CHHSM Members and Partners Help Annual Gathering Move ‘Forward Together’ Via Sponsorships

Forward Together is the theme of CHHSM’s 2022 Annual Gathering, to be held March 8-10 in Louisville, Ky. Taking that theme to heart are a number of partners and CHHSM members who are stepping up this year to serve as sponsors of the event.

One such organization is Ziegler, the Gathering’s Platinum sponsor for the sixth year in a row. Ziegler is a privately held investment bank, capital markets and proprietary investments firm based in Chicago. Specializing in the healthcare, senior living and education sectors, as well as general municipal and structured finance, Ziegler is proud of the positive impact its work has on the communities it serves.

“We look forward to the CHHSM Annual Gathering each year,” said Lisa McCracken, director of senior living research and development for Ziegler. “It is a well-organized event that not only provides though-provoking content, but advances meaningful relationships among members and attendees.”

McCracken added that not only is Ziegler able to impart knowledge to attendees, but that the event is educational for its staff as well. “We feel that, as a proud sponsor to CHHSM, we have subject-matter expertise to share with the membership,” McCracken said. “In turn, we always feel that we walk away having learned things from the association as well. It might be forging new relationships, or being challenged to think in new, innovative ways. The relationship is a collaborative one, and one we value very much.”

This year, CHHSM has been able to offer several scholarships to the Annual Gathering, thanks to Scholarship sponsor MHS Consulting, part of CHHSM partner Mennonite Health Services. Scholarship recipients are expected to submit written reports following the Annual Gathering that reflect what they learned and why it was a meaningful experience. Currently, all available scholarship spots are filled.

“We are excited to sponsor and attend the 84th Annual Gathering,” said Jeremy Kauffman, managing director of MHS Consulting. “We share in a desire to work with and support organizations that are called to better the lives of others. Together, with our faith and values to guide us, we can make a difference. We see great value in being together at this gathering as we share and learn together.”

Several CHHSM members and partners are again sponsoring some of the main activities during the Annual Gathering. United Church Homes, a CHHSM member known for its more than 79 Life Plan, healthcare, and affordable housing communities in 14 states and two Native American nations, is returning as a Gold sponsor. UCH is the sponsor of the Wednesday, March 9, Celebration Dinner.

“United Church Homes wants to support the Annual Gathering because we believe in the heart and soul of CHHSM’s mission,” said the Rev. Kenneth V. Daniel, president and CEO. “We love the community that CHHSM represents and want our financial support to be one way we express our commitment.”

CHHSM member Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF), one of the largest nonprofit providers of housing and services in the United States, is another Gold sponsor, and will — among other things — sponsor the welcome luncheon on March 8.

“RHF is proud to, once again, sponsor the CHHSM Annual Gathering,” said Stuart Hartman, president and CEO. “We value the work CHHSM does on behalf of its members and within the UCC.”

Hartman said that RHF’s sponsorship also is a way to help celebrate CHHSM President and CEO Michael Readinger as he retires.

“RHF congratulates Michael’s tenure as president and CEO of CHHSM over the past years and wishes him the best in his retirement,” Hartman added.

Other Gold sponsors include United Church Funds, sponsoring the opening dinner on Tuesday, March 8; the UCC Pension Boards, sponsor of the Wednesday lunch and business meeting March 9; and Care Purchasing, the group purchasing agent behind the CHHSM Store and sponsor of the Annual Gathering event app.

“United Church Funds is honored again to be a sponsor of CHHSM’s Annual Gathering. Sponsorship is our way of expressing our appreciation to CHHSM and its member agencies for sharing such vital ministries of care and compassion,” said the Rev. Dr. Charles Buck, president and CEO. “We are also grateful to Michael Readinger for his exemplary leadership of CHHSM and throughout the UCC, and we wish him all the best in retirement. This year’s Annual Gathering theme, ‘Forward Together,’ is a perfect reminder of the need for and power of partnerships, and we look forward to renewing our ties and commitments with everyone!”

The Pension Boards views sponsorship as a way to show its support for the CHHSM member organizations. “The Pension Boards has chosen to be a sponsor of the CHHSM Annual Gathering as a visible sign of our commitment to the people and mission of the CHHSM organizations,” said Brian R. Bodager, president and CEO of the Pension Boards. “Because we are invested in the well-being and security of all who serve the communities touched by CHHSM, the Annual Gathering is our opportunity to build relationships, listen and respond to the aspirations and needs of its employees, and raise awareness about the value of the benefits and services the Pension Boards can provide.”

