to view the Summer 2016 Campaign Newsletter

Success to Date
Commitments:
$17,819,720
Percent to goal: 89.1
Gifts/Payments
$14,589,717
Campaign Cabinet
Chair
Denny Willson
Pennsylvania Members
Mike Dolente
Marley Dolente
Bo Fleitas
Mickey Flynn
Steve Krentel
Clive Mendelow
Daniel Mendelow
Maureen McMahon
Fred Modell
Vicki Modell
Jeff Morrison
Richard Phillips
Steve Shanahan
New England Members
Jim Alex
Mary Barry
Gail Biancucci
Larry Cancro
John Clavin
Mary Gene Clavin
James Fitzpatrick
Jill Fitzpatrick
Ann Guay
Michael Kearney
Nadine Mahoney
Tim Mahoney
Tom Nephew
Lisa Marie Noke-Kearney
Mary Ellen Royer
Jamie Stahle
Karyn Stahle
Campaign Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2016
Melmark Celebrates 50 Years of Service and
Announces Milestones Reached in Promises to Keep
Amidst the whirl of
stylish gowns and finelooking tuxedos, 490 of
Melmark’s family members
and friends gathered for an
elegant evening at the Hyatt
at the Bellevue on Saturday,
April 16, 2016, to officially
commemorate Melmark’s 50
Year Anniversary.
The evening was filled
with gratitude and
recognition of individuals
who have made a difference
in sustaining and advancing
Melmark’s mission since its
founding, touching thousands
of lives and making an
impact on countless families.
Denny Willson, member
of the Melmark Charitable
Foundation Board and chair
of the Promises to Keep
Campaign Cabinet, spoke of
how rewarding his 10 years
of service as a Melmark
volunteer has been for him.
“I am thrilled to tell you
tonight that we have raised
nearly $17 million for the
Campaign,” he announced.
“What’s more, we still have
several million dollars in
grants and other requests
pending.”
“When you visit
Melmark you begin to see the
results of the Campaign,” he
said. “The Pennsylvania
campus is undergoing a
campus-wide revitalization,
with new lighting, sidewalks
and other upgrades. At
Melmark New England we
have broken ground for the
new Clavin Auditorium in
The Center for Training and
Professional Development.
And the funds raised for the
remodeling of the Center for
Integrated Services continue to
grow.”
Denny went on to
challenge the audience with
the goal of completing the
Campaign and reaching our
$20 million goal in this, our
50th Year. “Reaching this goal
at this time,” he added, “will
reinvigorate our mission for
Melmark and enable us to start
the next 50 years with all of
our promises met.”
Denny Willson, Campaign Chair,
Denny then introduced
challenges guests to help reach our goals for
Melmark’s new President and
Promises to Keep in Melmark’s 50th year.
CEO, Rita M. Gardner.
In her comments, Rita
intellectual disabilities and
praised Melmark’s staff noting autism.”
how they work every day to
In closing she said,
create even the tiniest measure “Tonight, I ask you, will you
of success. She said, “They are help us continue the dream—
improving lives, not only for
will you be our partners in
the children and adults at
progress—the ones who help us
Melmark, but for their parents, keep moving ahead, as we
for their extended families and continue reshaping how
for their
communities.”
She shared a
quote from Miggy
Krentel who wrote
in 1968: “We could
not stand by and be
satisfied that we had
done our best, while
so much remained to
be done.”
“Those words
ring true today,”
Rita said. “We will Rita M. Gardner, President and CEO, looks forward to Melmark’s
not be satisfied with next 50 years.
helping just those
individuals who are fortunate
individuals with disabilities are
enough to access our services.
valued, treated and served in
The Melmark of the future will the future? I am confident and
be a well-known voice in
grateful for your support. I
influencing both state and
absolutely look forward to
national policy affecting
Melmark’s next 50 years.”
people diagnosed with
Page 2
CAMPAIGN NEWSLETTER
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
The Koncurats...Grateful to Give
It was Christmas of 1987 and John Koncurat, then 15, had a
unique idea.
“That Christmas I was feeling somehow super blessed and
grateful for my life,” he said. “I had what I needed and didn’t
feel like I wanted anything for Christmas. So, I told my mom
that I wanted to give my Christmas to someone in need.”
