Giving & Volunteering

Madonna has been in existence for 51 years, and Phil and Flo Murphy have been involved in some facet of Madonna for more than half of those years. As the band director at Pius High School, Phil got to know former Madonna Chaplain Fr. Stanley Redmerski, who also taught at Pius. Father Redmerski and Sister Phyllis Hunhoff, OSB, convinced Phil to bring small ensemble groups to Madonna for concerts. The concerts became a popular diversion for patients three to five times a year.

The Murphys became more connected to Madonna in the mid-1970s when Phil's mother was a resident, attending Sunday mass with her and getting to know the staff. With his second career as a realtor, Phil lent a hand when Madonna was seeking to purchase neighborhood homes to convert to housing for patient families.

When Flo retired in 1985 after 25 years of teaching, Phil asked Sister Phyllis if there were any volunteer opportunities for his wife. Flo started volunteering in the Madonna Gift Shop and after two years, became the manager of the shop for 20 years. "I enjoyed getting to know the patients and families who came into the gift shop. They would share their stories with me and before long, we were both crying."

The connection with patients drew Flo to her latest volunteer endeavor. Flo volunteers two afternoons each week helping patients from St. Jane de Chantal with recreation activities- card games like Pitch and Bingo. In addition to their gifts of time, the Murphys have been long-time donors to the Madonna Foundation through their annual and memorial gifts.

"When we give to Madonna, we know where our money is going. We see it at work," states Flo.