Fundraiser Archives - Penn-Mar

Be the Reason Someone Gives: Become a Champion

ggorham — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:57:01 +0000

Champions turn everyday moments into powerful reasons for others to give.

By Tina Chan Sweenie
Penn-Mar Associate Director of Development and Volunteer and Donor Engagement

Give Local York is coming up, and this is one of the easiest ways to make an impact in just one day. Hundreds of local non-profits have raised millions and advanced their impact through the Give Local York (GLY) 24-hours of community-driven giving.

The 2025 campaign alone involved nearly 13,000 people from across south central Pennsylvania who, in only 24-hours, raised $5.58 million for local causes that strengthen the community.

Penn-Mar will be participating in the 2026 event for the eighth consecutive year. This year’s event is held from 7 pm on April 30 to 7 pm on May 1.

We’re looking for Champions to help share Penn-Mar’s mission during Give Local York. As a Champion, your job will be to spread the word about Penn-Mar by creating your own Penn-Mar/Give Local York fundraising page with photos and a fundraising goal and connecting with 10 or more people from your networks to share what Penn-Mar means to you. Don’t worry if you don’t have any fundraising experience — we’ll equip you with everything you need!

By sharing your story, you will help others understand the difference Penn-Mar makes every day to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and why it matters so much to give back.

You’ll get the chance to work with Penn-Mar’s corporate Champions, individual supporters, and all of the employees at Nexterus, a New Freedom company that has selected Penn-Mar Human Services as its Charity of the Year.

To inspire you to become a Champion, here are a few reasons why our current Champions have already signed up:

“What inspires me about Penn-Mar is their purpose and dedication to provide every type of support to their residents. I chose to become a Champion to be involved in supporting Penn-Mar and their mission to be there for their residents.”

— Lesley Redmond, Bank of America

“Working directly with the individuals we support has shown me how powerful it is when people are given the opportunity to live courageously, pursue their goals, and be valued as full members of their communities. When our community invests in Penn-Mar, they’re investing directly in people — people with dreams, talents, and stories worth celebrating, just like you and me. Being a Champion lets me amplify that message and share the pride I feel in the mission we all work toward”

— Alexa Wheeler, Penn-Mar team member

“Becoming a Champion for Penn-Mar represents an opportunity to support a respected local organization driven by a genuine passion for service and dedication to its clients and the broader community. The organization embodies a “small-town,” family-oriented spirit that fosters a welcoming and safe environment, empowering clients and their families to build confidence, independence, and a true sense of belonging.”

— Jorgen Post, Post Supply

“I chose to become a Champion because Penn-Mar’s mission reflects the kind of community I want to be part of — one where everyone has the opportunity and is empowered to live their best lives. Their commitment to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, meaningful relationships, and fulfilling lives is inspiring.”

— Charmaine Nyman, Barley Snyder

“When it came time to choose our Charity of the Year, we realized it didn’t get much more “local” than our neighbors on Far Hills Drive. We first met Bill and Ashley while visiting a coffee truck in the Nexterus parking lot; hearing Bill’s story quickly inspired many members of our team. That connection ultimately led us to select Penn-Mar as our adopted charity for 2026. As a Champion supporter, we’re proud to partner with Penn-Mar in empowering individuals to live courageously and pursue their best lives.”

—Nexterus

We’d be thrilled to have more Champions on board for the Give Local York campaign. To get started, please send tinachansweenie@penn-mar.org your answers to the following questions so we can highlight your involvement on our social media channels and in our newsletters:

First and last name (as you would like it to appear in print)

Why you chose to become a Champion – what inspires you about Penn-Mar and our mission?

