My Nonprofit Reviews

The Funk-Zitiello Foundation embodies the spirit and commitment of its founders, raising awareness and bringing hope to those affected by physical disabilities and pancreatic cancer. My husband, Mike, and I are blessed to have met the two people who inspired the Foundation.

We were introduced to JT Townsend on December 3, 2005, when he was in the Children’s Fashion Show to benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital. JT was a light for others, making a difference, despite his recent high school football accident, which had left him paralyzed.

In November of 2014, we googled Dr. Horacio Asbun, in regard to surgery at Mayo Clinic; Judi Zitiello’s face popped up with Dr. Asbun in a photo from the 2014 PurpleStride. She was holding a baby, which we now know is her grandson and namesake, Jude. Judi had been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in April 2014; Dr. Asbun was her surgeon.

I reached out to Judi on January 7, 2015, via Facebook Messenger, after having read her wonderful blogs and messages online. “I would be honored to have the opportunity to speak with you.” It was and remains an honor to speak with Judi. She became my earthly guardian angel and friend through many phone calls, emails and finally meeting in person at the 2015 PurpleStride—a friendship and bond that continues today.

On March 3, 2016, Judi sent me an email outlining her “Big Project”, which we now know as “Champions for Hope”. It was, indeed! Mike and I attended and supported the galas held Father’s Day weekend in 2017 and 2018. “Champions for Hope” brought awareness and funding to the JT Townsend Foundation and for Pancreatic Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic Florida, right here in Jacksonville. If you were fortunate enough to attend a luncheon, a meeting, or the gala for the event, you were witness to love and strength—beyond measure, to support these causes.

Connie Phillips