(From left: Erin Lubush, Marisa Danley, Deanna Reynolds, Lisa and Janice Zoeller )
All of us at UMPS CARE Charities are brokenhearted as we mourn the loss of volunteer Lisa “Kiwi” Goldenberg (second from right), who died unexpectedly last week.
At the request of her family, UMPS CARE created a campaign in her memory. UMPS CARE Charities is a non-profit that was near and dear to Lisa’s heart. She was a tireless volunteer bringing light, joy and her beautiful smile to our events year after year.
Donations made in her honor will help support UMPS CARE programs which serve children and families in need across the country. To make a gift, click here
“All of us at UMPS CARE are heartbroken,” UMPS CARE Charities Executive Director Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt. “Kiwi was a true gem of a human being and a ray of sunshine and light to so many – we all looked forward to seeing her smiling face each year. We are humbled that in the midst of this difficult time her family chose UMPS CARE as an outlet to honor her memory.”
Lisa became involved with UMPS CARE through her nearly 20-year friendship with MLB Umpire Jim Reynolds and his wife, Deanna. Lisa was attracted to the organization’s motto, that helping people is an easy call, especially its programs that benefited foster children. She and husband, John, had welcomed a foster child into their home with hopes of adoption, so she had a special place in her heart for our programs that supported foster and adopted children.
She was a regular face at our annual Golf Classic, held in Arizona, and was usually the first volunteer to arrive at the course, well before daybreak.
Deanna and Lisa worked together as fitness instructors at a gym in Orange County, California, and Lisa later moved to Arizona, where the Reynolds also make their home. She worked as an athletic trainer with many sports organizations.
In addition to her passion for fitness, Lisa was a dog lover and enjoyed traveling with her husband. She adopted the nickname “Kiwi” in honor of being connected with the Māori, the indigienous people of New Zealand.
“She was always up for a good time, and was the life of the party,” Deanna said. “She always made you feel like you were the most special person.”
(UMPS CARE President Gary Darling, Lisa and volunteer Stephanie Walters)