Any personal story or example that shows the impact of our organization

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34 Years of Transformation: Penn-Mar Human Services’ Gala Fundraiser Returns

ggorham — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:56:56 +0000

– Nonprofit’s Most Significant and Anticipated Event Welcomes 500 Supporters From Two States –

February 9, 2026

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will proudly welcome 500 friends, benefactors, and supporters to its most important fundraiser of the year, the 34th annual Gala, happening on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre in Owings Mills, Maryland. The Gala also marks National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by bringing the community together to raise life-changing funds for those with IDD in the region.

Since its 1992 debut, the Gala has evolved into a cornerstone of Penn-Mar’s fundraising efforts. While public funding provides a foundation, it only covers a fraction of the specialized care Penn-Mar offers, and the Gala bridges a critical gap. Coming off a 2025 Gala that saw over $575,000 raised, this year promises to be even bigger, featuring a record of 30 sponsors, growing from 19 just two years ago.

“The Gala remains the heartbeat of Penn-Mar’s fundraising, transforming private donations into life-changing programs and expanded services,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “Without the support of others, and their unwavering belief in our mission, our ability to help the IDD community simply wouldn’t be possible. Working together with a common goal has led us to new successes and greater accomplishments, and most importantly, our ability to help others Live Courageously.”

One of the greatest highlights of the evening is the presentation of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award, honoring those who have courageously dedicated their lives to community service while showing unwavering support for the organization’s mission. This year, Penn-Mar is proud to recognize The Kahlert Foundation. Rooted in the legacy of co-founder William E. Kahlert, the Foundation has become a transformative force in philanthropy, distributing more than $200 million to over 350 nonprofits. Penn-Mar has been one of those grateful beneficiaries, receiving $834,000 since 2016, which includes a $400,000 gift in 2025, the Foundation’s largest-ever single contribution to the nonprofit.

These landmark funds are strategically divided to fuel two of Penn-Mar’s greatest priorities. $200,000 will strengthen the Career Ladders Program, which provides Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with professional training, skill development, and career advancement opportunities, while the other $200,000 will serve as a match for the Gala’s impactful Special Appeal, which will fund Penn-Mar’s new building in Carroll County.

The Special Appeal continues to play a vital role in the Gala, raising $166,000 in 2025. With The Kahlert Foundation’s generous match, 2026’s Special Appeal should be especially impressive.

“The Kahlert Foundation’s philanthropic goals are perfectly aligned with our mission to help others Live Courageously and they embody the spirit of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award,” says Miller. “From advancing education and healthcare to championing causes that uplift individuals and families, the Foundation’s legacy reflects our commitment to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live their best lives.”

Penn-Mar is also proud to recognize the Northrop Grumman’s Sykesville team with the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award, named in memory of long-time Penn-Mar supporter Jon Kinsley, who passed away in 2023. This award acknowledges those who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to the group’s ongoing mission.

This remarkable group has volunteered countless hours to greatly enhance Penn-Mar residences, home to people with IDD, and supported by the nonprofit. Northrop Grumman’s commitment to excellence is evident in every project they undertake. From power washing and tree trimming to meticulously tending garden beds, the team approaches every task with equal passion. This hard work has done more than maintain properties. It has created safe, beautiful environments that truly feel like home for the people Penn-Mar serve.

This year’s MC duties are being handled by Michael Adcock of the renowned Adcock Auctioneers, who handle the event’s always popular live auction. The live auction will feature stunning jewelry, concert tickets, a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, and destination packages like a fantastic wine cellar dinner for 10 at Antrim 1844, including an overnight stay for the lucky winner. There will also be the popular silent auction, filled with fabulous items, including sports memorabilia, fine art, spa packages, and unique keepsakes.

Guests will enjoy a premium raw oyster bar followed by a formal four-course gourmet dinner expertly paired with select wines. The celebration continues with live entertainment from the popular band Black Tie.

For additional details regarding sponsorships or ticketing, please contact Kari Ebeling at kariebeling@penn-mar.org.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support over 400 adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Penn-Mar’s Human Services Annual Gala Raises Nearly $575,000 (and counting!)

nvenn — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:40:41 +0000

By Kari Ebeling, Director of Development and Special Events

L-R: Penn-Mar partner, Anita Alvare, Jackie Summers, and Kari Ebeling attending the 2025 Penn-Mar Gala.

