Philadelphia, PA – [December 1, 2025] – HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is proud to launch its 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign, an effort focused on strengthening the school’s future by developing a new strategic plan for the next 3 to 5 years. This year’s campaign carries special significance as HMS navigates a shift in annual funding and prepares to enter a new chapter with new leadership.
For the past decade, HMS has received annual funding from the Rite Aid Healthy Futures Foundation, which previously supported the school’s essential efforts to provide high-quality, safe, and accessible services to students with complex needs caused by cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury. When Rite Aid closed on October 4th, the Foundation subsequently became inactive, leaving HMS with an unforeseen funding shortage.
In response, three remarkable companies have stepped forward to ensure HMS does not face this transition alone. Heckendorn Shiles Architects, Stockton Real Estate Advisors, LLC, and Pennoni will collectively match every individual Giving Tuesday donation up to $10,000, helping replace the lost Rite Aid support and doubling the impact of every gift made through December 3rd.
With changes in the funding landscape at the state and federal levels, this is the opportune moment to create a refreshed strategic plan, one that ensures stability, growth, and long-term excellence for our students. Director of Development & Community Engagement, Ceciry Rodriguez-Pimentel, states, “Giving Tuesday is a time when everyone around the world is encouraged to give back, but we know this is an especially difficult year for everyone, including us here at HMS. We are incredibly grateful to the companies stepping in to match donations, encouraging individuals to join in their impact, and help replace some of the previous funding.”
Matt Heckendorn, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, of Heckendorn Shiles Architects states, “We are elated to participate in the HMS Giving Tuesday matching program! Our decades-long partnership with HMS reflects my deep personal and professional commitment to designing creative, inclusive spaces where children with special needs can thrive—because thoughtful, imaginative design transforms lives.”
Funds raised on Giving Tuesday will support the creation of HMS’s new strategic plan, which will guide the organization’s long-term vision. HMS invites the community to join its Giving Tuesday effort and take advantage of the matching opportunity to double their impact. The school will also host a live conversation with President Theresa Newhard on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, at 12:00 PM via Facebook and Instagram, inviting supporters to learn more about the vision for HMS’s future and to ask questions about the planning process.
To participate in Giving Tuesday or learn more about HMS School, please visit www.hmsschool.org
About HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, located in Philadelphia, PA, provides educational, therapeutic, and residential programs for students with complex disabilities. With a commitment to individualized care, accessibility, and innovation, HMS supports students in achieving their greatest levels of independence, communication, and personal growth.
Media Contact/Inquiries:
Christina Service, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
E: Development@hmsschool.org
P: 215 222 2566 ext. 200
