $9,000 gift to Mommy’s Light.

www.mommyslight.org

Bringing joy and comfort to children and teenswhose mothers are terminally ill or have died by

helping them keep alive traditions and simple

pleasures they shared with their mothers.

Learn more about these events and othersat www.mommyslight.org

December 12, 2010

December 15, 2010

April 30, 2011

May 12, 2011

Join Us for these Upcoming Events!LibertyMe Dance Recital

Keep the Light Shining Holiday Party

Mommy’s Light Race for TraditionsBenefiting Bereaved Children7th Annual 5K & 1 Mile Race

Hearts for Mommy at theRiverstone Café

Mommy's LightvolunteersDale and Donnausing Skype tointerview anew family.

See page 7 for story.



http://www.mommyslight.org/mllo/page.php?78

Corporations, Foundations andCommunity GroupsDonors $200 and aboveA La Maison BistroThe Agnes Irwin SchoolAmerica's CharitiesAnimal Hospital of Chester

CountyApplebee'sARAMARKArthur Judson Foundation, Inc.AXIS Healthcare, a Huntsworth

Health CompanyAZPAC-Match ProgramBalance Hair SpaBank of AmericaThe Barra Foundation, Inc.Bentley Systems, Inc.Brandywine Coach Works, Inc.The Bryn Mawr Trust CompanyChester Springs Family DentistryChester Springs Family PracticeCitadel Federal Credit UnionComcast Financial Agency

CorporationConvaTecCovenant Presbyterian ChurchDaVita/Team Liberty Charity

CommitteeDiscover Financial ServicesDolfinger-McMahon FoundationDowningtown Middle SchoolThe Edward A. & Catherine L.

Lozick FoundationEileen Fisher, Inc.Elite Companies Charitable

FoundationEmbassy SuitesExpressPark, Inc.Exton Crossing Apartment

AssociatesFahey FoundationFox RothschildFrezel Family FoundationG. A. Vietri, Inc.Gifts of Joy FoundationGive With LibertyGlenwood Mason Supply

Company, Inc.Hankin FoundationIMS HealthING Financial PartnersJack and Jill of America, Inc.The Junior Women's Community

Club of NarberthKensey NashKrapf Bus CompaniesMacadam Company, Inc.Madison Apartment Group

Westridge Gardens ApartmentAssociates

MALLYGIRL, LLCMC3Metropolitan Veterinary

Associates, Inc.MOMS Club of West Chester -

EastThe Montangelica Fund of

The Philadelphia Foundation

National Junior Honor Society ofIndian Mills Memorial School

National Penn BankNudy's CafeOffice EnvironmentsThe Page Hill FoundationRenegade ProductionsRiverstone CaféThe Robert and Joan Dircks

FoundationRosenzweig & Associates

Wealth ManagementSherry and Stewart Kahn Fund of

the Jewish Communal FundSiemens Caring Hands

FoundationSmart Park, Inc.Smedley Orthodontics, LtdState Farm Insurance, Ed HartSuper Suppers of Exton, PASwain Entertainment, Inc.The Winner's Circle Sports GrilleTodd & Todd CPAsTruistUnited States Liability Insurance

GroupUnited Way of Southeastern PAWachovia Wells Fargo FoundationWhole FoodsWindows PlusXL Specialty Caring CommunityThe York Children's Foundation

Donors less than $200Alliance OneBaby Merlin CompanyBucks-Mont Mothers of

Multiples ClubCounty Corvette AssociationDelaware Valley Concrete

Company, Inc.Discover Financial ServicesElizabeth Blau & Associates, LLCFirst Resource BankGenerocity Community Alliance,

Inc.INGThe Ivy InnJUSTGIVELexus of Chester SpringsMOMS Club of VincentMorgan StanleyNouSoma Communications, Inc.Passion for FitnessPook & Pook, Inc.PPAIAPP C/O Penny KospiahRanieri and Kerns Associates, LLCSprington Manor Elementary

SchoolUnited eWayUnited Way of Chester CountyUnited Way of DelawareUnited Way of Frederick County,

Inc.Wells Fargo Community Support

CampaignWhiteland Towne CenterWilliam F. Hillman Carpentry, LLC

IndividualsDonors $200 and aboveAnonymousJames and Beverly AbbonizioRobert and Brandy AlexanderDale Bennett and Vanessa