When I joined Penn-Mar last September as Director of Development & Special Events, I knew I was stepping into a role with a cherished legacy. For 11 years, Jackie Summers poured her heart into making Penn-Mar’s Gala a premier event—one that not only raises critical funds but also brings together a passionate and generous community. I knew I had big shoes to fill, and I was honored that Jackie agreed to work alongside me through this transition until her full retirement following our 33rd Annual Gala on March 1st.

Jackie did more than just share her deep knowledge of Penn-Mar’s mission and approach—she ensured a seamless handoff, introducing me to the incredible sponsors, donors, and volunteers who make this event possible. Her guidance and generosity of spirit have been invaluable, and as she embarks on this next chapter, we celebrate all that she has done to build and sustain this event’s success.

My own journey in nonprofit development has come full circle with Penn-Mar. From my early days at The Arc of Howard County, where I helped lead their fundraising efforts, to overseeing large-scale endurance events at the Columbia Triathlon Association, to almost a decade at Howard Community College’s Education Foundation raising scholarship funds and strengthening donor partnerships, my career has been about bringing people together for causes that matter. Taking on this role at Penn-Mar felt like a natural next step, and now, after experiencing my first Gala, I feel even more deeply connected to this extraordinary mission.

On March 1st, as the elevator doors opened at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre and nearly 500 guests arrived, I felt the anticipation, energy, and overwhelming support that define this event. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, this year’s Gala raised nearly $575,000 (and counting!), ensuring life-changing opportunities for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support.

A highlight of the evening was when Greg Miller, our President and CEO, presented the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award to Tyler Superczynski, a young man whose passion for lacrosse led him to create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the joy of the sport. We also had the honor of recognizing Jeff and Cindy Lobach as our 2025 Distinguished Humanitarian Award Honorees, in recognition of their unwavering commitment to service and leadership, which has made a profound impact both locally and internationally.

Every event has its own unique heartbeat, and what makes Penn-Mar’s Gala truly special is the people behind it—the honorees, sponsors, guests, and volunteers whose dedication transforms this evening into something far greater than just a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of community, impact, and the shared belief that every person deserves the chance to live courageously in pursuit of their best life.

As I look ahead, I’m excited to build new relationships, deepen existing ones, and continue ensuring that Penn-Mar’s Gala remains more than just a spectacular evening—it’s a force for change. To everyone who contributed to this year’s success: thank you. Your generosity fuels our mission, and I am honored to continue this journey with you.

Here’s to many more years of making an impact—together.

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Annual Gala Honored Loyal Supporters and Raised $600,000 for Services

nvenn — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:44:57 +0000

By Jackie Summers, Penn-Mar Human Services Senior Director of Development

Jackie Summers at the 2024 Gala.

I’m finally catching my breath from the year-long planning of Penn-Mar’s 32^nd Annual Gala. Yet again, it was so heartwarming to experience the magnificence of the event and its impact on all who attended.

As the event planner, I am so grateful to our volunteers who played such a big part in helping us raise over $600,000 and counting in just one evening!

And it never gets old for me to see first time Gala attendees marvel at the spectacle before them, from the moment they walk in the door to the last dance at midnight.

Our March 2^nd Gala featured gourmet tastings, crafted cocktails, hand-selected wines, and our ever-popular oyster bar.

Due to the closure of our long-time venue the Delta Hotel by Marriott Hunt Valley, we moved this year’s event to the gorgeous, new Marriott Owings Mill Metro Centre, where 500 guests could peruse our Silent Auction tables and enjoy a delicious dinner, honoree presentations, Special Appeal, and Live Auction in the Ballroom. Many of the partygoers even had energy left to pack the dance floor until the band played their final note!