So, Sharon Koncurat and her son put on their thinking caps.
Several options came to mind. Sharon told John about Melmark,
where she had recently performed a Christmas program with her
singing group, The Noteables. She explained there were some
special people like his sister living there, who may not have a
family like Emily’s.
“Emily was born inside a special body with a super power
called Down syndrome. What that means is she sees the world
through different eyes than ours.” John said. “Her eyes filter out
evil, and focus on happiness and the simple things in life.”
“I thought to myself, super special, awesome people like
Emily are the most deserving of all! I should do my best to find
Emily (far right) portrayed one of the stepsisters in Melmark’s 2015 production of
“Cinderella.”
The Koncurat family, (from left) Pierre, Emily, Sharon and John, share a moment
following a production of the Melmark Players.
Photo courtesy of Main Line Media News
not only gifts for them, but the best gifts I could think of.”
John and his mother contacted Melmark and spoke with
Cyndie Martin, who shared a list of people by age and a little
background about each person to help them in choosing the right
gifts.
“I remember shopping for things on Cyndie’s list, trying to
imagine the person getting them and maybe how happy and
surprised they’d be,” John said. “I have to admit that feeling is
just as rewarding as getting your own gift. It really made my
Christmas the best that year.”
The following year, John sought that same spirit of
Christmas again and reached out to Cyndie for another Santa
List. In all, John has served as a Secret Santa for Melmark’s
children and adults for over 28 years.
“Now I look forward to each year when I hear from Cyndie
and look to find the perfect gifts for those who deserve them most!
I can’t even imagine Christmas without my Melmark Santa’s List
of special people, just like my loving little sis, Emily.”
As Emily got older, Cyndie suggested that the family consider
enrolling Emily in The Meadows program at Melmark. Emily
graduated from Great Valley High School in 1997 and started
working at Super Fresh. After several years there, she went to
work for Acme. The supports coordinator felt her needs were
being met. She was working in the community, but the family felt
there must be something better than bagging groceries. After 12
years of bagging and a year and a half out of the country, the
family took a serious look at The Meadows.
Emily started at The Meadows two days a week, because she
was still working at Acme and gradually went to full time at
Melmark and no more bagging, which Sharon said she does not
miss at all. She loves music, so her favorite things at Melmark are
The Joybells and The Melmark Players. According to Sharon,
Emily is so very happy in her activities at Melmark; she has
learned new things and has made many friends.
Sharon, Pierre and John Koncurat all appreciate the impact of
Melmark on Emily and her friends and to their whole family. That
is why they have stepped forward to support Promises to Keep…
The Campaign for Melmark. They know that the improvements in
facilities and programs that will come through the Campaign will
benefit every member of the Melmark community.
Page 3
CAMPAIGN NEWSLETTER
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Honoring Those Who Have Made a
Difference in Melmark’s First 50 years
During The Dream Maker’s Ball, Rita
and CBS3’s Ukee Washington presented
two awards that recognize those who have
made substantial contributions in service
and support, making the difference for
Melmark since its founding.
The Humanitarian Award honors
those who through selfless acts of
compassion, understanding and public
service, share Melmark’s mission and
Rita Gardner and Ukee Washington present the
Humanitarian Award to Bob and Kathy Trainor, who
founded The Dream Maker’s Ball in 2001.
commitment to the lives of people
with intellectual disabilities. The
2016 Humanitarian Award was
presented to Bob and Kathy Trainor,
parents of Katie Trainor, a young girl
who was part of the Melmark family
for over 20 years before her passing.
Katie’s precious soul touched each
person in her presence, and her
legacy lives on through Melmark’s
Katie Trainor Healthcare Center.
Besides being loving parents to
Katie, the Trainors founded The
Dream Maker’s Ball and remain
Rita Gardner and Ukee Washington present the Golden Hero Award to
constant supporters of Melmark’s
Emily Riley, Executive Vice President of the Connelly Foundation,
mission.
along with the Foundation’s trustees.
The Golden Hero Award was
presented at the Gala for the first time in Foundation’s trustees. The Connelly
honor of our 50th Anniversary. This
Foundation has supported Melmark since
award honors and recognizes those
1972, through many grants, which have
individuals who through their selfless
impacted thousands of lives. In presenting
acts of compassion, courage, leadership this award, Melmark recognizes the
and commitment transform lives and
Foundation’s commitment to promoting a
expand opportunities for people with
culture of opportunity for people with
disabilities. The first recipient of the
disabilities. Melmark is mindful of the
Golden Hero Award was the Connelly
spirit of John and Josephine Connelly,
Foundation. The award was received by founders of the Connelly Foundation.
