Gift of Life Howie's House

06/19/2026

Today we stand with Gift of Life Donor Program in recognizing Juneteenth and supporting their efforts in reducing disparities in donation and transplantation.

Visit donors1.org to learn more about how you can help spread awareness and register to be an organ donor.

"Increasing organ donation in minority communities is not just about numbers – it's about saving lives and giving hope to families." –Dr. Velma Scantlebury, the first African American female transplant surgeon.

On June 19, we recognize Juneteenth, honoring the day in 1865 when freedom finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. This day is both a celebration of resilience and a call to action.

We stand in solidarity with efforts to eliminate disparities in donation and transplantation. Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, and account for 27% of those waiting for an organ transplant in the U.S. Your decision to register as a donor can help save lives and bring hope to those waiting for a lifesaving transplant. This Juneteenth, join us in reflecting, uplifting, and recommitting to a future where every life has an equal chance. Register as an organ donor at donors1.org/register

Thank you to the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation for sharing this message!

06/18/2026

This week we celebrated the upcoming "graduation" of our Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Jan Weinstock. 🎓

Jan has been with Gift of Life since 1999, and was instrumental in the planning, creation and success of the House. We are so grateful for Jan's leadership and expertise, and look forward to all she and Please join us in thanking Jan for her decades of dedication to Gift of Life and wishing her an adventure-filled retirement 🎉!

06/16/2026

BIG NEWS! The House is hosting its first ever Birthday Bash! 🎉

In celebration of our 15th anniversary of serving transplant families, we will be holding a special 15th Birthday Bash on October 2nd at FringeArts Philadelphia! This will be a ticketed, fundraising event with food, beverages, raffles, community awards and more!

More information to come, but don't wait to reserve your spot at this special community celebration! Click here to learn more: https://ow.ly/9y1F50ZcweV

06/12/2026

Teddy, our Development Director, Katherine's golden retriever, is here to remind you about our House merchandise store!

We have a variety of merchandise available for purchase, with new items being added often. A portion of all proceeds from sales goes right back to the House to support our mission.

Be sure to check out the store, rep the House, and let us know what items you would like to see in the comments! Click here to view all available items: https://giftoflifehowieshouse.printful.me/

06/10/2026

Voting is now open for the third annual Strokes of Kindness Art Contest & Fundraiser! 🖌️🎨

Be sure to check our virtual gallery and support the House by casting a vote for your favorite piece! Every $5 contribution = 1 vote, and there is no limit to the number of votes you can place.

The voting deadline is June 30th, so be sure to cast your votes and share with your community!

Click here to view the virtual gallery today: https://giftoflifehowieshouse.org/bridge-give/sok/sok2026cc/

06/08/2026

Last Friday, the Gift of Life Young Friends hosted their first ever Home Cook Hero dinner for our families! The Young Friends prepared a full summer themed meal complete with chicken and veggie skewers, burgers, watermelon, potato salad, and more. ☀️🍉🍔

Gift of Life Young Friends is a volunteer group of young professionals aged 21-35 that are passionate about organ donation and transplantation and support both the mission of Gift of Life Donor Program and the House. The group meets periodically throughout the year to participate in different volunteer, fundraising and social events, and are always looking for new members!

Interested in joining Young Friends? Email [email protected] today!

06/06/2026

The Kidney Open is just around the corner! The 22nd Annual Kidney Open Golf Outing is coming up on August 17th at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, DE.

The Kidney Open is more than a golf tournament—it’s a tradition of hope that helps transplant patients and their families access lifesaving care. Every swing helps ensure transplant families have a place to stay, regardless of their ability to pay, while advancing the lifesaving mission of organ donation.

This year will include new features including a Trick Shot Golf Pro game on the course, additional guest registration options and more! Gather your friends or play as an individual, but be sure not miss out on this fun-filled day! Space is limited and filling up fast, so click here to register today: https://ow.ly/pcEV50Z8bVt

06/05/2026

Thank you to all of our Home Cook Heroes in the month of May! Our amazing volunteers continue to fill up our schedule and show up for transplant families each month. Be sure to get your group signed up to cook a meal before the schedule fills up for the summer! ☀️

Click here to sign up: https://giftoflifehowieshouse.org/bridge-volunteer/home-cook-heroes/

06/03/2026

Thank you again to all who attended our annual President’s Breakfast!

This event is held annually to celebrate our most generous supporters, volunteers and community members that make the House’s mission possible. This year’s theme was Blooming with Gratitude, to recognize the outstanding growth our community has helped to foster over the last 15 years.

Vice President and General Counsel, Jan Weinstock, spoke about House updates, milestones, and looked back over the last 15 years of caring for families with the help of our community. Past guest and lung transplant recipient, Jim Healy, spoke about his journey as our special guest speaker and shared his gratitude for the House’s services. And lastly, Director of Family Services, Talia Giordano, gave a special tribute to celebrate Jan Weinstock and her upcoming retirement.

We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone in our community who attended this special event, as well as all of our supporters who continue to show up for our transplant families every day.

06/01/2026

In the organ donation and transplant community, love is love. At the House, we accept all organ transplant families who need us, regardless of who they love.

Happy from all of us at the House! 💙💚🏳️‍🌈