Home » Hope Loves Company hosts annual public board meeting

Hope Loves Company hosts annual public board meeting

by Community Contributor

On December 14, Pennington, NJ based nonprofit, Hope Loves Company (HLC) hosted their Annual Public Board Meeting where they reviewed the organization’s impact and financial performance for 2021 and shared the Board-approved 2022 objectives, and an overview of the long-term strategy.

In 2021, HLC hosted six Camp HLC’s for 233 participants from 22 states, sent 250 Hugs of Hope packages to 30 states, facilitated 27 Virtual Group Shares and Meet & Greets with families from 12 states, awarded eight Young Ambassador scholarships to applicants from five states, and hosted one Virtual Family Fun Day.

The Board of Directors also announced that Gary Bachrach has been elected the President of the Board of Directors. Gary is Executive Director of Business Development, Home Care at The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest accrediting body in healthcare. Over the last few years, Gary has worked to support the mission – raising awareness, fundraising, recruiting new Board Members and, most recently, serving as Vice President of the Board. In this role, Gary follows Tracey Vasile, who has had a significant impact on the growth of Hope Loves Company as President of the Board for the past three years.

“It has truly been an honor and a pleasure being a member of HLC’s Board of Directors. Since joining the Board in 2016 following the passing of my close friend from ALS, I have had the opportunity to meet so many families and children during my time with HLC. I look forward to continuing those friendships and will always be a supporter and advocate for this incredibly impactful organization”, said Vasile.

“While leaving this role is bittersweet,” Vasile continued, “I cannot think of a better and more passionate person than Gary to serve as the new President of the Board. Since joining the Board, he has been an incredibly engaged, energetic and devoted advocate for HLC as well as the children and their families. In addition to his compassion, Gary also brings a great deal of business acumen to the role which will be key in leading HLC to successfully execute on its long-term strategic plan.”

Bachrach said he is “honored to lead Hope Loves Company and carry on for Tracey, whose dedication and leadership made a difference to so many. Until I volunteered at Hope Loves Company’s first Chicago area camp with my family, I never realized how children were affected by an adult’s ALS diagnosis. The work we do for families is so meaningful and I am proud to be part of such an incredibly impactful organization.”

Joining Paul Grote, who is continuing as the Treasurer of the Board, HLC welcomes two new members to the Executive Board, Richard Sperry as Vice President and Phil Calamia as Secretary. Both Richard and Phil bring valuable business, financial and leadership experience to the organization.

In addition to hearing testimonials from campers, supporters and volunteers, Hope Loves Company announced the winners of its two signature scholarship programs, the Susan B. Anderson Scholarship, and the Sara E.K. Cooper Scholarship. In all, eight students impacted by ALS were awarded scholarships to help fund their continuing education.

Submitted by HOPE LOVES COMPANY, which is the only non-profit and 501c (3) in the United States with the mission of providing both emotional and educational support to children and young adults who have or had a loved one battling ALS. Titusville’s Jodi O’Donnell-Ames founded the nonprofit after losing her husband to ALS.

HLC offers various programs and resources, all at no cost, to children, young adults, and families affected by ALS. Some of these programs include Camp HLC, a three-day weekend retreat where campers enjoy recreational activities while learning coping skills and receiving much-needed support. They also provide Hugs of Hope care packages, which include a Camp HLC t-shirt, stuffed animal, children’s book, and signed card from the HLC team, educational materials and children’s books, Family Fun Days, and more.

If you’d like to learn more about Hope Loves Company and its free programs and resources for children and families affected by ALS, visit www.hopelovescompany.org.

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