Emily Riley, Executive Vice President
These two remarkable individuals were
of the Connelly Foundation and the
inspired by their faith, vision and courage.
The Mayer Family...Thankful to Melmark for Believing
Mara Mayer is grateful they have found the ideal
placement for Jordan at MNE.
Dr. Howard Mayer and his wife,
Mara, moved to Massachusetts with their
family six years ago when Dr. Mayer
joined Shire Pharmaceuticals as Senior
Vice President, Head of Global Clinical
Development.
After several years in the public
schools, Howard and Mara began looking we can thank you for believing in Jordan
for a more suitable school placement for
and in our family!”
their autistic teenage son, Jordan. In the
fall of 2015, Jordan enrolled at Melmark
New England and soon after became a
residential student. Since then, the Mayers
have become active parent collaborators
and advocates for autism services in
Massachusetts.
Their generous donation to the
Promises to Keep Campaign is yet another
example of their commitment to Melmark.
Mara remarks, “Nothing means more to us
than our kids and we can’t think of any
cause closer to our hearts than Melmark!
We know how fortunate our family is to be
part of the Melmark Family. Investing in
the future of the school, including all the
amazing and inspirational teachers, staff
Dr. Howard Mayer and Jordan enjoy a afternoon with the
and directors, is the most direct way that
Boston Red Sox.
Page 4
CAMPAIGN NEWSLETTER
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Construction Zone:
The Clavin Auditorium in The Center for Training and Professional Development
Demolition has begun in Melmark
New England’s basement space, in
preparation for the construction and
installation of a state-of-the-art learning
environment. With the removal of a
center, load-bearing steel beam and the
installation of new steel beams across the
ceiling expanse, The Clavin Auditorium
is beginning to take shape.
Construction crews will work
through the summer to build the stadiumstyle seating for 100, complete with A/V
technology to ensure that MNE’s
professional development, graduate
training and staff education offerings are
delivered in an environment conducive to
learning.
Thank you to Mary Gene and John
Clavin, their family and friends for
leading this fundraising effort!
Promises Kept….Sticking to the Plan
Nadine Mahoney recounts her daughter Krista’s journey at
Our hope for her to continue to make further gains was not an
Melmark New England (MNE) which began at age 12 when she
option. At that time, no vendor was willing to develop a program
entered the newly opened school located in a Woburn, Mass.,
which we felt had suitable training, monitoring of staff, and
office park.
documentation of progress. Though Krista
Krista’s behaviors of aggression,
proved to be somewhat resilient, we were
property destruction, non-compliance, self
beginning to see her lose skills she had
-injury, and loud vocals along with a lack
spent many years at Melmark to acquire.
of safety and toileting skills and an
Some years later we were excited and
inability to communicate had made her
relieved to get the news that MNE was
current out of district placement no longer
expanding to serve the adult population.
viable.
Krista now resides in the adult
These challenging behaviors isolated
Tewksbury House and attends Melmark’s
Krista from her peers. Accessing the
newly created adult day program located in
community for even necessary medical
Lawrence, Mass. With the support of a
appointments had become a monumental
knowledgeable and dedicated staff, we see
task for us, her family.
Krista’s rates of challenging behaviors on
With the benefit of the clinical
the decline as she is guided and encouraged
expertise of Melmark staff, improvements
to learn new skills. She is once again able to
The Mahoney family is grateful that Krista can remain a
in Krista’s behavior became evident,
participate in a variety of activities which
part of MNE’s Adult Program. (from left) Nadine, Lee Ann,
greatly impacting her quality of life and
include her peers and family.
Krista’s sister, Krista, and Tim
ours as a family. Krista reached the Sweet
We appreciate that Melmark staff always
Sixteen milestone and also moved into
treats Krista and her family in a professional,
MNE’s Methuen House where her behaviors were able to be more transparent, and respectful manner. We will forever be grateful
consistently addressed. Parent training was made available which for the opportunity that they have given Krista to lead a full and
helped keep us on the same path as her MNE team.
exciting life!
