Silver Linings Gala
Congratulations to our 2022 Honorees!
The Jerry Gimmel Loyalty Award
Tori Tomlinson
Among the thousands of volunteers who have supported CaringMatters over the past 33 years, few can honestly say they have grown up volunteering for the organization. As a young woman, Tori Tomlinson started volunteering with her dear friend, Beth, daughter of CaringMatters’ founder, Penny Gladhill. Her service began with serving refreshments at fundraisers and subsequently led her to the Board of Directors, where she currently serves as Development Committee Chair. Tori combines her love for the organization with a passion for service, expertise in health and wellness and a deep dedication to the Montgomery County community. As the Founder and CEO of US Wellness, based in Germantown, MD, Tori is recognized as an inspirational and visionary leader. In 2021, her guidance on the Development Committee helped successfully launch the Pam Hard Legacy Circle, a planned giving initiative that will ensure the sustainability of CaringMatters for years to come. In 2022, Tori’s leadership was key to the successful return of in-person fundraisers, Golfing For Good and Raise Your Glass.
“I started my company to help people live happier, healthier lives by providing preventative health and wellness services,” said Tori. “As a CaringMatters volunteer, I’m so proud to give back by supporting people at more challenging stages of life, when they are facing serious illness, end-of-life and loss.”
Corporate
When Sam Lish, President & CEO of Advanced Nursing + Home Support, became acquainted with CaringMatters, he immediately recognized a synergy between the two organizations including a shared focus on supporting not only those in need of health care services, but also respite for their caregivers and families. Soon after, Mr. Lish joined the Board of Directors, with unwavering dedication to the agency and its clients. The company proudly promotes the partnership in their publications and donates staff time to assist CaringMatters’ clients with activities of daily living. They affirmed their commitment by becoming a Charter Sponsor in 2022, supporting all CaringMatters signature fundraisers.
“Years ago, I entered the home health field with the memory of the challenges my parents faced caring for my grandmother,” said Mr. Lish. “CaringMatters, like Advanced Nursing + Home Support, provides highly compassionate care, while treating every client like family.” said Mr. Lish. “When I tell people about CaringMatters, I say it’s an organization that truly lives up to its name with everyone putting their whole heart into their work for the community. Together, day by day, our two organizations will continue to serve individuals and families facing the most challenging stages of life.”
Community Partnership
For more than a decade, Leadership Montgomery (LM) and CaringMatters have creatively formed relationships that support end-of-life care and bereavement services. By completing Leadership Montgomery’s programs, participants are better positioned to grow themselves and others, and members of CaringMatters staff and board are proud alum. Over the years, LM participants, including President & CEO, Dana Pauley, have completed service projects for CaringMatters that have grown into volunteer positions, board positions, community partnerships, and both in-kind and financial donors.
“Our role is to connect and prepare leaders to build thriving and inclusive workplaces and communities,” said Dana Pauley, LM President & CEO. “We deeply appreciate partners like CaringMatters, who have taken LM’s mission to heart and woven it into their organizational culture to benefit so many.”
The partnership between LM and CaringMatters continues to have far-reaching impact and growth, leveraging a shared commitment to service and inclusion that will serve Montgomery County residents for a long time.