SunStone is continuing our tradition of celebrating the holiday season by selecting a worthy charitable organization to donate in our team and client’s name. The recommendations came from various members of our team, and all are worthy of donations.
The winner for a $7,500 donation is the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), as recommended by Elaine Shaner:
Elaine – “I would like to recommend we donate to CHOP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. My middle daughter, Natalie - age 9, was diagnosed with Progressive Sensorineural Hearing loss shortly after turning 2. We knew CHOP was where she needed to be for her care. She had surgery for Cochlear Implants at 2 ½ years old and it has been a world of difference!! More recently, Natalie has been diagnosed with gene mutations that require lab work every 3 months, among being followed by CHOP’s Hematology/Oncology Dept. Without CHOP and the specialized care that is given to every child, from all walks of this world, we wouldn’t have the security in knowing our child is getting the best possible care. Having worked in a hospital that offered pediatric services and then experiencing a hospital built for pediatrics, there really is a difference. As a parent, you never want your child to need such specialized healthcare but the comfort a parent feels from the moment you enter the building, is beyond explanation. I feel this donation would be a “Thank You” for all that CHOP does and has to offer.”
We will also be making a $250 donation to the following charities, in your name:
American Cancer Society, as recommended by Teresa Zotos
"I would suggest the American Cancer Society because so many people are affected by this disease including me and my family. The risk for breast cancer in women is about 1 out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That is a high percentage. Approximately 40.5 % of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. It affects so many families. I am a breast cancer survivor and thankful every day."
American Kidney Fund (AKF), as recommended by Tony Berkebile
"I am looking forward to another memorable upcoming holiday season and one of my favorite aspects of it is that SunStone is so generous and kind with the Holiday Giving Donation. I think this is a wonderful contribution every year and I look forward to participating in it! This year, the organization I am choosing is The American Kidney Fund. The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights on all fronts for all Americans living with kidney disease. Thanks to their compassionate community, they can be there for patients wherever they are in their illness. No other organization has a more comprehensive approach or makes a greater direct impact on patients' lives. They work to ensure that every kidney patient has access to health care, and every person at risk for kidney disease is empowered to prevent it. This organization holds a special place in my heart because my grandfather and best friend passed away this fall in October due a lifelong battle with kidney disease. In honor of my Pap, SunStone and all of our clients, I think the American Kidney Fund would be the great organization to donate to during the holiday season."
Humane Society, as recommended by Bob Marcavage
"I would like to submit the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. Last year we adopted a dog after the passing of our two dogs in 2023. We weren’t going to adopt another dog for a while but when we went to see Willow and the rest was history. In a world where the bond between humans and animals is cherished, the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) stands as a beacon of hope and compassion. This remarkable organization is dedicated to providing shelter, care, and love to countless animals in need. By donating to HSHA, we are not only supporting a noble cause but also making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable animals. The HSHA operates with a mission to build a better community for both people and pets. They offer a safe haven for animals who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, ensuring they receive the medical attention, nourishment, and affection they deserve. Each year, HSHA helps thousands of animals find their forever homes, giving them a second chance at life and happiness. Our donation to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area will directly impact the lives of these animals. It will provide essential resources such as food, medical care, and shelter. Moreover, it will support vital programs like spay/neuter services, adoption events, and educational outreach, which are crucial in promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of homeless animals. Our donation to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is more than just a financial contribution; it is an act of kindness that resonates throughout the community. Together, we can ensure that every animal receives the care and love they deserve. Please consider making a donation today and be a hero for animals in need."