When Krista turned 22, her time at Melmark came to an end. Tim and Nadine Mahoney are happy to serve as members of the
We were disappointed that no suitable adult day program
Campaign Cabinet for Promises to Keep. They know their efforts
placements were provided for our consideration. The focus of
will lead to a sound future for Melmark New England, their
Krista’s new placement was maintenance of her acquired skills.
daughter, Krista, and the children and adults that are served.
Page 5
CAMPAIGN NEWSLETTER
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Lightening the Load Foundation…Providing Staff with the Tools to Succeed
A wonderful outcome of the Promises to Keep Campaign has 
been an influx of new friends and organizations to partner with
Melmark.
Through a relationship of Mickey Flynn, Chairman of the
Board of the Melmark Charitable Foundation and member of the
Promises to Keep Campaign Cabinet, Melmark was introduced to 
the Lightening the Load Foundation.
In December 2015, representatives of the Foundation visited
and toured Melmark. They made clear their interest to support
programs that will provide staff with the appropriate tools to
provide the best services to the children and adults we serve.

We are very happy to report that the Foundation will partner
with Melmark to create new educational initiatives for our
dedicated employees, as well as others in the field. The
Foundation’s grant of $510,000 will support the following four
critical initiatives:

Staff Education Expansion: Funding will create a Staff
Educator position with the sole responsibility of expanding
professional development and staff education in our
residential programs.
Educational Consultation Program: Funding will create a
consultative program with a goal to provide highly
experienced and skilled professional staff to consult with
area school districts, county intermediate units, and other
educational and behavioral service organizations.
Specialized Professional Development and Education:
Funding will expand the reach and scope of Melmark’s
Expert Speakers Series, creating a more robust program by
attracting a broader range of high-profile speakers from
across the nation.
Educational Technology: Funding will help create a
technologically advanced conference center in the Main
Building/Center for Integrated Services. The Center will host
Melmark’s Expert Speaker Series, annual conference and
other educational workshops. We envision that the Center’s
technology will afford a virtual classroom to disseminate
information and collaborate with professionals across the
nation.
Melmark is grateful for the continued partnership of the
Lightening the Load Foundation’s very generous support of
Promises to Keep, to enhance staff services and training.
Teamsters Local 25...
Lighting Up the Night
Since making a formal commitment in 2013 to
help Melmark New England fulfill its Promises to
Keep, Teamsters Local 25 has delivered on the
promise and then some. Representing more than
11,000 workers from airline pilots to zookeepers and
everything in between, Local 25’s annual “Light Up
the Night” Gala for Autism has benefited many local
organizations. On April 28, 2016, the Teamsters Local
25 Autism Fund donated more than $350,000 to
nonprofits in the Greater Boston area.
We are grateful to Teamsters President, Sean
O’Brien, and his leadership team for gifts to the
Promises to Keep Campaign totaling $275,000 in
support of adult services at MNE.
Rita M. Gardner receives the check for $75,000 from Teamsters 25 Officers, (from left) Thomas G.
Mari, Secretary/Treasurer, Sean M. O’Brien, President/Principal Officer, and Trish DiSilva,
Executive Assistant to the President/Special Projects Coordinator.
