Thank You For Joining Us

A Morning of Compassion, Commitment, and Community

On an overcast Sunday morning, the warmth of community spirit shone brightly at our annual spring benefit, Brunch & All That Jazz. Smooth jazz filled the air, setting a soothing and celebratory tone for a memorable gathering of friends of Jeff’s Place, both longtime and newly connected.

Board Director, Peter Barron welcomed guests, followed by Executive Director, Melissa Kennedy Panto, who opened the morning with heartfelt remarks. She reminded us all of the continued urgency—and the deep importance—of supporting grieving families, now more than ever.

As always, the most powerful moments came from our speakers, who shared their stories with vulnerability and courage, giving voice to the healing journey that begins at Jeff’s Place.

Sisters Emily and Ava moved the audience with their story, offering a glimpse into their grief after losing their father, and the role Jeff’s Place has played in their grief journey.

“It’s hard to explain just how much Jeff’s Place means to us. Some words that come to mind are love, understanding, friendships, and belonging.”

Our second speaker, Karen, who attends the child/sibling loss group with her husband and three sons following the sudden death of their two-year-old son Andrew, shared:

“After a few sessions, our caregiver group became a place where we could look around and see parents who had been doing this impossible thing for a year or two or more—people who knew the challenge and could cheer us on as we faced it. Now, two years in, our time at Jeff’s Place is time with friends, both for the trio and for us. Friends to grieve with and share challenges, but also to laugh with and to share joys. Friends we can talk to about our kids, both the living ones and the ones who died.”

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised $94,000 to support our vital programs. While the financial impact is significant, we are equally moved by the outpouring of love, support, and shared commitment to our mission.

Together, we are making it possible for more families to find connection, compassion, and community in the face of profound loss. And together, we continue to strive for a world where no one grieves alone.