Wings For Falmouth Families Continue To Grow

By LAURA M. RECKFORD From The Falmouth Enterprise August 3, 2007

Wings for Falmouth Families, the local charity begun in 2003 to help local families in crisis, is entering a new stage.

Because of changing laws about the distribution of charitable funds, Wings will soon become independent from the Cape Cod Foundation.

Leaders of the organization have formed a board of directors that are planning numerous fundraisers. They are also busy distributing money to local families in need, following the organization's mission.

"We've gone from being an infant to being a mature charity," said founder and president Lisa D. Asendorf of North Falmouth.

The organization tries to help at least five families per year, whether assisting with mortgage payments or providing cash for expenses like gas and food.

Among those who have been helped by Wings in recent months is a man who is ill and lives on Gifford Street, Falmouth, with his son, who is also sick. Wings donated money for gas and two months' rent on the family's apartment.

They also helped a woman with young children whose husband recently died of cancer, donating money toward her mortgage.

The woman's friend, Donna Terra of Waquoit, who originally contacted Wings, summed up the reason why the organization is important.

"We all know someone who has been touched by cancer, whether it is a family member or close friend," Ms. Terra said.

Ms. Terra said Wings' help was not just financial.

"One day in December the family came home to find a Christmas tree and box of decorations waiting for them on their deck. This is a fantastic organization and if anyone is looking for a local group to support, they should consider donating to [Wings]."

Ms. Terra added, "Who knows who will need their help someday? They've certainly got my support."

Wings has also helped Wayne A. Moniz Jr. of Hatchville, and his family. Mr. Moniz has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory tract disease, and scleroderma, a disease of the connective tissue. Doctors have told him he needs a double lung transplant.

Wings heard about the family from the United Way and has since paid two of their mortgage payments.

"We're very grateful. It was a big help," said Joanne L. Moniz, Mr. Moniz's wife.

Wings gets referrals from people throughout the community, but one of their best sources has been pediatrician Dr. Moira Shea.

Dr. Shea said of Wings, "I see it as a really valuable community resource."

She said pediatricians often have patients who need to go to Boston for treatments. While health insurance helps pay for the treatments themselves, there are many other expenses, like parking, gas, and meals, that are not covered.

"Even if families have insurance, whether it is private or state insurance, that doesn't pay for the added costs that occur when children are ill," Dr. Shea said.

She said Wings fills a gap.

"There are not necessarily community resources that help do that. When a parent can't work, expenses add up," she said.

Ms. Asendorf said the idea for Wings came after seeing many young families struggle with the choice of being with a sick family member or working to pay the bills.

After helping several families so far this year, she and her board are now turning their attention to fundraising. Every meeting is a brainstorming session and ideas include a golfing event, a cookbook, and even a gala.

Board member Ruth Ann Eldredge of East Falmouth, said the group is energized. "It's a great group. Everyone is really excited," Ms. Eldredge said.

Ms. Asendorf said one of the inspirations for starting Wings was hearing from her daughters about families in need. Because of that connection, she wants the organization to be an avenue for teenagers to become involved.

She is encouraging teens to start a Wings for Falmouth Families Club at Falmouth High School and hopes to set up an annual T-shirt design contest in the schools in which the winning teen gets a percentage of shirt sales as a scholarship.

But the focus of the group will be fundraising for families in need who are hit with a crisis.

Ms. Eldredge said, "Life is hard enough on the Cape with the high cost of living. When things go wrong, it can be devastating for a family."

The organization's address is Wings for Falmouth Families, PO Box 791, Falmouth, MA 02541. The phone number is 508-457-7934. Donations can be sent to Wings For Falmouth Families, c/o Russ Pelletier, Treasurer, 137 King St., Falmouth, MA 02540.

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