Christine Callahan Rasnake President“We are proud of the work we are doing, as we are not only fulfilling a need in the community, we are fulfilling our dear friend Maureen’s dream, one child at a time.”
Christine has been an active volunteer for most of her life. She holds a BA in English and serves Skidmore College, her alma mater, in a leadership position, as well serving as a member of the Wyckoff School’s PTO. Her professional background is based in sales and marketing, and Christine has fundraising experience with many organizations, including St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and The Jr. League of Bergen County. Christine is a Board Member of the PJ Callahan Foundation and the mother of 3 young children. Email Christine
Carol-Jeanette Jorgensen, Vice President“The community we serve is filled with families who are in the midst of crisis. We offer support and relief, for me this is the right and proper thing to do. Like Cathy, I too believe in “quiet philanthropy”".
Carol-Jeanette has been involved in volunteer work both in the US and in the United Kingdom since the 1980’s and is primarily involved in homeless programs and women’s and children’s issues. A partner in Jorgensen and Company since 1994, she is married with 3 college-aged children. Most recently, CJ has been producing independent films. Email Carol-Jeanette
Denise Mitchell, Treasurer“The work we do isn’t glamorous by any means…it’s important work, not glamorous work.”
Denise’s volunteer Board experience blankets a wide range of non-profit organizations including West Bergen Mental Health Care and The Junior League of Bergen County. She is involved in her local community, serving both the Ho-Ho-Kus PTO and the Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. With a BS in Business from Binghampton University, Denise has a professional background in Corporate Trust, Real Estate and Insurance. Denise is the mother of four. Email Denise
Catherine Brefach Newman, MSN, RN, Medical Advisor:“I believe in “quiet philanthropy” which is doing a worthy job to help and /or improve the lives of others without the fan-fare, and I truly feel like this is accomplished daily in all the work we do together and individually as members of this foundation.”
Cathy learned volunteerism from her mother at a very young age and has been serving the community since she was a teen. She is committed to organizations that help women and families which is evidenced by her service to the various boards she has been involved with, including: The Junior League of Bergen County; Children’s Aid and Family Services; Baby Basics; College Club; Women-to-Women International as well as many professional nursing organizations. Cathy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Boston College and holds a Masters in Science in Parent-Child Nursing from East Carolina University. She is the mother of 3 children. Email Cathy
Michelle Alexander, Fund Development“We have been able to help, in both big and small ways. When you see a mother light up and be so thankful for the little things you do, you are truly humbled and blessed to be able to help.”
With a professional background in the healthcare industry, Michelle’s volunteerism revolves around organizations that focus on women and children’s issues. She has served in a Board capacity for St. Thomas More School and has been on many fundraising committees for both Oasis in Paterson and the Academy of Most Blessed Sacrament. Michelle received a BA in Psychology from St. Mary’s College, in Notre Dame Indiana. She is a mother of 4 children. Email Michelle
Irene Jones Pensec, Secretary
“Being a part of such a great foundation that helps children and families in times of crisis and tragedy, is extremely gratifying. We relieve some of their worries so they can have a better quality of life for however long they can. The signs of relief and gratitude that these families express, says it all.”
Irene has been an active volunteer in the community for many years, serving The Junior League of Bergen County and the Glen Rock school system in the HSA. As a former Human Resources Executive, she puts her BA degree in Political Science from Cedar Crest College to use as Secretary for the foundation. She is the mother of 2 small children. Email Irene
Photos by Lorraine Corsale Photography