Our Live Auction featuring vacation homes, Bruce Springsteen tickets, jewelry, premium liquors, and a lunch with football great Ozzie Newsome, brought in a record-breaking $75,000! Contributing to that were two bids for a Waterfront Home in the Adirondacks that totaled $40,000.

Our Gala provides the much-needed funds to support adults with intellectual disabilities to live their best lives. As part of this year’s Special Appeal, our President and CEO, Greg Miller, introduced a beautiful video featuring a number of people we support who spoke about the services they receive at Penn-Mar and how they empower them to live fulfilling, independent lives.

The Special Appeal was once again focused on raising funds for Penn-Mar’s Career Ladders Program which provides training, certification, and increased wages for many of the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are providing the person-centered supports that make those lives possible.

For 43 years Penn-Mar has been providing life-changing programs and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities but none of that would be possible without the generous support of our Board, Donors, and Sponsors.

To recognize exceptional contributions, Greg presented the newly named Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award to Timothy Chase, Chairman and co-founder of WMS Partners, a dedicated champion who has served on the Penn-Mar Human Services Board and is the past chair of the organization’s Foundation Board.

Tim also co-chaired the Business and Foundation’s Division of last year’s Building Bold Futures Capital Campaign and continues to serve as chair of our Foundation Investment Committee. The award was in appreciation for his financial and strategic direction that has helped shape our organization for so many years under his leadership.

This year’s Distinguished Humanitarian Award recipients were Joe and Kris Crosswhite, humble award recipients who spoke eloquently about their commitment to Penn-Mar’s mission.

Joe started at M&T Bank some 40 years ago and retired in 2023 as Senior Executive Vice President with its Commercial Bank. When he came to York in 1997, he immersed himself in the community, supporting the civic sector for York County and beyond and serving on over a dozen non-profit boards. Joe has always believed in the notion that a business or organization succeeds only to the extent that the communities in which they serve also succeed.

Kris grew up in West Baltimore, neighbor to a physically and intellectually disabled boy. This experience helped her learn that people with disabilities who are integrated into communities enrich those communities in many ways. A retired lawyer who started her own litigation firm, Crosswhite, Limbrick & Sinclair, Kris has served on Penn-Mar’s Board for many years and is currently Secretary.

If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry. You can plan to join us at the 33^rd Annual Gala event on March 1, 2025. We hope to see you there!

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Penn-Mar Human Services Celebrates 32nd Annual Gala With New Venue

nvenn — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 21:21:27 +0000

- Nonprofit’s Most Popular Fundraising Event Celebrates an Exceptional 2023 -

February 6, 2024

Baltimore – On Saturday March 2, 2024, Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), will welcome friends, supporters, and benefactors to the 32^nd Annual Gala fundraiser. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at a new location this year, the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre in Owings Mills, Md.

Since it began in 1992, Penn-Mar’s Gala has stood out as the nonprofit’s most significant fundraising event, attended by more than 500 guests each year. The money is used to fund the group’s strategic programs and initiatives that advance and expand Penn-Mar’s services. 2023’s Gala was an especially generous year, reaching $1 million for the first time, including $530,000 from the event’s Special Appeal. The Gala’s funds are made up of event sponsorships, table and ticket sales, and the live and silent auctions.

In addition to being vital to Penn-Mar’s financial goals, the Gala is also an opportunity to celebrate the previous year’s success and the people who have helped shape the group’s ongoing mission to support men and women with IDD to always “Live Courageously”. In retrospect, 2023 was an exceptional year that had many highlights:

Exceed the $7.5 million goal of the Building Bold Futures fundraising campaign
Allocation of $3 million in increased wages for Penn-Mar’s Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), signaling further commitment to investing in Penn-Mar’s most vital workforce
Continuation of the Belonging Initiative which began in 2022, and gives Penn-Mar’s internal team the opportunity to describe the realities and challenges of their work environment and identify ways to continually grow Penn-Mar’s culture to be even more dynamic

“The past year was one of the most significant periods in Penn-Mar’s long history and with the Gala, we get to celebrate and share that success,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “It’s our annual opportunity to formally show our gratitude for the generosity we have seen from old and new friends alike and celebrate everything Penn-Mar has been able to do because of their unwavering kindness and support.”

