It was my great honor to begin a term this month as President of the Board of Directors of Sunday’s Child. I’m thrilled to serve with Sunday’s Child as we kick off another successful year!
Shortly after moving back to Northwest Florida in 2014, I discovered Sunday’sChild and the organization’s amazing mission — and was embraced by a new community. I was elected to the board in 2016 and have watched the incredible growth we have experienced in just four years — raising nearly a quarter of a million dollars for Pensacola Bay Area non-profits dedicated to promoting equality and inspiring inclusion.
On behalf of the board, I’d also like to introduce our Vice President, Gary Rhodes. Gary has been a member of Sunday’s Child since 2014 and has been there along every step we’ve taken as an organization. I’m very grateful to have Gary lend his strengths and talents to the board.
The board of Sunday’s Child is an esteemed group of 13 accomplished LGBT citizens and allies. Sunday's Child has no paid staff and is organized, maintained, and managed by volunteers. The board feels a calling to function as a best-practice board, representing the community and our dedicated members. To check out the full 2017 Board of Directors roster on our website, click here.
It is a very exciting time to be in a leadership role with Sunday’s Child. An idea and mission conceived years ago has gained momentum, and there has been growth in every area of the organization. This year, we are already on track for a record membership season, allowing us to award even more grants to deserving organizations that promote diversity, inclusion, and equality.
“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in,” an unsigned Greek proverb states.
The mission of Sunday’s Child — and the greater goal of equality for all citizens — is not one that will be accomplished overnight. Our vision is to see a fully accepting and inclusive community that embraces our LGBT citizens. As we continue to fulfill this goal in planting the roots of progress, we must also remember to not cut down trees that were intended for the next generation.
My goal as board president is to keep us loyal to that vision. Thank you for sharing in our vision for equality in the Pensacola Bay Area. I can't wait for the opportunity to meet each and every one of you and to see what we will achieve together.
Drew Buchanan
President, Sunday’s Child Board of Directors