We are thrilled to report the following gifts received since the last Campaign Newsletter
Lightening the Load Foundation—$510,000
Anonymous Family Member—$500,000
Teamsters Local 25—$75,000
Howard and Mara Mayer—$50,000
Michael and Marley Dolente—$50,000
The Crystal Trust—$25,000
Norman Janis and Patricia Herzog—$10,000
Thank You to Our Donors: Gifts of $1,000 and Greater
3 Dog Garage
American Infrastructure
Joseph C. Amodei
Anonymous (2)
Peter and Christine Batchelor
Peter and Marilee Bell
Gail and Nick Biancucci
Frank Bird and Rita M. Gardner
The Borden Foundation
Martin and Elizabeth Borden
John and Mickie Bradley
Diane Brown
J. Kevin and Kathleen Buchi
C&S Wholesale Grocery
The Calvarese Family
Larry and Luise Cancro
Marcella Cancro
Michael and Catherine Cappelletti
Daniel and Michelle Chess
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
John and Mary Gene Clavin
John and Peggy Clavin
Clay Buchholz Foundation
Richard and Virginia Close
Isaac and Barbara Clothier
Ruth and Tristram Colket
Connelly Foundation
John and Sheila Connors
Christopher Cooper and Lesley Russell
Karen Crane
Robert and Lisa Marie Crane
Stuart Cruikshank
The Crystal Trust
Davenport Foundation
Martin and Kit Dempsey
Anthony and Pamela Diaco
David and Eileen Dolente
Michael and Marley Dolente
Bruce and Ellen Donohoe
Joseph and Donna Duffey
James and Carrie Eaton
Kenneth Wirfel and June Eichbaum
John and Julie Elicker
The Engle Foundation
Stanley Engle
Bruce and Elizabeth Fadem
Elizabeth Tuthill Farrell
James X. and Jill Fitzpatrick
Albury “Bo” Fleitas
Dennis “Mickey” Flynn
The Fretz Corporation
Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan
The Girling Foundation
Estate of Doris M. Gordon
S. Robert and Rosalie Grass
Spencer and Lisa Purinton
Martin and Ann Guay
Conrad and Amanda Radcliffe
Robert and June Handwerker
Rivendell Foundation
Thomas Heiser
The Rorer Foundation
Frederick Heldring
Janet Rotoli
Diane Hodge
Joe and Maureen Sandberg
IMC Charitable Foundation
John J. Schlesinger, CFRE
Norman Janis and Patricia Herzog
Randy and Janet Seidl
The JPB Foundation
The Shanahan Family
Joan and John Kaiser
Gary and Joy Shugrue
Joann Weber Charitable Fund
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Nancy Kauffman
Brett and Cori Sokolow
Michael Kearney
Michael and Constance Solomon
Kerry Rockford Enterprises
Spartan Beast 2014 and 15
King of Prussia Pharmacy
The Spray Foundation
Pierre and Sharon Koncurat
Jamie and Karyn Stahle
Steven Krentel
David and Helen Steinberg
Ann Laupheimer
Lenore Stern
Dr. David Levering Lewis
Robert and Suzanne Stetson
Lightening the Load Foundation
David and Samantha Stetson
Louis N. Cassett Foundation
Greg and Peggy Strakosch
The Lusignea Family
Fred and Barbara Sutherland
Chris and Maria Elena Lynch
Teamsters Local 25
Mark Lynch
John M. Templeton, M.D.
Elizabeth Macbeth
William and Carey Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. T. Mahoney
Paul and Carole Touhey
H. Robert Marcus and Audrey Flack
Robert and Kathy Trainor
Howard and Mara Mayer
Veritable, LP
Dennis and Elizabeth McAndrews
Estate of Edna Vickers
H. Graham and Susan McDonald
Frederick and Ann Walls
Joseph and Cathleen McMahon
William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust
Maureen McMahon, M.D.
Denny and Claudia Willson
Stephen and Carol Memishian
The Yawkey Foundation
Clive Mendelow
Daniel and Heather Mendelow
Miggy Krentel Memorial Fund
William E. Mills
John and Pat Mitchell
Fred and Vicki Modell
Consider making a future gift to Melmark
Jeff and Meg Morrison
through your will, retirement plan
Thomas Nephew and Mary Barry
or life insurance policy.
Lisa Marie Noke-Kearney
For more information contact:
Joseph and Carmen Nore
Norman Raab Foundation
Melmark PA: John Schlesinger
Joel and Martha Noumoff
610-325-4792/jschlesinger@melmark.org
Richard and Christine Oliver
or
Daryl and Annie Parker
Bruce and Janet Peacock
Melmark NE: Ellen Kallman
The Peskin Family
978-654-4371/ekallman@melmarkne.org,
The Phillips Family
or visit
Pilot Freight Services
Melmark’s Planned Giving Website at:
Pinemar, Inc.
Albert and Susan Pizzica
http://www.melmark.org/planned-giving
Dorothy Price
Using Gift Planning to Support
the Promises to Keep Campaign
To learn more about the Promises to Keep Campaign please contact the Advancement Office:
Melmark PA – John Schlesinger: 610-325-4792

Melmark NE – Ellen Kallman: 978-654-4371.
For more information about Melmark, please visit www.melmark.org and www.melmarkne.org.