When In Need Grandmas Serve
WINGS stands for “When In Need Grandmas Serve.”
In 2015, a small group of friends, sharing the “grandmother” stage of life that prioritizes children and the understanding that Phoenix depends on philanthropy for so many of the institutions that make it a prospering city, discovered that many of their families had directly benefited from the community treasure that is Phoenix Children’s. The seed for WINGS was planted, and since then, WINGS has grown into an auxiliary group of more than 50 women dedicated to serving Phoenix Children’s.
“As grandmothers, so many of our families have personally benefitted from Phoenix Children’s services. The hospital touches us so directly.”
-Alice Bazlen
WINGS Member
How We Make a Difference
Since WINGS was founded, we have raised over $1.5 million for Phoenix Children’s through fundraising campaigns and events for projects selected by the membership. Projects have supported a range of initiatives that advance hope, healing and the best health care for children and their families. We are also always on call to help if there’s a need for gift cards, toiletries, blankets, food pantry supplies or more to support families while they care for a sick or injured child.
Our mission
To inspire giving to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital to support its’ mission to provide hope, healing and the best health care for children and their families.
Our vision
To be recognized by the hospital and in the community, as a premiere auxiliary group, supporting the children served by the Phoenix Children’s by:
- Promoting the innovative work being done by Phoenix Children’s
- Being a source of supplies for the immediate needs of children and families served by Phoenix Children’s
- Making a significant financial contribution to targeted Phoenix Children’s through fundraising
- Mentoring the spirit of philanthropy in our grandchildren
Our values
- Create opportunities to contribute using our collective experiences while respecting where we are in our lives as grandmothers
- On-going learning to be passionate advocates
- A trusting environment that builds friendships
- Flexible and open to change
Changing the lives of children with epilepsy
Robotics improves the accuracy and efficiency of surgeries that target seizure-causing tumors, reducing patient time under anesthesia, physician fatigue and anxious parents’ long wait for results. WINGS partnered with the Phoenix Thunderbirds to purchase a surgical robot so patients and physicians can benefit from this emerging technology.
Enhancing cardiac care
WINGS provided funding for two important needs of the Center for Heart Care: a new 3D printer and a state-of-the-art intensive care room. 3D printers allow physicians to create model hearts for surgical planning, family consultations and medical education. The care room features equipment, lighting and technology that facilitate surgery in the room, reducing risks for fragile children.
Making memories with summer camp
Children with life-threatening illnesses or chronic conditions often miss out on typical childhood experiences like attending summer camp. Thanks to support from WINGS, over 200 patients spent a week at Phoenix Children’s Camp Rainbow, enjoying classic camp activities like swimming, canoeing and water balloon fights—and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Bringing healing paws to the hospital
Support from WINGS made it possible for Phoenix Children‘s Animal-Assisted Therapy Program to add a full-time facility dog to work with the Rehabilitation Services team. Checkers, a black lab, helps children participating in physical, occupational and speech therapy meet their goals.
Supporting the next
generation of researchers
Research is critical to driving advancements in pediatric medicine. With support from WINGS, Phoenix Children’s launched the Young Investigators Awards, a seed grant program that gives up-and-coming researchers a steppingstone to obtaining federal and foundation funding.
Keep kids moving
Phoenix Children’s Motion Analysis Lab—the only one of its kind in Arizona—uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to study a child’s movement patterns and muscle activity. WINGS members raised funds for the purchase of new equipment and technology for the lab, allowing more children to get the specialized orthopedic care they need to thrive.
WINGS Leadership
Officers:
President:
Georganne Gillis
Executive Committee:
President Elect: Helene Presutti
Treasurer: Mike Mencuccini (2nd year)
Vice President of Membership: Kathy Brown
Recording Secretary: Kate Conley
Corresponding Secretary: JoEllen Feltham
Committee Chairs:
Fundraising Event 2026: Terri Worthington
Fundraising Event 2027: Alice Bazlen and Toni Loback
Governance: Beth Pryor
Grants: Nancy Albert, * Janie Russo, Jean Feuer and Laurie Verderame
Service Projects: Debbie Frazelle and Susan Harris
Social: Julie Wesley,* Kelly Byxbee,* Nancy Gill, Brenda White and Sandi Siggins
Membership Committee: Darcy Royal and Paula Petrowski
Mahjong: Claire Anderson and Sandi Siggins
Nominating Committee:
Mary Jo Grogan
Gretchen Wilson
Advisory:
Past President: Mary Jo Grogan
Members:
Nancy Albert
Claire Anderson
Marcia Anderson
Alice Bazlen
Kathy Brown
Kelly Byxbee
Kate Conley
Deborah Cookson
Lynn Donahue
Pam Farrer
JoEllen Feltham
Jean Feuer
Polly Fitz-Gerald
Tricia Folger
Dr. Linda Francisco
Debbie Frazelle
Susann Gilbert
Nancy Gill
Georganne Gillis
Jill Goldstein
Victoria Granberry
Mary Jo Grogan
Christina Hamilton
Sue Harris
Joan Jarnagin
Jean Jenkins
Ricki Dee Jennings
Toni Loback
Rachel Maloney
Michele “Mike ” Mencuccini
Connie Metzger
Judy Nelson
Paula Petrowski
Kathy Pidgeon
Helene Presutti
Beth Pryor
Cathy Reahard
Vicki Ross
Darcy Royal
Janie Russo
Vicky Shiya
Ilona Shorb
Sandi Siggins
Audrey Stanford
Laura Titus
Cindy Todare
Laurie Verderame
Julie Wesley
Brenda White
Gretchen Wilson
Alison Wogan
Diana Worthington
Terri Worthington
Prefer Paying By Check?
Checks may be made payable to Phoenix Children’s Foundation (Attention “WINGS”) and mailed to:
Attn: WINGS
Phoenix Children’s Foundation
2929 E. Camelback Road, Suite #122
Phoenix, AZ 85016
