MAKING AN IMPACT
Give It Your All.
Penny’s Flight Foundation
Co-Founder
The butterfly effect is a phenomenon in which a tiny event, like the flap of a butterfly’s wings, can result in a profound and far-reaching shift of circumstance. Through Penny’s story and bright light, the Penny's Flight Foundation aims to expand knowledge around NF, while inspiring others to find beauty in imperfection, positivity in the face of challenge, and faith over fear.
Penny’s Flight Foundation was launched in celebration of the extraordinary life of Penny Doerge and the qualities that she personified — joy, artistic expression and humor — while bravely living with Neurofibromatosis (NF) since infancy.
The Foundation’s mission is to make much-needed advances in medical research on Neurofibromatosis and related disorders — with a lasting impact on altering the course of this disease. There is no cure for NF and research around the disease remains underfunded, despite being one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States.
Through Penny’s story and bright light, the Foundation aims to expand knowledge around NF, while inspiring others to find beauty in imperfection, positivity in the face of challenge, and faith over fear.
“Kate is a key philanthropic leader for us at HSS. She is a rare combination of a strategic thinker and practical tactician. Her energy is contagious and her drive inspires us all.“
— Lou Shapiro, President and CEO, Hospital for Special Surgery
Penny doerge adaptive academy (PDAA)
board member
The Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy (PDAA), a program offered at the Lerner Children’s Pavilion, the children’s hospital at HSS, organizes local and regional adaptive programs to offer pediatric patients with challenging musculoskeletal conditions the opportunity to participate in active adventures. The PDAA was first piloted in 2014 with a single ski trip that served 10 children in the hopes that it would help them cope with their limitations outside the hospital walls.
Hospital for Special Surgery
Vice-Chair of the Board of Advisors, Pediatric Council, Development Committee
Co-Chair for the only annual fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavillion, growing the initial event from $65K to $1.5M in its 14th year through ticket sales and underwriting sponsorship opportunities for the hospital and Pediatric Pavillion. Collaborated with development office to handle all aspects of event planning, fundraising and press.
Raised over $25 million towards pediatrics through fundraising events and solicitation of charitable donors and key partners for the hospital.
GLAM4GOOD FOUNDATION
Board Member
Collaborating with the founder, connected clients with sponsorship opportunities and partnerships to underwrite the foundation’s fundraising initiatives and events.
Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club
Board Member
Planned fundraisers, including co-chairing annual event to raise funds for local organization, including ticket sales, sponsorship, and underwriting. Developed impactful motivational speaker program to inspire and empower children to dream big and believe in themselves.