ThomasF. Robert Bielski FamilyDavid and Diane CharltonKeith and Lisa ClineKimberly ConnollyDennis and Patricia CottrellRobert DalyBrian and Sandy D'AmicoMichael and Lynn DoyleEd and Milly ElrodJane EvansFrank and Camille FortinoScott GottliebWilliam and Lori GrimAnna HillmanMargaret IllenbergerJoan JackwoodDana KadelErik and Christine KolarStephanie Kozak-AllenEllen LangasLeon and Peggy La RosaRebecca LynchPaul MatzKara McShaneEric and Jen MiddletonAndrew and Laura MuntsMary Louise MuntsCurt NebhutJane NorthDave and Tracey OberholtzerR. Anderson PewJohn and Helene PrehatnyPaul and Lisa Moss RaymondIrene McMenamin ShabelJames and Patricia ShinehouseLawrence and Christine SmithDavid ToroneThomas and Donna UrianTherese WalshTim and Joan WalshCraig and Joanna WhitemanMichael and Lynne Marie WhitmanWilliam J. and Jodi WidingAnna WilliamsMichelle WitzkySteven and Karen Zodtner

Donors less than $200AnonymousCharles and Marjorie AbelMark and Karen AigeldingerJohn and Karen AlshefskiCharles and Laure AmbrogiPaul and Melissa AndersonMelissa AntinoffJames and Mary AskewJennifer and Julianne BailerJamie BarbatoBobbi BaskervilleWalt and Agnes BenderMeredith BennettCharles and Linda Benton

Eileen BevenourJohn and Katherine BielskiRose BielskiDoug and Barbara BigfordWilliam and Helene BlackerLee and Jann BlatsteinMartha BonderPeter BortVicki Lynn BorutaDenise BowdenNancy BowersToni BowersoxGlen BoyleMary BoyleWilliam and Jane BradshawLewis and Tanya BrahamLana BrandtEd and Olga BraunJason BraunRJ BrayTheodore and Pamela BredikinJudith BrennanCarie BresciaSandra Anne BrethwaiteFrank and Lori BrewerMarian BrownSandra BrownEric and Phyliss BuchananCarl and Karen BuchholzRobert and Leslie BucknerDonna BurkeLori BurnsJoshua and Jen BushSheree BykofskyStephen and Meri CaggianoMark CarlinskyPatricia CarltonJeffrey and Deborah CarugatiSuzanne CassidyLoretta CenivivaJohn ChaykowskyChristopher CiattoJames and Sharon CicirielloSilvio and Susan CifaDon CimineraMichael and M. Theresa

CitrenbaumRichard and Diane ClemenMichael and Sandra CoenPatricia CohenMark and Ann CombsAngela ConteAlan and Beth CooperJeannette CooperBrian and Serina CopanasVictor and Caryl CoppolaTheresa CornwallChristopher and Kathleen CoyneJoseph and Vicki CreightonKevin and Joyce CumminsDaniel and Melissa CurriePhyllis DabundoAnthony and Roma DalePaul DalmonteMichael and Donna DealMark and Caroline DelaneyEdward and Kathleen Delio

Thank you to Mommy’s Light’s Fiscal Year 2010 Donors (7/1/2009 – 6/30/2010)


Scott DemarestJudy DennisJacqueline DentnerLynn DevereuxJeff and Maureen DevlinAngel DibenedettoPeter and Robin DimatteiDavid and Barbara DiPietroKelly DisantoMelissa DiSipioRose DohertyBetty Ann DonnellyJohn DoughertyMary DoughertyPaul and Rebecca DouglasDaniel and Kim DreibelbisKathleen DucaJohanna Dudli-HattJon and Linda DunkelbergerSuzanne DuPontKenneth DwyerJ Mitchell and Cleone ElrodToby Erlichman, VMDGeorge and Phyllis EverettClarence EwaldJoyce FagerlandHeather FarrellScott Faulkingham and

Stephanie KalinerJoe FazioKimberly and Scott FellowsJoseph FenkelGail FerrignoDavid and Bonnie FertellBrian FilliowDavid and Julia FitzgeraldJoseph and Sarah FlemingKaren FonnerMichael and Barbara FordJohn and Maria FortinRemy Fox and Wendy Trow-FoxSalvatore and Linda FratantoniSteven and Jennaphr FrederickRenee FreemanRobert FreshleyRobert and Marjorie FreshleyElizabeth FruminSara FunkJanine GalenElizabeth GarlichSusan GayTodd and Elizabeth GebhardtGail GinsburgCaesar and Christine GirodMorrie and Sherry GoldWilliam and Kathleen GoodwinJackie GordonAr. and D. GoudemondDolores GresselKenneth GrossPeter Grove and Nancy GreeneAndrew and Karen GuidasWilliam and Lynda GuinanWilliam HainesBarker and Nancy HamillVincent and Kathleen HarringtonJay HarrisSimone Hartman

