Zcharia Jose Memorial Foundation
Annual Impact Report – 2025
Message from the Director
As we reflect on 2025, I am deeply humbled and inspired by the compassion, dedication, and unity that continue to define the Zcharia Jose Memorial Foundation. This year has been a testament to what we can accomplish together when faith and service guide our actions. From organizing vibrant community events to providing comfort for families battling cancer, our volunteers and supporters have carried forward Zcharia’s legacy of empathy and selfless giving.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every donor, volunteer, and partner who stood with us this year. Your support has transformed lives—locally and globally—and has strengthened our shared mission of hope and healing. Together, we will continue to light the path of compassion for generations to come.
With gratitude and blessings,
Shyju Lonappan
Director, Zcharia Jose Memorial Foundation
Foundation Overview
The Zcharia Jose Memorial Foundation (ZJMF) stands as a pillar of service and community impact. Established to honor the life and legacy of Zcharia Jose, the foundation continues to advance his vision of empathy, integrity, and social responsibility. Our mission focuses on creating meaningful change through initiatives that promote health, education, and community welfare. A major area of emphasis remains the fight against cancer—supporting patients, assisting families, and spreading awareness about prevention and early detection. Through ongoing programs, collaborations, and volunteer-led efforts, the foundation continues to uphold its founding values and contribute to the collective well-being of society.
Key Highlights of 2025
March 29, 2025 – Volleyball Tournament & Thattukada Food Festival
The annual Zcharia Jose Memorial Volleyball Tournament served as a vibrant start to the year, combining sportsmanship with service. Our year kicked off with a vibrant volleyball event paired with a “Thattukada” food festival. For the first of its kind, we served traditional podhichooru packed in banana leaves—a nostalgic and authentic touch that delighted everyone. Over 250 attendees participated in a day filled with competitive energy, delicious food, and community spirit. We raised over $2,200 in profit, of which $2,000 was donated to Children’s Mercy Hospital via the Kerala Association of Kansas City, and $200 was given to Hope Lodge to support cancer patients and caregivers.
Monthly Meal Service at Hope Lodge KC
One of our most heartwarming and consistent initiatives, the Hope Lodge Monthly Lunch Program, continues to bring smiles and comfort to families facing cancer treatment. Led primarily by the ZJMF youth volunteers—including students from Johnson County School Districts led by Vaishnav Manoj—this program reflects the compassion and teamwork at the heart of our mission. Beyond serving food, our volunteers offer companionship, encouragement, and warmth, embodying Zcharia’s spirit of selfless giving.
April 2025 – Global Outreach
The foundation extended its reach beyond Kansas City, supporting two critical missions: the Kidney Federation of India (KFI), assisting the dialysis center for economically challenged patients; and Hunger Hunt International (Chicago & Kansas City Chapters), helping feed underprivileged communities and raise awareness on food insecurity. These partnerships reinforced our commitment to global compassion and local impact, aligning with our long-term vision of sustainable service.
August 9, 2025 – Back to School Food Festival
A major mid-year highlight was the “Back to School” fundraising festival, organized in collaboration with the SASA youth team under Srihansika Penugonda and Johann Nelson’s leadership. Through teamwork and dedication, the event raised $2,000 from lunch and dinner sales—enough to sustain an entire year of monthly meals at Hope Lodge.
September 27, 2025 – SASA Sip 2025
The SASA Sip 2025 event, held at Heritage Park, Olathe, was another testament to youth leadership and community collaboration. With a delicious menu featuring local favorites—bread omelets, pancakes, samosas, kothu parotta, and biryani—the event combined fun, fellowship, and purpose. The event raised about $2,000, including several large donations, to assist Wilson Menachery, a cancer patient in Kerala, India.
October 9, 2025 – Visit of Fr. Davis Chiramel, Founder and President of the Kidney Federation of India
ZJMF had the honor of hosting Fr. Davis Chiramel, widely known as the Kidney Priest of India and the visionary Founder of the Kidney Federation of India (KFI). His visit inspired the Kansas City community through an enlightening talk on the gift of organ donation—especially after death, the importance of mental health support through a suicide helpline, and the transformative power of giving. Earlier that noon, Fr. Davis joined ZJMF volunteers at Hope Lodge, Kansas City, where he humbly served lunch to cancer patients and caregivers—demonstrating compassion through action before addressing the evening gathering.
October 11, 2025 – Collaboration with Cranes of Care
In partnership with Cranes of Care, ZJMF volunteers came together for a heartwarming creative outreach initiative. Volunteers crafted origami cranes and wrote personal letters of encouragement to cancer patients across the Kansas City area. Each note carried messages of strength, faith, and hope, symbolizing healing and unity.
December 2025 – Upcoming Pickleball Tournament
Building on the tremendous success of last year’s tournament—which drew 16 teams and over 200 participants—ZJMF is planning another Pickleball Tournament this December. The event aims to blend fun, fitness, and philanthropy by bringing the community together to support cancer awareness and patient care.
Reflections and Gratitude
The year 2025 stands as a reflection of faith in action—a year of compassion, collaboration, and community. Through every event and act of service, we witnessed the enduring power of collective kindness. We extend heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, donors, and youth leaders who gave their time, resources, and energy to carry forward Zcharia’s mission. As we look ahead, we renew our commitment to serve humanity—to bring hope where it’s needed most and to light the path for others through love, faith, and action.