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 Phoenix Children’s in support
of its mission to advance hope, healing and the best health care for children and their families.
Our vision
To be recognized by Phoenix Children’s and in the community as a premier auxiliary group, supporting Phoenix Children’s patients 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 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.
• Ongoing 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
Executive Committee
President: Cindy Todare
President Elect: Mary Jo Grogan
Treasurer: Janie Russo
Vice President of Membership: Nancy Kindregan
Recording Secretary: Georgeanne Gillis
Corresponding Secretary: Beth Pryor
Committee Chairs:
Fundraiser: JoEllen Feltham, Connie Metzger
Governance: Pam Farrer
Grants: Helene Presutti, Kim Cullum, Margie Freeze
Service Projects: Kathy Brown
Social: Terri Worthington (Chair), Diane Fincham, Jean Feuer
Nominating Committee:
Laurie Verderame
Sandy Frey
Debbie Frazelle
Advisory:
Past President: Rachel Maloney
Members:
Nancy Albert
Claire Anderson
Alice Bazlen
Mary Jo Beardsley
Cathy Byram
Kate Conley
Deborah Cookson
Kim Cullum
Marsha Dyer
Pam Farrer
Iris Feldman
JoEllen Feltham
Jean Feuer
Diane Fincham
Tricia Folger
Debbie Frazelle
Margie Freeze
Sandy Frey
Nancy Gill
Georganne Gillis
Victoria Granberry
Mary Jo Grogan
Susan Hagenah
Susan Harris
Sue Holmes
Robby Jackson
Joan Jarnagin
Rona Kasen
Cindy Ketcherside
Nancy Kindregan
Cheryl Levinson
Toni Loback
Rachel Maloney
Michelle “Mike ” Mencuccini
Connie Metzger
Judy Nelson
Kathy Pidgeon
Priscilla Nicholas
Susan Powell
Helene Presutti
Beth Pryor
Cathy Reahard
Caren Redivo
Darcy Royal
Vicki Ross
Janie Russo
Dawn Schlott
Vicky Shiya
Ilona Shorb
Sandi Siggins
Barbara Stamper
Cindy Todare
Laurie Verderame
Jan Wessman
Julie Wesley
Lyn Wiley
Gretchen Wilson
Brenda White
Terri Worthington
Prefer Paying By Check?
Checks may be made payable to Phoenix Children’s Foundation (Attention “WINGS”) and mailed to:
Attn: Dana Jirauch Boatright, Sr. Director of Philanthropy
Phoenix Children’s Foundation
2929 E. Camelback Road, Suite #122
Phoenix, AZ 85016
