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Dear Friends,
As I am about to step into a new role at Wildflower, I would like to share extraordinary news and some reflections on my journey over the past 2 decades as Founder and Board Chair of Wildflower. In 2004, Wildflower was a simple idea rooted in a desire to help families trying to cope with the aftermath of a parent's death, as our family had. I could never have imagined that this fledgling effort would grow into an established, well-respected nonprofit impacting the lives of hundreds of grieving children and families over the next two decades.
And who would have imagined how many would step up to embrace Wildflower’s mission? Over the years, hundreds of people have joined the Wildflower community as board members, staff, volunteers, donors, grantors, corporate donors, and talented consultants, united by a shared vision and an empathic heart….imagining the pain our families have experienced and wanting to do something about it. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of this community over all these years.
Most notably, it has been so heartwarming to hear of the impact Wildflower has made through countless stories and notes from parents and campers. It has been an honor to watch our children and parents heal and thrive after the shock and pain of the devastating loss of a parent.
Mirroring the resilience of our families, Wildflower has developed its own resilience as it weathered a few difficult fundraising years, the impact of Covid, and the natural transition of staff over the years. I am so proud of how we have come through these periods even stronger and how well-positioned Wildflower is for a transition of leadership at our board level.
After many years at the helm, I would like to announce that as of June 30, I will be stepping down as Board Chair and assuming an Emeritus role at Wildflower. The timing is perfect as we have a very dynamic, talented board member who is excited to move into this role.
Carolann Danielczyk comes to Wildflower with her own history of loss, a strong passion for our mission, an impressive career, and strong management and organizational skills. With a career spanning several decades in the legal industry, Carolann rose through the ranks from her role as secretary in her early career to her current role as Director of Administration at Murphy and King. She also held lead administrative positions at WilmerHale, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Carolann has also been an avid volunteer and fundraiser for several charitable organizations. She has been unanimously selected by the Wildflower Board to succeed me as Board Chair and has their enthusiastic support to lead the organization. I cannot imagine a better person to guide Wildflower forward.
There are many aspects of Wildflower that I will miss, but I will remain close by—as an advisor, an enthusiastic supporter, and a friend to the organization and the many people I have grown close to over the years.
Thank you for your support during Wildflower’s first two decades, for our shared experiences and victories, and for your trust in Wildflower’s mission and impact. However, to be sure, there is still more to come as our new team takes the reins and continues to provide support that creates new life trajectories for the children and parents we serve. We look forward to your continued support to advance our important mission.
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