Over 40 Changemakers. Six Powerful Sessions.
One Unforgettable Workshop.

Last month, leaders and changemakers from across the country came together to celebrate and advance the Power of Philanthropy (POP) in organ and tissue donation and transplantation. The energy and excitement continue to fuel meaningful conversations and drive change.

We are grateful to all who joined us for the inaugural POP Workshop. Thank you for sharing your ideas, engaging in meaningful conversations, and making it a memorable experience for all!

What Attendees Are Saying

“What an inspiring few days of learning and connecting with truly exceptional people!” 

 “Ending the week inspired and ready for action… Meaningful discussions and deep connections to lifesaving missions.” 

“As someone early in their career… I walked away with fresh perspective, practical tools, and A LOT of motivation.” 

Save the Date:

2026 POP Workshop
Wednesday, May 6 - Friday, May 8, 2026

Inspiration, Laughter, and Real Impact

"Philanthropy provides the opportunity to express gratitude. Our role is to facilitate that process."

The POP Workshop sessions took our attendees through each stage of the philanthropy journey. MRM's Peter Rooney and the Sharing Network Foundation's Janet Zanetich reminded our attendees that philanthropic giving expressed by the families and friends of organ and tissue donors is a reflection of deep gratitude, connection, and compassion for the work we do and the compassion we have.

"Philanthropy is not about the ask - it's about the relationships."

Dr. Michael Goldstein and Rich Knupp, from Hackensack Meridian Health Network, dug deeper into the nuance of teamwork in fundraising. Attendees discussed leaning into collaboration and engagement between hospital partners and frontline fundraisers.

"I'm great at helping, but don't feel comfortable asking for monetary support. Bring in a partner who can advance the field and make the ask."

Storytelling, Growing Relationships,
and Making the Ask Last

From annual and recurring contributions to major and planned giving, King Financial's Tony Kelly and A.J. Vignola, alongside Lou Leonardis of Trillon and Theresa Shubeck of Elisse Glennon Consulting, offered perspectives on how to grow and sustain a comprehensive philanthropic strategy. Who knew discussing Qualified Charitable Distributions would be so timely!

We witnessed a few attendees apply these strategies in real time.

Denise Andersen of the Dana Reeve Foundation and Julienne Cherry of United Way of Greater Union County lead a fun panel about going beyond coffee and connecting with contributors with creativity, clarity, and consistency.

"Pick your three stories for the year. Know your focus, know your story, and say the same story...people will know your story too and won't say no."

"There's a garden at my house, so I asked a contributor who is interested in gardening to help me. It's finding the unconventional ways to engage."

Philanthropy in a Shifting Landscape

We wrapped up the POP Workshop with bold ideas and even bolder innovation. From government shifts impacting the nonprofit space to the rise of AI, our final day stretched the way our attendees thought about the philanthropic landscape further. 

Doug Schoenberger of the NJ Center of Nonprofits and Craig Weinrich of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers led an interactive, informative, and engaging session on the current trends facing philanthropists and nonprofits in New Jersey.

"Think about AI as a genie in a bottle. If you don't know how to use it, just start a conversation."

BrainswarmAI's Frank Casale, Tom Klukowski, and Ben Yurcisin explored how generative and empathetic AI are transforming the nonprofit and healthcare sectors. Attendees swarmed as we created a tangible Innovation Blueprint, fueled by ideas, innovations, challenges, and goals.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or walk around it.”   -Michael Jordan. 

I didn’t know what I was getting into when I signed up for my first Spartan Race. Truth be told, I’d rather play Scrabble than climb a rope. But five Spartans later, I’ve learned that the scariest challenges often lead to the most surprising wins. You don’t have to feel ready to start; you just have to be willing to try. So, whatever your “Spartan Race” looks like this year, set your goal and keep moving forward.