About Cocktails With A Twist

In the Summer of 2005 Jennifer Fluder decided she wanted to form an organization that would make it easy to give back. That same summer she began volunteer work with the Lollipop Theater Network (they bring newly released films to hospitalized children who are facing chronic and life-threatening diseases) and her concept of giving back came full circle. The idea to have an organization that would create and host fantastic parties benefitting the children in NYC pediatric wards was developed. Meeting Natalie Medaglio early on in the process, Jennifer and Natalie brought things to the next level together by forming a planning committee consisting of friends and colleagues as well as deciding on a concept and location for the first event.

Cocktails With a Twist has currently held eight highly successful events. Both had 200 guests in attendance and together they grossed over $6,000 for NYC’s pediatric wards. Our goal is to raise even more money with each event going forward.

Bios

Jennifer Fluder, President

Jennifer works for Edelman PR as an Account Executive in the Brand Experience (Events) Department. Her initial hope for CWT was that it would provide an easy way for anyone to give back to the community- with their donations and/or their time. This is still her goal, however, so much more has come into play as CWT has been developing as an organization over the past couple of years. She loves to see how happy the children are when the group arrives at the hospital with board games, movies and snacks in tow- for a couple of hours they don't have to worry about being brave they can just be kids! Her favorite cocktail is a Dirty Martini.

Meghan Erickson, Board Member

Meghan works in publishing as an Associate Brand Manager for Time, Inc. She is passionate about Cocktails With a Twist because she is able to provide children and families a chance to participate in fun activities and allow them a carefree moment and opportunity to be just kids. Even though she only gets to spend a few hours volunteering a month, it has been some of the most enjoyable moments of her life. Whether it be decorating t-shirts, watching movies, or playing games, the best part is just hearing the kids laugh! Her favorite cocktail is a French Martini.

Renata Gagnon, Marketing Liason

Renata works in publishing as Marketing Assistant in the International Marketing & Sales Department at Penguin Group USA. She joined Cocktails With a Twist because she wanted to do something to give back to the community and really liked Jen's idea for the organization and wanted to support her in her efforts. She believes CWT is a great way to have fun social outings and network with people while simultaneously raising money for a good cause. Her favorite cocktail is a Margarita, on the rocks with salt.

Caitlyn Herman, Board Member

Caitlyn teaches high school science at Essex Street Academy, a public school on the Lower East Side. She thinks being part of Cocktails With a Twist has been a wonderful opportunity to invest in a cause with a great group of like-minded and dedicated individuals - ultimately giving a little something back. Her favorite cocktail is a glass of wine.

Katie Klueber, Board Member

Katie is a Cost Segregation Engineer at CBRE. She is involved with Cocktails With a Twist because she loves to see children's faces light up when the group visits them. Her favorite cocktail is a Vodka Tonic.

Frances Mahoney, Board Member

Frances works as a Campaign Manager for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk and Black Tie & Black Jack Casino Night. She became part of Cocktails With a Twist to try and make a difference in children's lives and to hopefully encourage other young professionals to do the same. Her favorite cocktail is a Pomegranite Martini.

Natalie Medaglio, Treasurer

Natalie is a 2005 Fordham University graduate who currently works at US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. She is involved with CWT because she believes that volunteer work and giving back can and shouold be as enjoyable as any rip-roaring party. Her favorite cocktail is a vodka martini with olives.

Amy Vanhouten, Board Member

Amy is a Hoboken, NJ resident who spends the majority of her days in Times Square where she works as an Analyst at a Hedge Fund. Her favorite cocktail is the Lunchbox, a delicious combination of beer, orange juice, and amaretto.