The Gala also shines a special spotlight on benefactors who have gone above and beyond in their support of Penn-Mar. This year’s Gala’s Distinguished Humanitarian Honorees are Kris and Joe Crosswhite. Kris Crosswhite started her own litigation boutique firm in 1997, Crosswhite, Limbrick & Sinclair, LLP, and retired in 2017. She has long been active in non-profit board work and has served on the Board of Penn-Mar Human Services for many years. Her husband, Joe, is a former M&T Bank executive and has served on dozens of regional boards including Better York, The York County Community Foundation, the United Way of York County, and WellSpan Health – to name just a few.

“Kris and Joe are the epitome of what makes Penn-Mar so successful,” adds Miler. “They give selflessly and generously and continue to look for ways to do more, help more, and give more. All in the name of helping the people we support to Live Courageously.”

Another highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Jonathan R. Kinsley Impact Award, named after the late Penn-Mar board member and long-time supporter Jon Kinsley. This year’s recipient is Timothy W. Chase, the chairman and co-founder of WMS Partners in Towson, Md. and the founder and CEO of SMGB Technologies, makers of the Scan My Golf Ball app. Tim is active in the local community, serving on the boards and investment committees of Penn-Mar Human Services, LifeBridge Health and Carroll Hospital Foundation. Tim and his wife Carol split their time between Maryland and Florida and have four children and six grandchildren.

“Tim has devoted himself to Penn-Mar’s mission and our organization is stronger because of his efforts,” says Miller. “The Impact Award is given to a volunteer who has made extraordinary contributions while promoting Penn-Mar’s mission and bringing exposure to the organization. And this exactly who Tim is and what he represents in our community.”

As in previous years, this year’s Gala will include many of the elements that have made it such a can’t-miss event such as a raw oyster bar, casino gaming tables, dancing, and live music from the band Onyx. One of the most popular parts of the evening is the live auction, which will be presided over by the nationally renowned Adcock Auctioneers and features fabulous jewelry, keepsakes, and getaways. Some of this year’s live auction items include:

23-Year-Old Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Myrtle Beach, SC vacation for 16ppl at Crystal Sands on Ocean Boulevard in Surf Side Beach
(2) Tickets to see Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band 2024 Tour at Oriole Park, Camden Yards
Lake Front Home on Tupper Lake, NY in the Adirondack Mountains, 9,000 square foot home, 7 bedrooms, 8 full baths
Diamond Confetti Necklace and Earrings

The Gala’s March date coincides perfectly with National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which was established in 1987 by President Reagan. The timing is fortunate, as the Gala’s funds sustain and expand Penn-Mar’s commitment to the regional IDD community.

For additional details regarding sponsorships or ticketing, please contact Jackie Summers at 443-491-9660 or at jsummers@penn-mar.org.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 400+ adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services. www.penn-mar.org.

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Gala Waiter Makes Generous Contribution to Penn-Mar Endowment Campaign

nvenn — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 02:03:45 +0000

Penn-Mar’s 31st Annual Gala event in March was the final homestretch for the organization’s effort to raise the remaining $500,000* it needed to meet its audacious $7.5 million “Building Bold Futures” campaign goal.

As CEO Greg Miller was urging the 600 Gala guests to “dig deep” to ensure the continuing growth of services for the people with disabilities Penn-Mar supports, a waiter in the room was listening intently to the urgency of the appeal.

Pete Heubeck and his wife Kelly were serving at the Gala by chance. Their “near and dear friend” Jack Elsby, the staffing manager for the event, asked them to come on board when he realized at the last minute he was shorthanded.

