Special Love welcomes Kim Jappell as its newest Director of Development.

Jappell is a familiar face around the organization as she grew up in Special Love’s BRASS program for cancer siblings and was a member of its Board of Directors prior to accepting her new position. She will now be responsible for leading all aspects of Special Love’s fundraising efforts.

Robin Couch Cardillo, Special Love’s former development director, left early this month having accepted an Executive Director position at another local non-profit.

”I’ve known Kim for many years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Kim again,” said Special’s Executive Director, Jan Bresch. “She brings a wealth of fundraising and relationship building experience to Special Love, and equally important, a commitment to and passion for Special Love’s mission.”

Kim has spent the past few years as the grants manager for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in addition to being a key member of the Foundation’s events and campaign initiatives. Prior to her time at the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Kim was the Senior Program Manager at Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry Falls Church and was a volunteer for the Children’s Inn at NIH (a long-time partner of Special Love through the NIH Charities).

She also has a rich camp history with Special Love through its BRASS program for siblings (BRothers And SiSters), as both a former camper and most recently, as a counselor and member of the planning committee. Kim and her family helped found Camp Funshine, a weekend program for families of children with HIV, in tribute to her late sister, Bernadette. Camp Funshine was conducted under Special Love’s umbrella between 1997 and 2006.

Kim says, “My most rewarding professional opportunity thus far is the chance to work and advocate for the organization that helped make me who I am today. The Special Love team is one I am honored to join.”

Reach out to Kim at kjappell@specialove.org or 888-930-2707. She looks forward to continuing her many friendships – and making new ones – within the Special Love community.