Susan HartmanKurt and Kathleen HaynKelly HeathJacqueline HeitmannGlenda HellmigJames and Susan Henry, IIIAndrew and Jane HidalgoJoe and June HillmanTheresa HillmanSherri HlavacekBruce and Nancy HodgeJenny HodulichJohn and Keera HolloranKellie HolmesDavid and Joanne HopkinsRita HorwitzSusan HowellCarol HughesSue HughesJackeline and Alicia HuntMargaret HuscherJohn and Lisa IppolitoKimberley JacksonAdlai and Andrea JosephCharles and Dana KadelLinda KaelinCindy KahmarSally KatzBrit KayGeorge and Kim KazanjianSusan KeithDon KelleyPatrice KellyRobert and Mary KellyMark Kenney and Linda JacowitzFrank KennyAndrew and Annabel KerinJena KimbleSharon KingJoan KistlerPeggy KoltesJohn and Lisa KowalczykBarbara KramerJohn and Anne KramerKenneth and Susan KrenickyFrederick and Charlotte KruesiJudith LambCurtis and Ann LaneJohn Larcinese and

Kim Aubrey-LarcineseBurke and Gretchen LashellJoseph and Andrea LasordaMarti LawsonMichael and Ann LayfieldNancy LazerJoni LeipoldThomas and Michelle LeonardMary Ellen LutherKevin and Bernadette LynchThomas and Judy MacNealMichele MagnottaGlenn and Lauren MarshallJohn and Joanne MarshallKatherine MarshallRobert Jr. and Robin MasonAndrew and Bernadette MathisKaren MayNoelle Mayhew

Shawn McAnallyMaria McCoolPeggy McDevittRose McNallyJohn and Kathleen McNamaraDonald and Trisha MeaselLerence MeltonRichard and Karen MeltzJennifer MetzgerKathryn MichaelTrina MiddletonDeborah Jean MieleDora MihalanasThomas and Nanae MilesCarolyn MillerMichael and Florence MillerRobert and Julie MillerWilliam and Karen MillsCharlie MinannoJack Mitchell and Danielle MartocciMichael MizeWilliam and Sharon MoffittMarilyn MollerLisa MorgantiniJohn MorgenthalerMaddie MorgenthalerTony and Anne MorrisCort and Robin MorrisonHarriet MorrisonPatricia MuellerThomas and Mary MullenJames and Kimberly MusickBernadette NassibSusan NegreyJulie NewhouseJoe NovielliDaniel and Judith OberholtzerVictor OrkisKevin and Deborah O'RourkeMarcelle ParrishLeslie PaynterDavis and Mittie PearsonStuart and Virginia PeltzAimee PennaDavid PernockJohn PetroKaye PetsickJohn and Andrea PettiboneJoanne PlummerCliff and Nancy PollackCarolyn PorterWilliam and Kathleen PoulsenGregg and Darlene PowellDonald and Anne PowersChristy and Riley QuartermainRobin RacioppiJeff and Barbara RakePaul and Lisa Moss RaymondMary ReddenLorraine ReidingerMichael RevakAudrey RichardsonTrudy RiddellGeorgette RogersCarol RomaniCarol RossRobert RubinMartin and Mary Russell

John Ruttenberg and BarbaraBrown-Ruttenberg

Charlene RyanDaniel and Rachel RyanNancy RyanAndrea SamartinoGregory SantoreRonald Saunders and

Christina DifrankAliza SawdonPatricia SaylesSandy SbarbaroJohn and Susan SchickJoseph and Katharine SchneiderJoseph SclafaniSteven and Constance ShapiroRobert and Mary SigovichGerry SillsJudith SillsAngela SimmonsChristine SkorodaLynn SmithWilliard Sr. and Marie SmithAwilda SolanoLinda SpringerGeorge and Elaine St. JohnFay StappenPaul and Konnie StarkNicholas and Marguerite StathesLawrence and Patricia StaubJoseph and Jean SteckelDiane SteinbrinkDenise Orndorff StengelRoman and Sandra StepaSandra StephensNancy SterrettCaroline StevensonWilliam StineLue Stinson-DrummondRussell and Karrin StoneSusan StonebackLisa StrouseJohn and Patricia StubbeNeil and Lauren SuhreIan and Linda SwainEdward and Cindy SwiskiLeonard and Barbara SylkDaniel and Mary SylvesterStephen SzychulskiSylvia TarzaninJeffrey and Cheryl TaylorMichael and Deborah TemplinHoyt and Sandra ThinnesJudith ThomasJay TomeMark and Jennie TomeSusan TorchioSandra UehlingGeorge and Patricia VanceJohn and Christine VanHorneDaniel VanOstenbridgeNancy VereenMatthew Sr. and Justine VigilanteJoseph M. VirgultiKen and Christina WaldmanMichael WalshPaul WalshThomas and Donna Walsh




