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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
I have been fortunate to have been in- volved with Children’s Friend for the past thirty years, the last 28 years as a Board Member. It has been a privilege to have a front-row seat from which to witness the evolution of the agency from a small, passionate organization with a budget of $1M 30 years ago to a large, dynamic organization with a $32M budget today.
I have heard hundreds of real-life stories where Children’s Friend has had a significant, favorable impact on a child or family. Last year alone, over 27,000 children and their families benefited from the programs and services offered by Children’s Friend. The difference Children’s Friend can make in a child’s life is game-changing and the critical factor in my long-term involvement with the agency. I have a tremendous appreciation for the organization. Once you learn about Children’s Friend, you want to do as much as possible to promote their mission and work to ensure they continue to thrive and make a difference for as many kids as possible.
Harriet Ware founded Children’s Friend back in 1834. Today, Children’s Friend is a nationally recognized, innovative
AS A FRIEND AND FELLOW BOARD MEMBER OFTEN SAYS: “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS.
leader in providing programs and ser- vices to improve the lives of our most vulnerable children. It takes an army, and Children’s Friend has one. Our experienced and visionary leadership team, determined and exemplary staff, our dedicated, diverse, and engaged Board, our passionate volunteers, and hundreds of loyal donors from individu- als and small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations make the difference for so many families. They have embraced the agency as they appreciate the work and mission of Children’s Friend and the difference the agency makes in the lives of vulnerable children.
Children’s Friend has been a long-time family affair. My wife has been a volun- teer, supporter, and donor since before our teenage daughters were born. Our girls constantly donate children’s clothes, books, and toys to the agency. They have happily attended numerous events over the years, from the Holiday Drive and volunteer gift wrapping to summer learning cookouts, the annual Walk, and reading day, etc.
Since I have been a loyal supporter of Children’s Friend and my family has a great interest in its work and mission, it was an easy decision for us to become a Harriet Ware Society legacy member. We have seen first-hand the amazing work and outcomes from the top-notch programs and services provided by Children’s Friend to the neediest children in our state. Now, more than ever, it is the time to ensure that the innovation and success of this organization continue over the years and decades ahead. Through the Harriet Ware Society, a legacy investment is a win-win proposition that my family and I were very pleased to make. As a friend and fellow Board Member often says: “It’s all about the kids.”
[ 38 ] LIFELINES