Pete’s first job in the restaurant business was at The Brass Elephant, Jack’s restaurant in Baltimore. He worked in the field for some 20 years as a waiter, bartender, manager and maître’d, but switched careers after marrying and starting a family.

Pete transitioned into sales management for a fencing company before starting his own general contracting business in 2009, Hunt Valley-based Exteriors Unlimited.

As he watched the Campaign donors’ names flash up on the screen, Pete approached his wife Kelly and said, “Honey, what do you think? It’s a great cause and we can afford to give.”

Kelly readily agreed so Pete made his way to the front of the room where he told a woman on the Penn-Mar staff that he would like to make a donation. She quickly responded, “I can make that happen!” When he handed his credit card over for a $1,000 donation, she was visibly and happily surprised.

The Heubecks are no strangers to life’s challenges. In January 2021, Pete was diagnosed with 4^th stage esophageal cancer. Treatment options for this advanced staged cancer are limited with only 20 percent of patients surviving the cancer for one year or more after diagnoses.

Pete wasn’t having any of it. “I have a wife and three daughters,” he told his doctor. “I have bills to pay and grandchildren I’ve yet to meet. Dying is not an option.” He refused to take the news sitting down and pledged to forge ahead.

“My family and I threw everything-in-the-book at it once I received the diagnosis,” he said. “Kelly and my sister-in-law did the research and we adapted all sorts of eastern and western medical practices. Dietary and lifestyle changes made all the difference.”

And so they did.

Pete recently tested NED — No Evidence of Disease — and considers himself young at heart as he looks forward to celebrating his 60^th birthday in November with wife Kelly and daughters Vivi, Sara and Mary Claire.

The Heubeck family’s journey over the past few years aligns perfectly with Penn-Mar’s mission to support people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life. All of us here are inspired by their courage and grateful for Pete and Kelly’s heartfelt, spontaneous generosity.

*The Gala event went on to top a record-breaking $1 million in a single night, with $530,000 in donations earmarked for the “Building Bold Futures” Campaign.

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Penn-Mar Makes History and Exceeds Endowment Campaign Goal at 31st Annual Gala

nvenn — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 22:23:37 +0000

By Kathy Rogers, Chief Advancement Officer, Penn-Mar Human Services | Executive Director, Penn-Mar Foundation

I am writing to you with a heart filled with gratitude for the tremendous support we received from donors and friends who attended our 31^st Annual Gala this month. Their generosity and commitment to our mission helped us to achieve two historic milestones in one incredible evening.

This year’s Gala was the official public celebration of meeting the $7.5 million fundraising goal of our “Building Bold Futures” Campaign. We went into the event confident that we could close out the campaign that evening, and did we ever!

Following an emotional appeal from our President and CEO, Greg Miller, and a mission-focused video presentation featuring five people supported by Penn-Mar giving voice to how the organization is helping them live a life of their choosing, the event’s revenue topped $1 million – a Gala record – with $530,000 of that earmarked for Building Bold Futures.

When we began exploring the possibility of launching a campaign right before the pandemic in 2020, it was with the intent to cover renovation costs for our Day Learning Program location in Pennsylvania.

Given the enormity of the COVID crisis, we had to push the pause button on the renovation during the lengthy lockdown. Yet in a very strange way, this global nightmare helped us to better reflect on our campaign goal: Do we focus on one particular element, like the renovation, or launch a major campaign to support many aspects of the organization? We decided to “Go big or go home!”

Did some people think we were over-reaching at such a fragile time? You bet. But we had faith that a thoughtful approach would ensure our success.

One of the most critical elements of the campaign was getting early input and commitments from potential donors. During a three-month exploratory process, we interviewed 60 donors, Board and team members, giving us the opportunity to weigh in on potential goals, areas of support and involvement.

