Four young professionals share why they're passionate about raising funds for the hospital.
At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, fundraising is fun—especially for members of the Young Professionals Group (YPG), which is composed of 30 dedicated volunteers under age 40. Since it formed 15 years ago, the group has raised over $1 million for the hospital. “It’s impressive that young professionals—many in their 20s—are powerful enough to have that kind of impact,” says Christina Spinelli, a longtime YPG member.
Local residents in a variety of professions gather monthly to plan fundraising events. When a member “ages out” of the group, he or she may submit his or her resume for a position on the Foundation Board, says Jessica Alleman, Manager, RWJUH Hamilton Foundation. In the past, the group has raised funds for the Pediatric Emergency Department. Members are currently raising $150,000 for the Cancer Center.
The four women featured here are especially dedicated to RWJUH Hamilton. “Each member carves out time weekly and sometimes even daily to make sure the hospital is being promoted and to raise funds,” says Alleman. “These young professionals are active in many nonprofit organizations in Mercer County.” Not only do they share a passion for the hospital, but they’re also close friends. Here, they explain why they devote their time and talents to RWJUH Hamilton.
Christina Spinelli
• Day job: Vice President and Relationship Manager (“My Banker”) at Berkshire Bank
• How long she’s been a YPG member: 9 years
Christina, who is Chair of Membership for the YPG, interviews prospective YPG members and is involved in many YPG fundraisers. Last October, she co-chaired the first “WE vs. C” gala and the first “Paint the Bar Pink” event, both of which raised funds for the Cancer Center. “As a breast cancer survivor, raising money for cancer is so important,” says Christina, who was treated five years ago. “I was given a second chance at life, and this is my opportunity to give back.”
Christina is turning 40 this year, so this is her final year as a YPG member. Last spring, she was honored as the “ Young Professional of the Year” at the “All in Good Taste” beer and wine mixer. “It was such an honor to be recognized,” says Christina. “The group is like a family, and it has helped me grow professionally as well as personally. I feel bittersweet about leaving YPG, but I still plan to attend and support all of their events and become more involved in the hospital.”
Kacie Hurley
• Day job: Director of Business Development at HB.. CPAs and Consultants
• How long she’s been a YPG member: 7 years With a career and a 1-year-old child, Kacie has a full plate, yet she makes time to raise funds for the
hospital. “I live in Hamilton and health care is very important,” she says. “If there were an emergency, I have peace of mind knowing I can go to RWJUH Hamilton. It’s important for the community.” Over the last four years, Kacie has been the elected Event Chair and is responsible for overseeing all of the group’s events, including “All in Good Taste,” which is held in the spring at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor.
Kacie met her husband, Jeff, through YPG. Two YPG members—Christina and Jillian—were bridesmaids in her wedding. Jeff is also an active member of the group, and he and Kacie attend monthly meetings and events together. “I’ve met a lot of great people through YPG,” she says. “From professional and personal perspectives, it’s been a win-win.”
Carli Spires
• Day job: Sales Manager at Ritchie Page Distributing Company, Inc. Last year, Carli came up with the idea for the “Paint the Bar Pink” fundraiser. A manager she knew at a local bar had battled breast cancer and the woman wanted to do something to raise money for prevention and research, says Carli. She knew several YPG members, including Christina, from local events. So Carli mentioned it to Christina, and the idea was born.
Kegs of Bud Light were dyed pink and pink cocktails were served. A local musician donated her time, and YP.. volunteers sold raffle tickets for items from local vendors. “The turnout was great,” says Carli. “We raised $5,000 for the Foundation. It’s rewarding to be involved in a good cause.” Carli is also an active committee member for RWJUH Hamilton’s Autumn Affair.
Jillian StengeL
• Day job: Account Executive at A1 Limousine
• How long she’s been a YPG member: 1 year
Being a working mother of a ..-year-old daughter keeps Jillian busy , but she makes a point to give back in every way she can. She has been active in Mercer County fundraising and community service for over 10 years, beginning with her position with the former Mid-Jersey Chamber of Commerce, where she was first introduced to RWJUH Hamilton. Jillian is involved with all of the RWJUH Hamilton Foundation events and committees and supported YPG’s events over the years before joining the group in January.
This spring, she was co-chair of “All in Good Taste.” “It was our most successful year,” she says. “We raised upwards of $50,000 for the Cancer Center, surpassing our goal, and generated interest from the professional community. It is an exciting time to be involved.”Jillian is a co-chair of this year’s “Paint the Bar Pink” fundraiser, which will involve local celebrities, such as the Phillie Phanatic and radio personalities. “YPG has made a real impact in the community,” she says. “I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic group.”
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