K-9’s for Warriors, as recommended by Rheanna Rehmeyer
"My father was in the Army for 38 years and only retired because the Army decided he was too old and made him retire. He spent two years in Taiwan during the Vietnam era and still carries a lot of guilt because he was not sent to Vietnam. Meanwhile, he lost many friends because they were sent to Vietnam. A trip to the Vietnam War Memorial is always heart wrenching. He still serves in the color guard at the American Legion and participates in veterans’ funerals as a way to give back to his friends. My oldest friend and her husband were both in the Army. Her husband did several tours in Iraq and was wounded and has lost use of his legs. He was a sergeant and witnessed many of his soldiers be severely injured or killed due to improvised explosive devices. As a result, he suffered from severe PTSD and eventually had to go to intensive inpatient treatment to deal with it. Prior to his treatment, one of the things they attempted to do was to get a service dog to help him with the PTSD. They spent over $20,000 in an effort to be matched with a service dog for him, only to find out they were being scammed. Apparently this is a very common scam perpetrated on veterans. While I think some of the other veterans’ causes are just as worthy, my heart is with K-9’s for Warriors. Suicide has touched my family, and I know how much it affected all of us. I have a friend whose son was a Marine and served several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and committed suicide several years after returning to civilian life, leaving behind a wife and small son. Most of my dogs, and my best dogs, have been rescues. I have adopted from both no-kill shelters and kill shelters, and both break my heart. I want to take all the homeless dogs home with me. Even if they have a “home” at a no-kill shelter, it’s nothing like them being able to have their own home and family. K-9s for Warriors helps both veterans and shelter dogs, which are the two causes most dear to my heart. My recommendation is that our donation goes to them. I have seen the healing that merely petting a dog can bring and so many veterans need that healing so they can keep going. It can be the smallest thing that changes someone’s life, and I believe that a wagging tail and slobbery kiss is one of the best things to do so. Thank you for this opportunity to make our recommendations. It is one more reason that I am so grateful for my job here at SunStone."
LegUp Farm, as recommended by Rebecca Dougherty
"I would like to pitch LegUp Farm for a donation. They work with disabled children and they have a veteran’s program now too. The Equine Therapy program is one of a kind and run by a former coworker of mine, Jessica Warns, who is an amazing human being. Not only are they helping children and vets but they often rescue horses and ponies from kill pens at auction and give them a new lease on life as therapy animals. Horses are expensive therapy animals, but as the quote attributed to Winston Churchill goes “the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man”. I can absolutely concur! This is my recommendation for this year’s donation and I think it’s wonderful that SunStone donates to so many worthy organizations! Thank you for the consideration of LegUp as possible donation."
The Pappaus House, as recommended by Amy Henry
"Those charities on your list are all good charities but I think I'd like to tell you about a non-profit organization called the Pappus House. It's an eight-bed facility that houses hospice patients from any hospice agency and it offers all the comforts of home. Families are encouraged to spend the night with their loved one towards the end of their life, and they can visit day or night. The home offers not only personal care, nutrition, security, but also, they offer companionship and compassion towards the residents there. It's a beautiful place with spacious rooms and they accept residents from all walks of life regardless of their income status. They even have a resident cat named Aslan who is an excellent greeter. I used to work there. I loved taking care of the residents, and speaking to the volunteers who helped with cleaning the facility and making meals, or maintaining the gardens. I first heard about the Pappus House when I was a hospice aide. I would travel there to care for my hospice patients. The executive director is Amy Janskey and she has a heart of gold! She truly cares for all the residents, volunteers and staff."
Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, as recommended by Georgia Rackley
"Everything we love, we will lose. Grief is a universal experience, yet many grieve alone. It’s something that is meant to be a shared experience. The Pathways Center for Grief & Loss in Lancaster County helps to meet the individual needs of anyone in their service area region who is coping with the serious illness or loss of a loved one. From support groups, individual counseling, online support, children’s support groups and more, they welcome the opportunity to support anyone. The Center is often contacted by local businesses, schools and health care organizations to provide seminars and programs on grief and loss. Its counselors who are trained in crisis and sudden loss, have been called upon to assist with the aftermath of traumatic events in the community. Having attended their support groups, I can attest to the professionalism of the staff who facilitated the groups and the quality of the didactic content offered each session. The Center was a beacon of light in the darkest of my nights."
Consistent with our annual tradition, SunStone has made these donations with all your names as a way of thanking you for your business, your friendship, and support of our collective ongoing success.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holidays, and for you and your families to have a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Warm regards,
Greg St.Clair, and all your friends at SunStone