Judith Adele Agentis Foundation

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Artist Talk Slated at The Gallery at Musselman Jewelers in Bethlehem PA

Two regional artists featured in “The Creative American Spirit” will come together for a special Artist Talk and meet the artists reception on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, at The Gallery at Musselman Jewelers, 420 Main Street, Bethlehem. 

Artists Paula Kay and Victoria Lawrence will discuss their work, artistic processes and the inspiration behind the paintings they have contributed to the exhibition, which opened in July and continues through October 3.

Kay’s highly detailed realist paintings celebrate history through the objects, architecture and familiar scenes that connect us to earlier generations. Her work encourages viewers to look closely at the places and objects around us and consider the stories and American history they preserve. I’m 

Lawrence brings her own distinctive perspective to the exhibition, creating beautifully observed paintings that reflect her connection to the natural world and the subjects that inspire her. Together, the two artists demonstrate the range of approaches, subjects and individual voices represented in The Creative American Spirit.

Presented by Musselman Jewelers to benefit the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF org), the exhibition was curated by Tina Cantelmi and Janet Pressler, two Freedom High School graduates who combined their professional backgrounds in art, museums, communications, and exhibition development to create an engaging presentation of regional talent.

Robert Agentis, founder of the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation, played a key role in installing the exhibition. In 2026 alone, JAACF gave  $45,000 to support hospice, palliative care and education, and pancreatic cancer research at St. Luke’s Health Network.

The exhibit will be on view through October 3, with a closing reception and meet-the-artists event on Saturday, October 3, from 2 to 4;30 p.m.

The exhibition features works by artists including Paula Kay, Victoria Lawrence, Jacqueline Agentis, Marcia Theordoredis (M.Theo), Tina Cantelmi, Skip Cook, Toni McGraw, Art Wells, Stephanie Agentis, Reagan Pilgert and noted contemporary artist Rigo Peralta.

The exhibition continues through October 3, 2026 with a closing reception in the afternoon. 

Victoria Lawrence will speak about influences from her artist grandmother, to growing up in Pennsylvania farm areas. Her paintings including “Morganstern” (Morningstar) and others will be discussed as part of the exhibit Creative American Spirit exhibit to benefit the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation. The event is free and open to the public. 

Artist Paula Kay will speak about her evolution as an artist from whimsical representational work to historic realism and even delving into the world of abstract painting. Artists Paula Kay and Victoria Lawrence Featured in “The Creative American Spirit” Talk on Saturday, September 19 at Musselman Jewelers, Bethlehem 

 

Historic Realism will be discussed by artist Paula Kay
Creamware Cabinet, a historic realism painting by Paula Kay will be discussed by the artist on September 19th, at the Gallery at Musselman Jewelers Bethelehm PA

JAACF’s 2026 Gala Raises Funds for New Pancreatic Research Fund

Emcee Kelly Chando Introduces Lead Sponsor Tammy Nicotera at JAACF's Annual Gala on March 28, 2026

Emcee Kelly Chando Introduces Lead Sponsor Tammy Nicotera at JAACF’s Annual Gala on March 28, 2026

Robert Agentis, Left, and Tina Cantelmi Agentis, Present Several Checks to St. Luke's Hospice witih Dr. Erin Bendas and Dr. Cebo

Robert Agentis, Left, and Tina Cantelmi Agentis, Present Several Checks to St. Luke’s Hospice witih Dr. Erin Bendas and Dr.Hena Cebeci. 

Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation Raises $45,500 to Advance Hospice, Palliative Care, and Pancreatic Cancer Research

The Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF) announced that it raised a total of $45,500 during 2026 to support its mission of advancing hospice and palliative care education while expanding efforts to improve outcomes for cancer patients and their families.

Of the total funds raised, $15,000 has been designated to establish a new pancreatic cancer research endowment at St. Luke’s University Health Network. The endowment will support ongoing clinical research focused on pancreatic cancer and related gastrointestinal cancers, helping to advance treatment options and improve patient care for future generations.

The remaining funds will support the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to hospice and palliative care education, including programs designed to enhance compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals facing serious illness and end-of-life challenges.

Founded in memory of Judith Adele Agentis, the Foundation has spent more than a decade supporting programs that improve the quality of life for patients and families. Through fundraising events, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, JAACF has helped strengthen hospice and palliative care services throughout the region.

“This year represents a meaningful step forward for our Foundation,” said Bob Agentis, Founder and Chairman  of the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation. “We remain deeply committed to our hospice and palliative care mission while also investing in the future of pancreatic cancer research. We are grateful to our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible.”

