Kathy & John were married 38 years ago and have raised and educated their two children, Jennifer and Christian, in Arizona.
As a full time resident of Arizona, Kathleen wanted to dedicate her life not only to her family but by making a difference in her community. She served as President of the Peoria School District PTO, Glendale Civic Activities and President of Glendale Citizens for Responsible Development. Her devotion to the West Side of the Valley was insurmountable in bringing the University of Phoenix Stadium and Jobing.com Arena, as well as the West Gate Experience.
Many of these are history making events for the Valley of the Sun, however, her number one achievement (besides her children) is Packages From Home. This endeavor began as a labor of love to her son Christian who was deployed of February of 2004. Christian brought to Kathleen's attention that his unit was not receiving, nor had access to, necessary items normally taken for granted in our every day lives.
When Kathleen learned of this she decided to ship Christian and his friends the items they requested. Thus, Packages From Home was born in her garage. PFH provides care and comfort packages at no cost to the troops to anyone who has signed up on our website, walked in the door or called with an address. To date, we have sent 123,000 individual care packages and over 40,000 pounds of bulk mailing. We have received comments from the troops about how much they not only appreciate the care packages, but even some have mentioned that the items have saved their lives.
Kathleen is not someone who takes "No" for an answer and her vision for PFH will never stop. Hence, her Super Bowl XXLII idea was born. In the Spring of 2007 Kathleen decided that it was a great idea to bring home a soldier from theater. She met with much difficulty in getting this done. From the Department of Defense to the Department of the Army, Super Bowl Committee and Host Committee, etc., they told her it could not be done. Kathleen told them that, "Yes, it can be done." and it was! History was made on February 3, 2008 when A1C Chadwyk McDaniel attended the Super Bowl fresh from Iraq. This was an experience of a lifetime that will never be repeated.
While PFH is dedicated to the troops, we have spread throughout the community and the nation. We are a very diversified group. From the average person, schools, church groups, Boys and Girl Scouts, Corporations to Presidents. Kathleen is in awe at how many lives this organization has touched.
PFH has been awarded the Arizona Charity of the Year and we have been invited to the White House. America Supports you lists us as one of their founding charities and Black Tie Arizona has listed us as one of their charities as well.
We like PFH to be family oriented and we think we have done that. From ages 3 - 103, our volunteers make this organization what it is and we could never have gotten the far without them.
This is our solemn vow, WE will be here until ALL the troops come home. It's all about the troops!