Corporate Partner Spotlight: Joe Appelbaum

Welcome to our Corporate Partner Spotlight. Each month, corporate leaders share why they serve as advocates and ambassadors for Children’s National Hospital within their company and across the community.

This month, we spoke with Joe Appelbaum, President & CEO of Potomac Companies and CalmHR. CalmHR helps small and medium-sized businesses attract and retain employees through its expertise in employee benefits, human capital management and human resources. Joe and his wife, Pam, both have deep roots in the community. Joe and Pam are active on Children’s National Hospital Foundation’s Corporate Advisory Council. The two are grateful grandparents. Their grandson, Brody, received lifesaving treatment as an infant at Children’s National, where he was transported by helicopter with a significant brain bleed.

Why do you support Children’s National as a member of the Corporate Advisory Council?

Pam and I became involved with Children’s National and the Corporate Advisory Council after surgeons at Children’s National saved Brody’s life. Brody was born with a brain bleed and diagnosed at his 4- month checkup. We are blessed that he is now a healthy, rambunctious 2-year-old.
I serve the community as an expert in employer-sponsored health insurance and employee benefits. I want to bring awareness to the region that Children’s National is not just for the residents of Washington, D.C., but for everyone. Some of my clients and friends wouldn’t have thought of Children’s National as a resource if given the same situation. That is where we need to focus.

Children’s National is in the midst of its follow the leader campaign. What role can business leaders play in the success of this campaign and the hospital?

They should lead the charge to show that Children’s National is a resource for everyone in the community. From covering kids with critical conditions like Brody to providing critical primary care to under-resourced kids through community clinics, the hospital’s unwavering commitment to our children means we need to drive awareness and much needed funds to keep it at the forefront of pediatric health care. We need to set the tone and keep sharing what Children’s National means to each of us.

What lessons have you learned from your time partnering with the hospital?

We have learned that not everyone in our region thinks about Children’s National. We want to change that with Brody’s Bash. The hospital is set up with kids in mind, art and music therapies bring a joyful break in the day and Seacrest Studios offers bingo games with prizes delivered to patient rooms. Kids can be kids while they are receiving lifesaving medical care.

Can you tell us about Brody’s Bash?

This is the inaugural year of Brody’s Bash. We created it to raise awareness for Children’s National. We are grateful to celebrate the life and infectious smile of the little boy who brings our family so much joy.
Brody’s Bash will take place Sept. 22 at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Md. It will help us give back by supporting the hospital’s follow the leader campaign to transform the health and well-being of our future leaders.

Anything else that you want to share?

There are plenty of great institutions and charities that need funds. Children’s National stands out, though, because it helps children at a pivotal moment in their lives. It helps them thrive and grow into adults. The staff and expertise of Children’s National is a blessing for everyone in the region. If you have, or are touched, by a child in any way, Children’s National should be a focus of your charitable efforts.

Corporate partners are key to helping us ensure every child can grow up stronger. If you or your company are interested in supporting Children’s National, please contact Foundation Vice President Julie Butler at [email protected].