The Foundation’s 2026 fundraising efforts were made possible through the generosity of community members, business sponsors, volunteers, artists, and attendees who participated in charitable events throughout the year.

A Reason to Celebrate! JAACF Seeds First Advanced Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Care in Pennsylvania 

A woman joyfully holding a large check in an indoor setting.
Dr. Erin Bendas at Chief of Palliative and Supportive Care at St. Luke’s Health Network.

The Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF) has provided funding for the first First Advanced Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Care in Pennsylvania. In early September, JAACF Chairman and Founder Robert Agentis presented $10,000 to Dr. Erin Bendas, Section Chief of Palliative and Supportive Care at St. Luke’s Health Network. 

“This is the first major donation to our department. We highly appreciate this substantial funding,” an elated Dr. Bendas exclaimed. 

A portion of the funds from JAACF will also support the first Train-the-Trainer Palliative Care Partnership Program under the direction of Dr. Cris Johnson, Medical Director at St. Luke’s VNA Home Health and Hospice. 

“We are honored to be at the forefront in developing these hospice and palliative care education programs here in Pennsylvania,” said Agentis. 

The mission of the newly established fellowship program is to prepare qualified, committed, and caring nurse practitioners and physician assistants with the clinical skills and academic expertise to become future leaders in hospice and palliative support care. 

In early 2020, JAACF board members voted to expand the mission of the non-profit to found The JAACF Palliative Care Education Fund. Then, in 2021, amid the pandemic, JAACF donated an additional $10,000 to certify health care workers and nurses in palliative care at St. Luke’s. 

Air Products was the lead sponsor for JAACF’s 2022 fundraising initiative. Supporting sponsors included St. Luke’s Health Network and Tammy Nicotera One Realty Group. Additional funding was provided by Bennett Auto Group, Morris Black Kitchen and Bath, and Northstar Construction.  JAACF was founded in 2013 by Agentis after his wife, Judith, of 47 years, passed away at Hospice House. He founded JAACF, a 501c3 non-profit, to help fill the need for nourishing meals delivered to hospice house staff, families, and patients.JAACF has delivered more than 20,000 meals to St. Luke’s Hospice House on Black River Road in Bethlehem, PA. 

To learn more about JAACF, donate, or learn how to get involved, visit www.jaacf.org or email ba.jaacf@gmail.com. 

Dr. Erin Bendas, (left), Section Chief of Palliative and Supportive Care at St. Luke’s Health Network, Gail McDevitt, Patient Manager, Hospice, and Bob Agentis, Founder of The Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation, celebrate the First Advanced Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program in Hospice and Palliative Care in Pennsylvania 

Dr. Erin Bendas, Section Chief of Palliative and Supportive Care at St. Luke’s Health Network, is elated that her department is receiving funding for the First Advanced Nurse Practitioner Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Care in Pennsylvania 

The Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation Gifts $10,000 to Further Palliative Care Education at St. Luke’s University Health Network 

A national shortage of hospice and palliative medicine physicians is on the rise, and the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF), is out to help fund palliative care education for healthcare professionals. 

The Bethlehem-based nonprofit recently gifted $10,000 to St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) to advance the Judith Adele Agentis Palliative Care Education Fund at the hospital. The gifting ceremony occurred at Reaching High Notes, the nonprofit’s  benefit dinner gala  held June 19th at the lovely outdoor Alley Bar & Grille, at the Steel Club in Hellertown. 

“With the country’s population aging and the growth in the number of patients with a life-limiting illness or a chronic condition continuing to increase,  palliative needs are not being met,” said Dr. Erin Bendas, who served as the benefit’s guest speaker.

Bendas is Program Director of Palliative and Hospice Care at SLUHN. She continued,   “Currently, there is one palliative care physician nationwide for every 1,300 people diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and 1 for every 20,000 patients with severe chronic illness.” 

“Reaching High Notes was an amazing and flawless benefit thanks to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the 150 guests who came out to support the cause and to also dance the night away,” said Robert Agentis, Founder and Chairman of Judith Adele (JAACF.) 

Meanwhile, the evening continued with panache and high energy. Entertainment included Ginger and the Schnappes during the cocktail hour, followed by the Philly Funk Authority who generously held to a year-old contract due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Kate Hughes served as emcee and auctioneer. A talented team of contemporary regional artists brought energy to the auction including; Jacqueline Agentis, Stephanie Agentis, Ali Alamasi of Zaffrus, Tina Cantelmi, Michael Lebson, Kim Hogan, Rigo Peralta, and Lisa Villani. 

