Help Tom & Kathy Mitchell!
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Kathy (Fedorsic) Mitchell and her husband Tom Mitchell are lifelong residents of the PASD; Kathy a graduate of the class of 1966 and Tom a member of the class of 1969. Many people know the Mitchell's from their 41 years as Santa & Mrs. Claus. Most as volunteer Clauses but on paid work they only accepted checks for St. Mary's Shelter in Phoenixville raising in excess of $30,000. They visited countless area schools, churches and non-profits over the years but we're most proud of being invited, by then Governor Rendell, to light the state Christmas tree in the rotunda on the state capital in Harrisburg on December 9, 2008.
Tom has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 46 years. He joined at age 18 in April of 1969 with the Phoenixville council #1374. Over the years he served in various offices within the council, including Deputy Grand Knight for two years. He transferred to Saint Basil's Knights of Columbus council #13800 as a charter member. He was elected Grand Knight in 2010. Tom’s most proud moment as Grand Knight was the formation of the Saint Basil's Columbian Squires, an international youth fraternity run by the Knights of Columbus for Catholic boys between the ages of 10 and 18.
Kathy and Tom have been longtime community activist, striving to make Phoenixville a better place to live; focusing on children in the greater Phoenixville area. Tom served as president of St. Ann's home & school for 3 years. He served on the Phoenixville school board and the recreation board. A former wrestler under legendary Coach Lonny Moore, Tom went on to become a PIAA wrestling official. While on the recreation board he became instrumental in the start of Phoenixville Youth Wrestling now run by PAL.
Tom, a Kiwanians for over 25 years, was joined by Kathy for several years. They also were members of the Kimberton Lions Club. They worked on many projects together.
Tom is active in Diversity in Action of the greater Phoenixville area. He chaired DIA's Multicultural Festival the last two years. He was also involved with Alianzas de Phoenixville and on the advisory board for 1 1/2 years.
Tom started the Phoenixville Christmas Parade at the behest of PABA. Having received help from many of his fellow Kiwanians, he turned it over to the Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville.
With the support of several select donors, the Mitchell's started Costumes for a Cause; having as many as 16 costumes in their basement at one time. The thought being that many area children would never be able to afford a trip to Disney; they had Disney quality characters come to area parades, schools, churches, fire companies and other non-profits. Their Costumes for a Cause have been given to the PAHS National Honor Society.
The Mitchell's were also deeply involved with fundraising for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Their efforts raised over $25,000 for research of pediatric cancer. Friends with Jay & Liz Scott (Alex’s parents) they have arranged for them to speak in the Phoenixville area on three occasions.
The Mitchell's have done these things despite some adversities. Kathy has survived two types of cancer and deals with the effects of lupus on a daily basis. Tom had a major stroke in 2008. He lost part of his right leg to diabetes in 2011. Through it all, the Mitchell’s kept smiling. But this past December Tom had a devastating fall that ended with him loosing part of his left leg due to the injury. The latest amputation has put the always positive couple over the edge. Kathy worked part-time at Wegman's in Collegeville to pay for the Mitchell's RX bills. She had to leave Wegman's to care for Tom full time. They will be facing the costly expense of moving, their home of 43 years is now for sale as a two story home is not good for a bilateral amputee. Presently sleeping in the dining room, Tom sleeps on a regular hospital bed (which is on loan). Kathy sleeps on the couch to be near as Tom needs help through the night. Kathy has spinal stenosis and a herniated disk as well as arthritis in her back. They are in need of a Craftmatic type of king size bed; Tom would love to be able to turn over in bed. Tom's new prosthesis is due in a couple of weeks. There will be additional expenses for Bryn Mawr Rehab co-pay as well as the co-pay for the leg.
Tom has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 46 years. He joined at age 18 in April of 1969 with the Phoenixville council #1374. Over the years he served in various offices within the council, including Deputy Grand Knight for two years. He transferred to Saint Basil's Knights of Columbus council #13800 as a charter member. He was elected Grand Knight in 2010. Tom’s most proud moment as Grand Knight was the formation of the Saint Basil's Columbian Squires, an international youth fraternity run by the Knights of Columbus for Catholic boys between the ages of 10 and 18.
Kathy and Tom have been longtime community activist, striving to make Phoenixville a better place to live; focusing on children in the greater Phoenixville area. Tom served as president of St. Ann's home & school for 3 years. He served on the Phoenixville school board and the recreation board. A former wrestler under legendary Coach Lonny Moore, Tom went on to become a PIAA wrestling official. While on the recreation board he became instrumental in the start of Phoenixville Youth Wrestling now run by PAL.
Tom, a Kiwanians for over 25 years, was joined by Kathy for several years. They also were members of the Kimberton Lions Club. They worked on many projects together.
Tom is active in Diversity in Action of the greater Phoenixville area. He chaired DIA's Multicultural Festival the last two years. He was also involved with Alianzas de Phoenixville and on the advisory board for 1 1/2 years.
Tom started the Phoenixville Christmas Parade at the behest of PABA. Having received help from many of his fellow Kiwanians, he turned it over to the Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville.
With the support of several select donors, the Mitchell's started Costumes for a Cause; having as many as 16 costumes in their basement at one time. The thought being that many area children would never be able to afford a trip to Disney; they had Disney quality characters come to area parades, schools, churches, fire companies and other non-profits. Their Costumes for a Cause have been given to the PAHS National Honor Society.
The Mitchell's were also deeply involved with fundraising for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Their efforts raised over $25,000 for research of pediatric cancer. Friends with Jay & Liz Scott (Alex’s parents) they have arranged for them to speak in the Phoenixville area on three occasions.
The Mitchell's have done these things despite some adversities. Kathy has survived two types of cancer and deals with the effects of lupus on a daily basis. Tom had a major stroke in 2008. He lost part of his right leg to diabetes in 2011. Through it all, the Mitchell’s kept smiling. But this past December Tom had a devastating fall that ended with him loosing part of his left leg due to the injury. The latest amputation has put the always positive couple over the edge. Kathy worked part-time at Wegman's in Collegeville to pay for the Mitchell's RX bills. She had to leave Wegman's to care for Tom full time. They will be facing the costly expense of moving, their home of 43 years is now for sale as a two story home is not good for a bilateral amputee. Presently sleeping in the dining room, Tom sleeps on a regular hospital bed (which is on loan). Kathy sleeps on the couch to be near as Tom needs help through the night. Kathy has spinal stenosis and a herniated disk as well as arthritis in her back. They are in need of a Craftmatic type of king size bed; Tom would love to be able to turn over in bed. Tom's new prosthesis is due in a couple of weeks. There will be additional expenses for Bryn Mawr Rehab co-pay as well as the co-pay for the leg.
Organizer and beneficiary
StBasils KnightsofColumbus
Organizer
Phoenixville, PA
Thomas Mitchell
Beneficiary
