Sometimes in the life of an organization, the right people show up just when they are needed most. That saying proved true when Jerry Gimmel connected with Hospice Caring (now CaringMatters) at a 1991 Rotary Club meeting. Mr. Gimmel listened attentively to a guest speaker who spoke about the organization’s work supporting those facing end-of-life, loss and grief. The presentation sparked his interest. As a partner in the well-established Gaithersburg law practice, Gimmel, Weiman, Ersek, Blomberg & Lewis, P.A., Mr. Gimmel’s work involved estate planning and the probating of estates. He wanted to learn more about the mission of the organization that aligned so closely with his work.

 

He approached the speaker and asked, “What do you really need?” The response: people with business experience to help the organization grow. With those words, a new partnership developed as Jerry soon agreed to join the Board of Directors. His business experience and leadership became invaluable, helping guide the organization through lean times and the challenges of growth.

 

“At that time, the organization was serving six clients and running one support group,” said Jerry. “Now we’re serving hundreds of people through an array of specialized programs and making a positive difference in the community.”

 

“The organization’s growth and success is due to outstanding leadership and a broad base of individual supporters, all contributing what they could over all these years in the form of time, energy, thoughts and contributions. The organization was built that way – the correct way – and that’s why it’s still here three decades later. I’m just so proud to be associated with CaringMatters and glad I could contribute,” he continued.

 

Jerry served as the Board Chair from 1998 to 2002. Most recently, he served as the Parliamentarian/Historian and oversaw bylaws and formal board procedures and maintained the history of organization. He transitioned off the Board of Directors in 2019 and became a member of the Board of Trustees. For his loyalty, dedication and service, we are honored to present Jerry Gimmel with the 2020 Loyalty Award. The CaringMatters’ Board of Directors has declared that the award will now be known as the Jerry Gimmel Loyalty Award in his honor.