The Junior Federated Women’s Club of Chester (JFWCC), through their inaugural Mary’s Charity Ball collectively raised $25,000 to support The Doorways mission of providing lodging and support for patients and their loved ones who need to be close to Richmond area hospitals but not far from the feeling of home.
Mary’s Charity Ball was held last month at the Richmond Marriott to honor the late Mary Schindel, the Club’s longtime leader who passed away after a nine year battle with Leukemia. Schindel was also the Founder and Owner of She Chester Boutique, where behind the counter an inscription read ‘She took the leap and built her wings on the way down,” referring to Mary’s leap to open her dream store after being diagnosed with cancer in 2006. The store is still a thriving part of the Chester community today.
“We could not be more honored that the JFWCC chose to honor Mary’s legacy by supporting our mission” said Stacy Brinkley, president/CEO of The Doorways. “Mary was a longtime supporter of our annual Fancy Hat Party and was always aiming to raise awareness of our mission with her friends, family and fellow JFWCC members. Often times bringing them to serve dinner to our guests or hosting collection drives for the necessities our guests need during their medical crisis.”
Among the night’s highlights was an energetic live auction, raffle packages, a casino room, fellowship amongst sponsors and 250 attendees and remarks from many honoring the life of Mary Schindel and the work of The Doorways.
“Mary’s passion for The Doorways sums up how she lived her life while battling cancer” said Melissa Brockwell, President of The Junior Federated Women’s Club of Chester. “It was never about her battle with cancer; it was about bringing joy to the lives of others going through a similar medical crisis. Mary never once stayed at The Doorways during her battle with Leukemia, but became passionate about The Doorways because of the role it plays in the lives of those at VCU Health/VCU’s Massey Cancer Center and other area hospitals. She often times cited that many of the friends she made at Massey Cancer Center could not have had access to the treatment they were receiving if it was not for The Doorways role in providing lodging for them here in Richmond. It was through Mary that our club came to know the good work of The Doorways and I could not be more proud of all of our members who came together to honor Mary’s life and put together such an amazing event to benefit The Doorways.”