Major sponsors included: Agentis Kitchen and Bath; Better Homes and Gardens Cassidon Real Estate; Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association; Lehigh Valley Press; St. Luke’s University Health Network and Tri-Outdoor Advertising. Day-of-event support was donated by Fun-Nominal Events and Marketing. 

The Scholarship Fund will help assure future generations will receive quality and professional care in their most personal time of need, summed Agentis. 

Founded in 2013 to provide hope, health, and healing to patients and their families during hospice care, the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation has delivered more than 20,000 meals to St. Luke’s Hospice House in Bethlehem, PA. The Judith Adele Agentis Palliative Care Education Fund was created in 2020 to help meet the need for palliative care education for health care workers. For more information about the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation, please visit www.jaacf.org. 

A Valentine’s Pop Up and More!

 

Logo of Judith Adele Agentis with colorful abstract background.

JAACF News! On Thursday, February 9, from 3 to 5:30 p.m, the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF) will hold a pop-up Valentine’s Reception and Silent Auction at VentureX Bethlehem, 306 South New Street, Bethlehem, PA. Stop in and say hello, or simply click the auction to view our fabulous packages, or help us raise funds by making a donation.  

The silent auction features romantic adventures, fine art, gourmet treats and wine, and more through February 14, at 6 p.m.When you bid on a unique travel or gift opportunity you will support the Judith Adele Agentis Palliative and Hospice Care Education Fund. Monies raised will also benefit hospice meal deliveries. 

Did you know that JAACF is commemorating its 10th year as a non-profit in the spring of 2023? Since then, JAACF has donated more than 20,000 meals to hospice house and has made it possible to certify and help train health care professionals in palliative and hospice care. 

Another Save the Date!

The Toga Party Band will delight guests at the JAACF fundraiser on June 9th.

The Toga Party Band will once again entertain guests attending JAACF’s Dinner Auction and Dance. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 9th.

JAACF’s annual “High Notes” fundraiser will be held Friday, June 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Centennial Conference Center, Homewood Suites by Hilton, at 3350 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley. This year, the evening of fun and fundraising will feature a fine sit-down dinner experience, a special guest speaker, and a live and silent auction of fabulous adventures, items, and experiences. Once again, after dinner, the Toga Party Band will provide entertainment. Back by popular demand will be the Grand Dessert Auction, featuring the most creative cakes, sweets, and desserts crafted by the finest regional cake makers, artisanal bakers, and volunteer chefs. 

Once again, Air Products will be a featured sponsor, with Laurie Hackett as auctioneer and Maggie Walters of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce emcee. 

Funds raised from this year’s event will be earmarked for the Judith Adele Agentis Palliative Care Education Fund. Stay tuned for more information and updates.

REACHING HIGH NOTES 2022 at Steel Club Country Club June 25th


Four people posing together at an outdoor evening event.

Event guests at Reaching High Notes in 2021. This year’s event will be held June 25, 2022.

 

Reaching High Notes will Raise Funds for the Judith Adele Agentis Palliative Care Education Fund at St. Luke’s Health Network/VNA.

https://www. Tickets June 25, 2022. 

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA – Join the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF) for its annual dinner gala June 25, 7 p.m. until 11:45 p.m., at the Steel Club Country Club in Hellertown, PA. This year’s event will benefit palliative care scholarships and the first Palliative Care Fellowship in Pennsylvania at St. Luke’s University Health Network/VNA. Additional funds will support hospice meal deliveries to families and staff at hospice house. 

Enjoy fine food, live music, special speakers, and live and silent auctions. Comedian Kate Hughes will emcee this fun-filled night. Laurie Gostley Hackett will serve as auctioneer. Ginger and the Schnappes will entertain during the cocktail hour, and after dinner, the Toga Party Band will provide music for dancing. New in 2022 is the Grand Dessert Auction.  

Your compassion and generosity to attend and enjoy this meaningful event is greatly appreciated. Sponsors for the 2022 fundraiser include: St. Luke’s University Health Network;

Since 2013, JAACF delivered more than 20,000 meals to nourish families and staff at St. Luke’s Hospice. In 2019, JAACF expanded its impact through education and scholarships to train and certify healthcare professionals in palliative care.

Reserve your attendance for cocktail or reserved VIP seating at https://www. Tickets June 25, 2022.  Tickets include bountiful hors d’oeuvres, culinary stations, two beverage tickets, two live bands, entertaining speakers and auction packages.