With the due diligence and engagement phases behind us, the next critical piece was building a volunteer leadership team including people from our Board, Foundation, families and local businesses.

We spent a great deal of time cultivating, training and supporting nearly 100 volunteers who were instrumental in helping us identify our theme and goals.

Board member Jon Kinsley, our dear friend and ardent supporter who died tragically this year in a skiing accident, and Elizabeth Pitts-Madonna, an equally fervent supporter, and Chair of the Penn-Mar Foundation Board, co-chaired our ambitious Campaign.

This largest-ever fundraising initiative will allow us to:

Provide the best possible services to the people we support and their families
Continually invest in our critically important Direct Support Professions (DSPs) via our Career Ladders program and other initiatives
Strengthen our organization both now and in the future

We achieved our audacious $7.5 million goal by attracting both large and small donations. Every dollar made a difference and every contribution validated the importance of the essential services we provide to people with disabilities and the critical need to continually pursue and implement innovative ways to support them in living their best lives.

One family contributed $1 million to help support DSP training and development through our Career Ladders Program.

Another generous donor pledged a matching gift up to $1.5 million.

And we were particularly moved by those who embraced our mission and contributed from their heart, like the server at our Gala who donated $1,000 on-the-spot after listening to the fundraising appeal while waiting on our guests.

In the end, it’s not just about the money. It’s about the Penn-Mar mission and our ability to continue to be leaders and innovators, providing excellent support beyond what government funding can do.

With the outcome of this campaign, we will be able to support not only those who are already a part of Penn-Mar, but children with disabilities who are born today, and who may look to Penn-Mar for support in the future.

It has been my honor to serve beside so many passionate and generous supporters of Penn-Mar whose commitment made this historic and incredibly meaningful achievement possible. Please accept my gratitude on behalf of all the courageous people and families we support.

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Penn-Mar Human Services’ “Building Bold Futures” Campaign Reaches $7.5MM Goal

nvenn — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 12:04:05 +0000

Historic Fundraiser Will Help Expand Programs and Create New Services

Baltimore – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading nonprofit provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is proud to announce the successful completion of the $7.5 million “Building Bold Futures” campaign, the largest in the nonprofit’s 42-year history. The prodigious goal was achieved on March 4, 2023, the final day of the campaign, during Penn-Mar’s 31^st Annual Gala.

Building Bold Futures was created in 2020 after Penn-Mar leadership analyzed what efforts and plans were necessary to not just solidify and expand the organization’s current services but enable remarkable and innovative new avenues for programming and support. From that point, the exploratory phase of the campaign began in August 2020, and it was publicly announced in September 2022.

Creating a campaign of this size and getting it off the ground during a global pandemic, was not an easy task. But as Penn-Mar Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Penn-Mar Foundation Kathy Rogers says, transformative change is never easy.

“We knew this was a lofty goal, but Penn-Mar has never been an organization that shies away from a challenge,” says Rogers. “To ensure that Penn-Mar will be there for the person who needs us tomorrow, and for the person who needs us in 20 years, we had to go bigger than ever. We always look for more ways to grow, more ways to reach new people, and more opportunities to deliver on our mission to Live Courageously. And this campaign was the answer.”

The funds will be actively used to support a wide range of Penn-Mar services, endowments, and programs:

Enhance how Penn-Mar provide services, whether that’s in new transportation vehicles or implementing new assistive technology
Grow the Michael James Pitts Endowment for the Advancement of Direct Support Professionals to support the organization’s nationally recognized Career Ladders program for DSPs, which has resulted in an 79% retention rate for DSPs who have earned their credentials
Grow the General Endowment that propels innovative funding opportunities wherever they are needed most to discover new and better methods of providing services
Completion of the Far Hills site in New Freedom, PA, allowing Penn-Mar to consolidate its Pennsylvania operations and eliminate the costs and challenges of maintaining multiple locations
Support the newly introduced “Belonging Initiative”, an intentional exploration of Penn-Mar’s culture to become an even more inclusive organization from the inside out.

