When I joined the board at Circle of Hope in 2011, I knew only one other board member –my friend and then-president Judy Penman. Judy quickly introduced me around to the others, one of whom was Jill Bondy. But Jill and I didn’t really get to know one another until 2013, when she was voted in as president and I was asked to be her VP.
Jill and I quickly discovered we had many things in common. Foods, music, the arts and philosophies. We were often surprised to show up at the same event wearing the same colors. One day, we even realized we had attended the same elementary school in the San Fernando Valley! But most importantly, we shared a philanthropic spirit and desire to help those struggling with a cancer diagnosis.
In 2013, Circle of Hope had no chair for its popular Afternoon Tea. Jill and I both loved this signature fundraiser and volunteered to pull it together. We took risks by changing up some of the longstanding traditions: we brought the Tea indoors, added a guest speaker, gluten-free offerings and invited gentlemen to join us. The event was a hit and we vowed to continue chairing in subsequent years.
Jill at Circle of Hope’s 2013 Afternoon Tea, sharing good news and spreading the good word.
During her time at the helm, Jill introduced Circle of Hope to Logix Federal Credit Union, who then awarded us with “Community Star” status. The program gives Logix employees the opportunity to participate in workplace giving, a portion of which goes to help cancer patients through Circle of Hope’s Client Advocacy Program. Logix further matches a percentage with a generous corporate donation annually. Logix continues to be Circle of Hope’s largest sponsor and partner.
When Jill’s presidency ended in 2015, I become president and Jill moved to the past-president role. Along with my new VP, Taylor Kellstrom, we worked seamlessly at promoting and building Circle of Hope’s future. Jill and I had both come from experiences with other nonprofits in the SCV, so when then-Executive Director Ray Tippet announced his retirement in the Spring of 2016, we got down to work at learning more about the running of Circle of Hope from the admin prospective. Financial restraints hampered our ability to hire a new E.D., so Jill, Taylor and I took on additional volunteer roles. As a business owner, I oversaw the administrative duties. Taylor took on a more public relations role and volunteered to chair our largest fundraiser, Vine2Wine.
Cruising the Rhine: Friends inside and outside of the Board room.
Jill took over the defining job of our small nonprofit: the delivery of our mission to our many cancer patient clients. As Director of Client Services, Jill began seeing our clients, reviewing their histories, updating their files. She listened to their heartbreaking stories and held their hands, often traveling to their homes when they were not well enough to come to us. She learned how to read a pathology report and became familiar with the names of various cancer drugs and treatments. When necessary, she would confer with Circle of Hope founder, Colleen Shaffer, for clarification of cancer terms and procedures. Together with Office Administrator Lori Carpenter, Jill endeavored to streamline the process of approving and paying clients’ cancer-related bills.
Marguerite Berg, Pam Ripling, Jill Bondy
Hope’s Haven Cancer Wellness Center
December, 2019
For nearly four years, Jill gave of her time and compassion to ease the burdens of our clients. She shared in their pain and their grief. While she delighted in the departure of a cured, cancer-free individual from time-to-time, she also suffered the despair of attending the funerals of those who lost their battles. When asked how she was able to do the job that so many others would find too depressing, Jill simply says it felt like a calling. “To be able to make them feel better. To see the tears of joy when they are told we can help them. No, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”
She has many stories to tell, but rarely shares them. One in particular comes to mind. A couple came in for assistance. He was a cancer survivor, she was in active treatment. He had no job, and had had trouble finding work due to his medical history. She had recently been forced to leave her job, too ill to work. Jill determined that Circle of Hope could pay her COBRA insurance premium, which was significant. The couple both broke down and cried with gratitude and relief. A few months later, Jill received a call from the husband. “Don’t pay the insurance this month,” he advised. Concerned, Jill asked why. His response now brought tears to Jill’s eyes. “Because I got a job, and we can pay the insurance ourselves. I don’t want to take a penny more than we need.”
February 27, 2018
“These are some of the happy moments,” Jill explains. Without them, the job would be less rewarding, but Jill Bondy has never looked for rewards. Her eleven years as a volunteer for Circle of Hope speaks to her selfless and dedicated nature. In addition to her Client Services duties, Jill has co-chaired six Afternoon Teas, served on the Vine2Wine committee, helped to get Hope’s Haven Cancer Wellness Center off the ground and has supported the organization financially. So, why go now? “It’s time,” Jill says with a confident smile. She will miss “her” clients, she laments, but looks forward to more time with her husband Ron and their eight wonderful grandkids. I’m sure everyone in the SCV cancer community joins me in thanking Jill Bondy and wishing her a happy retirement.