The D’Angelo Foundation

Despite the troubled economy, generosity is still a priority for some.
By Danielle Cascerceri

After learning about a Bucks County family in need of help with medical bills, John & Jen D’Angelo and Maria Doyle, were inspired to lend a helping hand. Motivated by empathy, the D’Angelos immediately took action. In only five hours, the D’Angelo Foundation was created and its Web site was launched. The non-profit organization began by helping only one family. As it steadily grew, so did the number of donations and families who benefited from the foundation.

“The people who need the help bring the donors and generate awareness,” Jen D’Angelo, the foundation’s co-founder, explains. “We raise money through people’s friends and families. If someone is sick, they can direct all of their family and friends to the site, and with one click, the can donate.”

D’Angelo envisions a goal for the foundation, which has been a family affair. John’s mother, Antoinette D’Angelo, and sister, Maria Doyle, have been heavily involved in its success as well.
“Our mission is to create a forum where people can come together and people who need resources can get them quickly,” says D’Angelo. “One woman emailed us saying that her son is sixteen years old, very strong and able to do things around the house. This way, we can match the people in need with those who are able to help without anyone being bombarded by phone calls and emails.”
The D’Angelos recognize the difference they’ve been making in their Bucks County community, but remain humble. “Our biggest accomplishment is seeing how much families have benefited from the foundation,” D’Angelo said. “Money is raised not only through online donations but also ticket sales for special events. Tickets are much more accessible for donors through the website.” The D’Angelo Foundation has raised $200,000 since March 2008 and now supports nine families as they deal with the emotional and financial issues that come along with facing illness.

The example set by the D’Angelos is catching favor both inside and outside the Bucks County community. The trend of giving started by the D’Angelo Foundation traveled right down to the Ward family, who live in Tampa, Florida. The Ward’s found out about the foundation, specifically the Leinenbach family, from a mutual friend who is a Bucks County supporter of the foundation. Judy Leinenbach, a former nurse and community service volunteer, suffered a severe neck injury in February 2009. Because of this, Judy was left paralyzed from the neck down. The story about the Leinenbachs touched the Wards, including their two young children, Isaac and Abigail. In fact, Isaac and Abigail chose to have their friends and family donate to the D’Angelo Foundation in lieu of presents for both of their birthdays. The siblings raised an impressive $800 by dedicating their birthday parties to Judy.

“It is amazing that even little kids are willing to give up something that’s so important to them if it means helping someone else,” D’Angelo said.

The foundation is still making a difference in the lives of Bucks County families today. On January 16, the organization was involved with a benefit in Jamison for the Ricchini family. Jim Ricchini, a father of three, was diagnosed with Leukemia in September 2009. Fortunately, with help from the D’Angelo Foundation, the benefit raised thousands of dollars to help the Ricchini’s with their expensive medical bills.

The D’Angelo Foundation plans to continue to help families in need and looks to the Bucks County community to help them accomplish their goals as an organization. Donations are able to be made on the foundation’s website, at www.TheDAngeloFoundation.org.