Michael and Nellie WalterTimothy and Stephanie WaltonCarrie WanishTiffany WarnkeDeborah WawerBarry WhitakerDanny WhiteDavid and Deborah WikstromDouglass and Margaret WileyDawn WolfPatricia WoodJohn and Kathleen WunderRobert and Debra WynnKatherine YackoGerry YoungJoan ZeisJohn and Theresa ZieglerDebbie ZimmermanSusan Zuraski

In Memory ofDonors $200 and aboveMegan BatesJames BennettAnnette BortMichele CardLisa CarlinskyWendy CiattoSharon DiClementeLynne FalconePatricia ForbesCarol Ann MorgenthalerMary MurphyJoyce NorthShari OlbrichChris PaffettKaren Whiteman

Donors less than $200Jeanne BeaulieuLinda BoyleMary BuchananCarrie Ann CabellBeverly ChapmanCharles Ciminera, Jr.Linda Allan ClarkeMartha L. CockerillAnn H. CooperDenny DennisSusan FazioMargie FerrandinoDonna GearyWinnifred GoodingKathleen Harrington's motherJoyce Ann InnarelliPatricia A. LarsonSheila MaguirePat MorshareMargaret OsborneElizabeth Mary Shea

Lisa SilvermanRoseanne WeidmannGerry Young

In Honor ofDonors $200 and aboveAndrew Munts AssociatesMichael and Lynn DoyleKathy EinthovenMaura EnderleinSteven and Jeannine GinsburgKelly HeathAnna HillmanAndrew and Laura MuntsMartha RappaportLaura ShinehouseCathy VogtAnna Williams

Donors less than $200Linda BarbatoJulie CarmanCasto FamilyAmy ChandlerDavid CharltonCobb FamilyMarianne DallasMilly ElrodLisa GoodmanThe Kentucky Derby PartyMarjorie's 40th BirthdayMiddy MichaelMolly O'NeillTerri PerryRay PorrecaTrudy Riddell

In-kind DonationsDonors $200 and above10 Arts Bistro LoungeA La Maison BistroACMEBill Hillman CarpentryCheryl BowdenBrickside GrilleRay CarrCharles Blosenski DisposalComputer Systems Resource, Inc.Conlin's CopyConnection BeyondElmark GraphicsFlemings Prime Steakhouse

& Wine BarFocus in MotionErik FreelandGillian's Wonderland PierGulph Mills Golf ClubHankin FoundationHershey Entertainment

& Resort Co.

George HuntK12 InsightKings IslandJoan KistlerKrapf Bus CompaniesLark Design Associates, Inc.Lina BeanMargaret MahonMakin' MusicMC3Karen MeltzMoore Brothers WineMorey's PiersNeiman MarcusNicole MillerNouSoma Communications, Inc.Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia ZooPractical Solutions Now, LLCQVCSchaffer Sound ProductionsSexy Lounge LizardsIan and Linda SwainSwain ToursVertex Fitness

Donors less than $200Beverly AbbonizioAdventure AquariumAll About Me Mini Day SpaARAMARKPaulette BattenfelderBertucci'sRoann Pope BrownCastaway Cove at PlaylandChickie’s and Pete'sChuck E. Cheese’sCity of Ocean City, NJDelaware Museum of

Natural HistoryDiBruno BrothersDonna DixonDover International SpeedwayEastern Mountain SportsMilly ElrodEmbassy SuitesFox RothschildMaureen FoxKristina FrydlewiczGiant Food StoresGourmet BuffetsLori GrimHome DepotKevin KellyKimmel CenterChene LewisLexus of Chester SpringsLongwood GardensLowe’s

Claire LuceKaren MannkeCandace McGroganAndrew and Laura MuntsBernice MurphyBernadette NassibPennsylvania BalletPepsiPhilly Soft Pretzel FactoryPillegi BoutiqueKelly PrallRadnor LibraryRed Lion DinerReiki by Linda SwainRoad IDSkatiumAmy SlivinskiChandler SwiftTargetTop Gun PhotographyTrader Joe'sPeg TrillVillanova BasketballLauren WisniewskiWonderland Pier

External EventsBest of Main Line Today PartyDowningtown Middle School

Basketball EventEmbassy Suites Holiday

Cookie EventHearts for MeganLight the NightMommy's Light in the Kitchen

Premier PartyParanormal Charity EventRun Like a Mother

Race Angel PartnersAlexander & Co. Hair SalonBalance Hair SpaLynn Devereux, Patricia Sayles

and FriendsDowningtown Middle SchoolFirst Resource BankGirl Scout Troop 51470Nudy's CafeSarah Snyder

A special thank you to all Race andExternal Event Participants, and all1800 Mommy’s Light in the Kitchencookbook purchasers. We havemade every effort to accuratelyacknowledge each donor andapologize for any accidentalomissions.

® LIGHT POST DECEMBER 2010 15


Documents

Mommy's Light Annual Report 2010