The Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF) proudly presented a $45,500 gift to St. Luke’s University Health Network during the 2026 High Notes Gala, a signature evening celebrating compassion, community and the power of philanthropy.
Held in support of hospice and palliative care services, the annual gala brought together community leaders, clinicians, donors and supporters dedicated to ensuring that patients and families receive exceptional care during life’s most vulnerable moments.
The Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation (JAACF) was created in 2013 by Bob Agentis in loving memory of his late wife, Judith Adele Agentis, who battled pancreatic cancer. After experiencing firsthand the compassion and dignity provided through hospice and palliative care, Bob was led to transform his grief into purpose. “This foundation was created to make sure no one feels alone or depleted during those final chapters,” said Founder Bob Agentis.
Since formally partnering with St. Luke’s in 2020, JAACF has:
- Contributed more than $100,000 in direct philanthropic support to St. Luke’s hospice and palliative care programs
- Established the Judith Adele Agentis Palliative Care Nursing Education Fund, supporting advanced certification and continuing education for hospice and palliative care nurses
- Helped advance the development of a first-of-its-kind Palliative and Hospice Fellowship in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Expanded its philanthropic vision in 2026 with the creation of a new endowment supporting GI Medical Oncology research, with a focus on pancreatic cancer
Dr. Erin Bendas, a palliative care physician at St. Luke’s, shared how the gift has a direct impact on members of the community. “Gifts like this ensure that we can provide not only exceptional medical care but also dignity, comfort and presence for patients and families,” Dr. Bendas said.
The $45,500 gift presented at the gala supports these critical programs and reflects the generosity of attendees, sponsors and donors who believe deeply in St. Luke’s mission.
