Dr. Chris Clancey, community contributor extraordinaire
By SAUL RESNICK
Special to The Sun
This is another in the series The Sun is running about people who make significant contributions to the Haddonfield community.
Dr. Chris Clancey choreographs a cornucopia of activity. Figuratively. Daily.
Dr. Chris, a practicing optometrist in Haddonfield, is also a loving wife, a mom of two bright, rambunctious sons, and a multi-year contributor to the community extraordinaire.
“Like most moms, I see life through a prism of endless activity,” said the 43-year-old, “and I try to enjoy every moment of it.”
Dr. Chris’ track record of community service is admirable. She was president of the Haddonfield Lions Club in 2005 at age 32 — the first woman president of the club, which she joined at age 27. The Lions Club is noteworthy for its many charitable endeavors involving the visually disabled and the community, raising tens of thousands of dollars annually in the name of Lionism.
One of Dr. Chris’ major accomplishments has been directing and overseeing the club’s biggest fundraiser for 12 years.
“In 2005, when I became president, Sam Donnellon, who had established The Lizzy Haddon Girls Basketball Invitational five years prior, approached the Lions Club in hopes of expanding the tournament,” recalled Chris. “With Sam’s guidance we have done it, and more. Last year we had over 95 teams participating at 11 venues in the Haddonfield area. Roughly 950 girls, ages 8–18, from the tri-state area competed in the tournament. Over the last 12 years, the tournament has helped the club raise more than $200,000, all of which has gone to the club’s various charitable endeavors.
“I take great pride in what we have accomplished,” said Chris, “and an added bonus is how the tournament benefits our downtown, bringing nearly 3,000 people into our area for shopping and dining over the weekend.”
For 2017, the two-day tournament is scheduled from May 6–7.
Chris’ personal and professional lives are maxed out.
Married to Jeff, 45, with a practice as a chiropractor in Lawrenceville, they have two very active sons, Quinn, 12, who attends Haddonfield Middle School, and Mac, 10, who goes to Tatem School.
“Both are sharp, active in sports, and a handful, but they make me proud to be their mom,” said Chris.
As for Dr. Chris’ professional life, she works for Eye Care Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey. She joined the practice 17 years ago. She also works at a non-profit clinic in Camden, the South Jersey Eye Center.
Chris met husband-to-be Jeff at Lafayette College, in Easton, Pa., where they both majored in biology. Chris graduated in 1995; she went on to earn her doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia in 1999.
“Jeff is supportive in all of my activities, is always there for me, whatever the need, and is a great dad for our kids,” said Chris with admiration.
For the future, Chris’ approach is simple: “Continue to give back to our great community by giving time and effort. You are never too busy to volunteer.”
This is part of a series The Sun will run about residents who make contributions to a better life for all of the citizens of Haddonfield. If you are interested in joining the Haddonfield Lions Club, please contact Bob Stokes, club president, at (856) 429–6497, or email robert.s.stokes@hotmail.com.
