Dear WIN Community,
 
With the new year upon us, we'd like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible efforts of this caring community, bound together by a shared passion for advancing the mission of Kennedy Krieger Institute.

In 2024, the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) made a tremendous impact on the lives of more than 27,000 patients, students and families served by the Institute. While our mission is clear—advocate, fundraise, volunteer and create awareness—the dedication and energy that drive these efforts are extraordinary. Let’s celebrate some of the highlights from the past year and look ahead to the exciting opportunities to continue this meaningful work in 2025.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment, generosity and passion. Your efforts inspire us every day and make an immeasurable difference in the lives of those we serve. We are deeply grateful for all that you do, and we look forward to another incredible year together!

With warm wishes of peace and togetherness,
Katie Love and Kristen Evans

WIN 2024 Snapshot of Success

  • Collected winter essentials and books for 100 children who are students at the Institute’s Early Childhood Development and Education Center, which includes Southeast Early Head Start, World of Care and Integrated Early Learning Classrooms. The Warm Holiday Hugs donation program has been a tremendous success, thanks to the leadership of WIN Co-Presidents Cynthia Cavanaugh and Aimee Fulchino and many generous members and volunteers.
  • Purchased thousands of school supplies for students and teachers at Kennedy Krieger’s Fairmount Campus school. The school supply wish list was completely fulfilled through funds collected through WIN member fees. Members volunteered to create a full school supply “shopping” experience and lunch for over 50 amazing teachers and staff, while Sandi Jenkins, director of education for the school, hosted WIN members for an impactful tour of the building.
  • Hosted our 3rd annual Barrels & Bonfires at Farmacy brewing. This sold-out event welcomed over 200 guests, a third of whom were first-time WIN event attendees and young professionals! Together, our generous supporters and sponsors raised over $40,000 to support an exciting partnership initiative between Ronald McDonald House Charities Maryland® and the Child Life and Recreation Therapies Department at Kennedy Krieger. The two have come together to create a much-needed therapeutic intervention for the siblings and other family members of children staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore to receive care at medical centers across the city, including Kennedy Krieger.
  • Volunteered on WIN Wednesdays, a beloved opportunity for members to lend a hand in the Recreational Therapy Room of Kennedy Krieger’s Child Life and Recreation Therapies Department. In December, WIN provided lunch and treats for the program’s amazing staff members in appreciation of all that they do!
  • Supported Green Spring Station’s 5th Fall Fête fashion fundraising event, benefiting Kennedy Krieger. This sold-out event welcomed over 300 guests and raised over $100,000 to support the Institute’s Read, Imagine, Grow Program.  WIN members, along with patients, staff, and their families, volunteered as models, gracing the runway with enthusiasm and heart. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters, WIN proudly provided two new book-vending machines stocked with hundreds of brand-new books—the first of their kind at Kennedy Krieger!
  • Hosted our 8th annual Hats & Horses event, held at the new M&T Bank Exchange. Over 300 guests gathered and raised over $380,000 to support the creation of a new interdisciplinary clinic at Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Development and Learning  that will offer patients and their families comprehensive evaluations by a psychologist and a neurodevelopmental medicine specialist in a single visit.
  • Welcomed 30 new and enthusiastic WIN members, while 50 members renewed their dedication to WIN’s work and purpose.
  • Gathered for our annual WIN Member Appreciation Lunch, bringing together senior Institute leaders and clinicians with our amazing WIN members for a memorable and impactful experience and conversation. 
  • Provided Amazon gift cards to 30 graduates of the Institute’s LEAP and high school programs to celebrate their wonderful accomplishments! 
  • Welcomed our newest team member, Katie Love, senior associate director of philanthropy, whose energy, professionalism and great ideas will bring WIN to the next level—in 2025 and beyond!

WIN Membership Growth and Renewal

Our WIN community continues to thrive, thanks to the incredible passion and dedication of members like you. We invite you to share this meaningful experience with the women in your life—whether they be friends, colleagues, family members or neighbors. Being part of WIN is more than a membership: It’s joining a community whose members work together to create a lasting impact, embrace the joy of volunteering and support the extraordinary mission of Kennedy Krieger.

If you are currently a WIN member, we encourage you to renew your commitment for 2025. Your continued advocacy and support make all the difference.

Renew Your WIN Membership

Know someone who would love to get involved? Invite them to join WIN and become part of this incredible community.

Become a New WIN Member

Volunteer Opportunities

Have you checked out the Volunteer Calendar on the WIN website lately? Be sure to bookmark it and stay informed about all of the amazing hands-on opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our patients, students and families. You can even sign up to volunteer right from the website!

Email Katie Love for more information.

About WIN

The Women’s Initiative Network is an inclusive community of empowered women dedicated to improving the lives of the patients and students, and their families, served by Kennedy Krieger through advocacy, fundraising and volunteerism.

To learn more about how you can make an impact with WIN, email Katie Love.