Due to COVID, our services have
been suspended until further notice.
CORE TEAM
​EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LORI MCHALE
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"Decorating has always been a part of my life. My mother was always rearranging our furniture, sewing window treatments or slip covers, refinishing furniture…there was always a project going on in our house. I fondly remember my sister and I choosing new colors and themes for our rooms and we got to be involved in the process of making it happen. Then my parents let us take over our basement and do whatever we wanted with it! We had a blast painting walls, furniture and making the space our own. I am truly grateful for having that encouragement (and trust!) in developing my creativity that would later help me pursue my dream of decorating.
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After a successful career in graphic design, I decided to make the switch and apply what I already knew about design on paper and apply it to designing rooms. I pursued certifications in Interior Redesign, Real Estate Staging, Color Consulting, and worked in these areas plus Senior Move Management. After several years, I finally realized my true passion was working with children and bringing to life their dreams for their rooms. I love hearing what they want and finding a way to make it happen.
While watching a television show about a similar organization, the concept of Designing 4 Hope was formed…and with much encouragement from friends and family, the organization became a reality in May 2011. I am extremely thankful that I am able to help the children and their families with the talents I have been given. It has been a blessing to meet such wonderful people so far…the children, their families, and all those who have given their time, talents or funds to make a difference. We are giving the children more than just a newly decorated room. They are getting a space that is going to help them feel better, rest easier, and hopefully make them happier because it is their dream come true."
​STEVE RIPKA - GENERAL CONTRACTOR/BOARD MEMBER
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"Design has always been a passion of mine which led to pursuing a degree in architecture design. After working in an architectural firm for a few years, I realized that reporting to an office was not what I had envisioned for my future. I then turned to commercial construction. Throughout my construction career, I have completed numerous projects including bookstores, restaurants, and retail spaces. I also became involved with insurance claims for residential properties which allowed me to start my own business. Ace Remodeling was established in January 2010.
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The switch from commercial to residential allowed me to build relationships and work one-on-one with homeowners. I enjoy working closely with my clients to help their dreams become reality, from drawings on paper to the finished product. While helping Lori with her kitchen design, she approached me with her idea: Designing 4 Hope. It took only a moment for me to see the potential in such a cause. I feel honored to be able to partner with this organization in changing the lives of families."
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Steve has been one of the founding core team members and board members. He is involved in each project from the start which begins with an on-site visit to evaluate each space and its possibilities. His design knowledge and ability makes each project become a reality. Steve takes the lead on project day, makes sure every space and detail is safe for the families and coordinates the team of volunteers.
​REBECCA RIPKA
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Rebecca has been with Designing 4 Hope from our very first year! Her attention to detail, friendly personality and willingness to do any task greatly helps us with our makeovers. She has truly become a valuable member of our core team. Not only does she help us with the makeover projects, but she also assists with our networking effort and attends events to spread the word about Designing 4 Hope. She is currently the elementary instructional coach at Executive Education Academy Charter School. She and Steve have a daughter Elisa who has become a very big helper on our projects too!
SARAH ROBINSON
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Sarah has been a huge part of Designing 4 Hope from the beginning! Sarah teaches general music and chorus at a local private pre-school-8th grade school. She has fearlessly taken on many tasks for us including Furniture Assembly Project Manager but is willing and very able to help with everything from start to finish for our projects. Her friendly personality and big heart has also helped us build wonderful relationships with the children and their families.​..and often brings her two little girls, June and Grace, along to help!
RENEE HAWKINS
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Renee started out with us as a volunteer for the projects sponsored by Tri County Area Federal Credit Union where she works...but quickly wanted her and her daughter Savannah to start helping on the projects in between. Renee does a lot of DIY projects on her own home so has lot of different talents and confidence to take on whatever we throw her way. Her organization skills, focus on getting the job done and friendly personality are such great assets to each project she helps with.
AMY DLUHY - BOARD MEMBER
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We first met Amy early in 2014 when she did a Fabulous Shoe fundraising event for us and since then she has become an important key member of our core team. She has taken on many roles which have taken us to the next level in room design, fundraising and networking. Her outgoing friendly personality has helped us build deeper relationships with the families we work with and our volunteers. Her extensive 25 year background in fundraising and event planning has helped us greatly to spread the word about Designing 4 Hope through both day-to-day operations and public presentations, make key connections with new vendors/volunteers/supporters, and has elevated our fundraising events. She is involved in all aspects of the room designs-planning/shopping/imple-
menting, business functions and communications. She also recently became one of our Board Members. Amy is currently the Event Planner for Gardner's Nursery in Chester Springs, organizing special events on and off location. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Horsepower For Life, a Therapeutic Riding Program for those Families Effected with Cancer, and The Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust, enjoying preserving historic properties and landmarks. Amy also is an active member of Team CMMD, a local group of cancer fighters, who are runners and walkers making a difference in the community.