Much of the campaign’s success can be attributed to co-chairs Beth Pitts-Madonna and the late Jon Kinsley. Jon was an executive at the York, Pa.-based Kinsley Enterprises, and a steadfast supporter of Penn-Mar since 2008 when he joined the Board of Directors. Beth and Jon’s enthusiasm in taking on such a significant role for Building Bold Futures, and their lasting dedication to Penn-Mar, was instrumental to the fundraiser’s success.

Sadly, Jon and his brother, Tim, passed away in a tragic accident in January 2023, and yet his influence was felt even at the March 2023 Gala, where over $120,000 was contributed in his honor.

“I simply cannot overstate how much of an impact Jon and his family’s leadership, expertise, friendship, and generosity have had,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “Not only on the lives of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support, but on our team and on the greater community. His immeasurable contributions to Penn-Mar, and to Building Bold Futures, will be with the nonprofit for generations to come.”

The successful accomplishment of the campaign coincides with Penn-Mar securing $1 million during the Gala, a first for the event, and 2022 being the strongest fiscal year in Penn-Mar’s 42-year history, a testament to the outreach and planning strategies enacted by the organization’s leadership team and board of directors.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with a Penn-Mar representative, please contact Roger Mecca: roger@vitaminisgood.com.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 500+ adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services.

www.penn-mar.org.

The post Penn-Mar Human Services’ “Building Bold Futures” Campaign Reaches $7.5MM Goal appeared first on Penn-Mar.

Penn-Mar Human Services Honors Morton F. Zifferer, Jr. With the2023 Distinguished Humanitarian Award

nvenn — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 20:44:02 +0000

Local Business Leader and Philanthropist Will Be Honored at Penn-Mar’s 31st Annual Gala

York, Pa. – Penn-Mar Human Services, the region’s leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce that life-long York, Penn. resident Morton F. Zifferer, Jr. will be honored with the 2023 Distinguished Humanitarian Award on March 4, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Penn-Mar’s 31st annual Gala fundraiser, taking place at the Delta Hotels Marriott Hunt Valley.

Since 1992, Penn-Mar’s Gala has been the most important and successful annual fundraiser for the nonprofit, raising $629,000 in 2022 alone. While guests enjoy the fine cuisine and wine, live music, dancing, and a spirited live auction, many attendees consider the true highlight of the evening to be the presentation of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award. The Award was started in 2017 to highlight specific individuals who have courageously dedicated their lives to community service and shown unwavering support for Penn-Mar’s ongoing mission and to the region. This year, Penn-Mar recognizes Morton F. Zifferer, Chairman and CEO of New Standard Corporation in York, Pa., and a 26-year member of Penn-Mar’s board of directors.

By every measure, Mort is a textbook example of a what it means to be a distinguished humanitarian.

“Mort is one of the most compassionate and caring individuals I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” says Penn-Mar CEO Greg Miller. “For nearly 30 years, he has been a steadfast member of our board and been a part of some of the most exciting and profound initiatives we’ve introduced. But it’s his untiring support for the entire York area that makes him a model recipient for this award. I can proudly and confidently say that Penn-Mar, and the entire York region, is a better place today because of Mort and his passion for philanthropy.”

Mort’s community dedication to charity includes serving on the boards of many of the region’s art and humanitarian nonprofits including WITF public television, York College of Pennsylvania, and the Appell Performing Arts Center. Morton also helped found the Cultural Alliance of York County.

About Penn-Mar Human Services

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to Live Courageously, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. Penn-Mar accomplishes this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. They support 500+ adults with disabilities daily through an array of customizable services.

www.penn-mar.org.

The post Penn-Mar Human Services Honors Morton F. Zifferer, Jr. With the2023 Distinguished Humanitarian Award appeared first on Penn-Mar.