For Natalia Hernandez, the CHHSM Store’s customer service representative, the opportunity for Care Purchasing to serve as a sponsor is a chance to learn more about the services that would be helpful to CHHSM members. “We are grateful for the opportunity to educate more CHHSM members about our team, and services,” she said. “We value our relationship with the team at CHHSM, and we continue to find vendor programs that can benefit all members. We want to help save money and add value to your organization.” 

CPS is co-sponsoring the Annual Gathering app with CPS vendor partner Pharmerica, provider of long-term, older adult care, home, hospital, and hospice pharmacy services.

The Annual Gathering’s Silver event sponsor is the UCC’s Cornerstone Fund, sponsor of the Thursday luncheon. For the Cornerstone Fund, sponsorship goes hand-in-hand with partnership.

“Cornerstone has long supported the work of CHHSM, as they are great partners in our mission of joining together in faith to invest in and build community,” said Maria Coyne, president and CEO. “We are especially glad to support the important work of CHHSM as we adjust to the impacts of the pandemic.”

Both Ascension Capital Enterprises, which provides independent financial and strategic consulting to nonprofit organizations that can issue tax-exempt debt, and the UCC Insurance Board are Bronze sponsors, each supporting one of the evening receptions, March 8 and 9, respectively.

“Ascension believes that faith-based nonprofits do the best job at providing care and services, so we choose to support one or two denominational health and/or human services ministries a year to strengthen denominational affiliations,” said Malcolm Nimick, president. “We celebrate with CHHSM the years of service Mike Readinger has given, making this year a CHHSM support year.”

For Jennifer Perri, assistant vice president of the Insurance Board, the Annual Gathering is an event she looks forward to, largely because of the collegiality. “The CHHSM Annual Gathering is an event we look forward to attending and supporting in any way we can,” Perri said. “The exhibitors are limited, which allows for great networking and conversation with member participants. These relationships really create a wonderful, lasting network of contacts, colleagues, and friendships. Insurance Board looks forward to attending and supporting CHHSM for many years to come, and sharing resources as well as educating regarding our risk management and insurance solutions.”

Additionally, several organizations are sponsoring workshops and breaks during the Annual Gathering, including CHHSM member Beatitudes Campus, an older adult Life Plan community based in Phoenix, who is sponsoring two workshops; and the UCC’s Church Building and Loan Fund, sponsor of two break times.

The UCC Church Building and Loan Fund looks at the Gathering as an additional chance to be a servant leader with CHHSM. “Church Building and Loan Fund is a proud sponsor of the CHHSM Annual Gathering because CHHSM agencies offer services at the heart of Jesus’ purpose ‘to set at liberty those who are bruised,’” said the Rev. Dr. Patrick G. Duggan, executive director. “CHHSM represents the authentic, day-to-day ministry of the United Church of Christ, alleviating the impact of poverty, infirmity, and estrangement among people in our country who need it most.”

Beatitudes Campus views sponsorship of the Annual Gathering as just one more way to celebrate being part of CHHSM. “Beatitudes was founded by Church of the Beatitudes, a UCC congregation, and from the very beginning, our heritage has called us to welcome all people,” said Michelle Just, president and CEO. “Beatitudes is a proud sponsor of the Annual Gathering because we share values of diversity, inclusivity, servant leadership, and radical hospitality. I look forward to meeting, sharing, and learning with my health and human service colleagues in March!”

This year’s Annual Gathering takes place at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville. Highlights of this year’s Gathering include:

• The installation of the new CHHSM president and CEO at opening worship at St. John UCC, with preacher the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ.
• Opening keynote by the Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III, president of Louisville Presbyterian Seminary and well-known commentator about the Black Church.
• Celebration of Mike Readinger’s leadership, with a special performance by Louisville’s Academy of Music Production, Education, and Development (AMPED).
• Closing keynote by Nikki Lanier, JD, CEO of Harper Slade, a racial equity advisory firm.
• Time to visit the Muhammed Ali Center, where we will hold closing worship and consecration of the 2021 Nollau Class as diakonal ministers, with preacher the Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson, CEO of MOLO Village.

CHHSM sponsors make the inspiring worship, workshops, plenary presentations, and social times possible.

“We are grateful for all of the partners who’ve agreed to sponsor a portion of this year’s Annual Gathering,” says Michael J. Readinger, CHHSM president and CEO. “Their support is invaluable in helping to ensure the best event possible.”

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