Annual Garden Party raises $1M for Coatesville community

COATESVILLE » The Brandywine Health Foundation recently announced that $1 million was raised by the foundation’s Garden Party Committee from 20032019. The Brandywine Health Foundation’s 18th Annual Garden Party is set for May 20, at the stunning Springbank Farm, property of Jennifer and Robert McNeil. Over 400 guests will enjoy “A Night in Old Havana.” This evening, presented by KeyBank, will be full Cuban flair, including a buffet presented by John Serock Catering and desserts prepared by local chefs from some of the best restaurants in Chester County as they compete in our “Tournament of Treats” competition sponsored by Univest Financial.

Charlene Gentile, co-chair of the foundation’s 2020 Garden Party, said: “I get such satisfaction serving on the Garden Committee because I know that our efforts have had such a significant impact on the community these last 18 years. During this time period, we have raised over a million dollars to improve the health and well-being of our neighbors. That’s a true, tangible impact.”

To join in the festivities, sponsor or purchase tickets to the Garden Party, contact info@brandywinefoundation.org.

Brandywine Health Foundation’s mission is to advance a more equitable, resilient and healthy Greater Coatesville community. A different approach to their work is to have a deeper impact to “Listen, Learn, and Lead.” These words embody the foundation’s continuing commitment to the residents to listen to their concerns, learn from their insights and incorporate what the foundation has learned to better lead as advocates for a more equitable and healthy community.

Over the years, the Brandywine Health Foundation’s grantmaking supported grants to nonprofits and scholarships to future leaders. Moving forward they, it build upon its $18 million grant investments by focusing on three strategic priorities: helping people live healthy and well; creating healthy spaces and places for people to thrive; and leading positive community-driven change. To learn more about the Brandywine Health Foundation, visit www. brandywinefoundation.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The 2020Garden Party Committee displays a $1million dollar check representing the funds raised since the event’s inception in 2003. These funds have been infused into innovative programs and vital services to help improve the health and well-being of residents from the Greater Coatesville area. Pictured, from left, (front row): Brit Kay (founding member), Mary T. Holleran (founding chair 20032012), Kathleen Deets-Price (chair 2012-2019), Charlene Gentile (co-chair 2018-2020), Vanessa Briggs, president and CEO; (second row, from left): Sharon Hegney, Rebecca Brain, Mildred Bell, Nina Seder-Burnaford Esq., Janene Mullen, Nina Malone, Alissa Griffith (co-chair 2020), Cathy Callahan, and Candice Klingmann. (back row, from left) Jackie Smith, Denise James, and Teri Viljoen. Not pictured: Carolyn Beam, Chelsea Spiegelhalder and Donna Walton.