Our Leadership

from Our Founder — Michael J. Macchioni

In 1995, I ran an Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event when I was Parks & Recreation Director with Derry Township. We had a big surplus of food and a friend suggested donating it to Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families, a new shelter in Harrisburg. When I dropped off the food, I was amazed at the work of staff and volunteers at the shelter (it was being run by Catholic Charities).

The Interfaith staff then told me about another shelter needing fresh produce. With the help of friends and family, I added one facility after another. And in working with those facilities, we noticed canned and boxed goods in their pantries, but zero fresh produce. We set out to change that.

In concert with the work of the Central PA Food Bank, we are determined to increase the availability of fresh produce for the hungry, especially in food deserts.

Then in 2007, we formalized our work by founding "Gemma's Angels," named in memory of my mother Gemma Rose Macchioni. In 2014, we became incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and officially registered as an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit.  

We were on our way to greater things!

As a proud alumnus of Milton Hershey School, founded by famed chocolate king and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey and his wife Catherine, I learned about their true legacy—the School. It was there that I was taught olden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. I’m also a very proud alumnus of Harrisburg Area Community College which gave me a great education in business administration.

I not only honor my mother Gemma in doing this important work, but
I also give back what the Hershey's so selflessly gave to me.

It is my sincere hope that you join me in this great endeavor.

Michael J Macchioni, President & Founder
Gemma's Angels Ltd.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael J. Macchioni, President & Founder - Hershey, Pennsylvania
Advocate for the Poor and Homeless

Scott Schuyler, B.S., M.Ed., Secretary - Hershey, Pennsylvania
Houseparent - Milton Hershey School

Jon Bellem, Member - Enola, Pennsylvania
President, Ten K Group, LLC
President, Another Round, LLC

Jason M. Macchioni, Member - Wayland, New York
Transportation Logistics Coordinator
Leonard’s Express

Matthew J. Macchioni, Member - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Computacenter
Global Services Specialist

Nelva Wright, M.B.A., Member - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
City of Harrisburg Health Officer

ADVISORY BOARD

In memory of Advisory Board Member William J. Altland & David A. Allwein, Treasurer