Thank you for your generosity!
Posted on May 28, 2019
Congratulations to our 2019 Martin F. Birmingham Leader in Philanthropy recipient, Rachel Bandych.

From left to right: Michael McRae (President & CEO, St. Ann’s Community), Steve Smith (VP and Chief Development Officer), Rachel Bandych (2019 Leader in Philanthropy and Foundation Board Member), David Bandych and Ron Salluzzo (St. Ann’s Foundation Board Chair
In 2009, the St. Ann’s Foundation Board of Directors was privileged to welcome Rachel Bandych as a member. Over the last decade, St. Ann’s has been a fortunate beneficiary of her leadership, expertise, and philanthropic support. Her commitment to serving our mission has had an undeniable impact on every initiative she had lead and every committee she has served on since joining us ten years ago.
Rachel’s deep appreciation for the care provided at St. Ann’s was strengthened when her father, Emeritus Board Member Dr. Bernie Brody, was served in the original Palliative Center for Caring in 2011. Rachel’s connection to St. Ann’s continued to grow as she served as Foundation Board Chair from 2016-2018, and as Chair for the Planned Giving Committee from 2013-2017. During this time, she authored several columns for the SPIRIT newsletter and actively participated in numerous educational programs. In addition to her invaluable volunteer work, her generous and loyal philanthropic support has qualified her as a member of the Hogan Legacy Society and the Second Century Club. Additionally, Rachel has been a champion for FOOD FIGHT since 2017, and is credited for helping make Cash Call a great success.
“I can think of no one more deserving than Rachel,” says Michael McRae, St. Ann’s Community President & CEO. “Her leadership and dedication to St. Ann’s has been incredibly impactful, and we are so fortunate that she continues to share her talents and support with us year after year.”
We are honored by Rachel’s generosity and extremely grateful to recognize her with the Martin F. Birmingham Leader in Philanthropy Award.
Congratulations to our 2019 Partner in Philanthropy recipient, Shelly Woodworth.

From Left to Right: Michael McRae (President & CEO, St. Ann’s Community), Steve Smith (VP and Chief Development Officer), Shelly Woodworth (2019 Partner in Philanthropy Award Winner), Ron Salluzzo (St. Ann’s Foundation Board Chair)
For the past 11 years, Shelly has given generously of her time, talent and treasure, acting as a true partner to the Foundation in a number of ways.
Shelly has been instrumental in assisting the Foundation with preparing grant applications to secure new vans. With her expertise in all things transportation and her incredible attention to detail, St. Ann’s has been granted 14 new vans in the last 10 years by the Department of Transportation. It is not an exaggeration to say that this could not have happened without her help.
Not only is Shelly a consecutive-year donor to the Caring Hands Employee Campaign, but she has also served as a Champion, helping raise funds to support the seniors we serve. Additionally, she has assisted with the United Way Campaign, and played a key role in St. Ann’s participation in the Alzheimer’s Walk.
“St. Ann’s is very fortunate to have Shelly,” says Steve Smith, Vice President and Chief Development Officer of St. Ann’s Foundation. “When I think of Shelly, I think about the dedication she’s shown year after year. Whether it’s assisting with last-minute requests to transport donors to a Foundation event, or dropping off gift baskets to FOOD FIGHT chefs, Shelly’s consistently positive attitude and commitment to supporting philanthropy at St. Ann’s makes her a true partner to the Foundation.”
Congrats, Shelly, on this well-deserved honor!