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