Seven Years of Transforming Lives: Women for The Inn Helps Power The Mission
Dedicated members of WINN have contributed more than $640,000 to create “A Place Like Home” for thousands of families
Since 2018, the Women for The Inn community has brought together a dedicated group of women from a broad range of backgrounds to embrace and support the mission of The Children’s Inn. The group, referred to as WINN, now boasts over 100 members and is heavily involved in supporting The Inn with donations and providing the experiences that make staying with us feel like “A Place Like Home” for hundreds of families each year.
“It’s been a remarkable experience seeing the growth that WINN has had since the beginning,” said WINN co-chair Debra Cohen. An active supporter and volunteer at The Inn for 17 years, Cohen has served as WINN co-chair alongside Monica Granovsky since January 2023. The duo will remain in their leadership roles through June 2026.
“I was honored to take on a leadership role at WINN with other fantastic leaders on our team in hopes of being even more impactful,” said Granovsky, whose involvement with The Inn dates to her years as a pediatric oncologist at the National Cancer Institute. “I particularly enjoy recruiting NIH speakers who share their research and insights with our WINN members. Each NIH speaker has helped contextualize why science research matters and is so important to our health and well-being, creating an important bridge between the scientific community and the public.”
WINN co-chairs Monica Gronovsky (L) and Debra Cohen (R)
In addition to hearing from some of the leading medical experts in the nation at their regular meetings, WINN members vote on allocating their collective membership contributions for maximum impact. WINN members have directed over $640,000 to The Inn’s areas of greatest need over the past seven years. That money has funded welcome packages for residents, playground renovations, kitchen supplies, seasonal celebrations, family meals, and educational experiences among other priorities.
WINN members are inspired to act by the perseverance and strength of the families who stay at The Inn. “It’s just incredible seeing the resilience of the families and the patients,” explained Cohen. “A lot of times they’re putting their lives on hold; sometimes they don’t know when they’re going home. But they are able to leave here so much better and stronger and healthier. They go on to resume life, and it’s the most heartwarming thing. It’s just wonderful to be part of that.”
This past year, the group raised $103,246 for the WINN Fund, $5,000 of which helped provide monthly family meals at The Inn. The remaining $97,938 was directed to support the Emergency and Transportation Funds, both of which provide critical relief to families during their most stressful moments.
In addition to monetary support, WINN members were involved in activities that ranged from preparing the building for the expansion and renovation project—which began in earnest last winter—to providing meals and creating Thoughtful Treasures. The opportunity to serve meals is always a highlight, giving members a chance to get to know the families.
WINN member Jessica Smith handing out goodies at Trunk-or-Treating event
“Joining WINN is such a wonderful opportunity to build community,” Granovsky said. “You are joining other women who are passionate about The Inn’s mission and you are working together to make such a difference for these children and their families.”
“I think WINN has exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Cohen said as she reflected on the last seven years. “It’s one thing to have people dedicate their philanthropic efforts, but really these women have dedicated their time to do things for the families and serve as ambassadors for The Inn within their own communities. WINN shows passion for what The Inn does and compassion for the families who stay here.”
Join WINN: Membership is open to those who contribute a minimum annual donation of $1,000 to the WINN fund, which is fully tax-deductible and may be paid in full or in monthly installments. [Learn more here.]
