Photo courtesy Manatee Community Foundation Facebook page.

Last week, my daughter uttered, “I love you Mommy!” - loudly - in front of her classmates, as she walked into school to start first grade. I know I may not get many more of those in public as she grows.  

And today, I say to you, “I love you Manatee!” as it’s my turn to be the new kid on the block as the new Executive Director for Manatee Community Foundation. And I promise, it will not be the last public show of affection I share. For I count my blessings and being part of this authentic, caring, supportive, hard-working community that is our Manatee is high on the list.  

It is with heart, authentic leadership, drive and determination, that I come into MCF to honor the past and celebrate the opportunities of the future. 

Twenty-five years ago, Dororthy “Dot” S Ridings and “The Three Bobs” (Bob Blalock, Bob Christopher and Bob Beall) imagined a future where Manatee County would have the support of a community foundation. Since, we have become a philanthropic leader helping resolve systemic issues and respond to emerging challenges, a trusted advisor to so many kind philanthropists who want to co-invest and direct their time, talent and treasure to make a difference, and a convener of private, public and nonprofit sectors around initiatives that can transform our county and beyond. And we have made a commitment to building a better community with our strategic focus on diversity, inclusion, and access. 

My personal mission is to pay it forward by creating opportunities for all. It came from the realization that when I immigrated to the U.S. at age 19, due to my father’s job, I was given a gift, and with it came a responsibility. We have it all – and the majority of the inhabitants of the world would gladly trade places with you and me in a second. This is why I felt the responsibility to assimilate and respect the culture I had joined, and to ensure others would also have the opportunities I was given. And now, after having lived in South America, Orlando, Los Angeles and beyond, I have seen my share of suffering and unattended human needs. This is why I am so grateful for the opportunity to advance MCF’s mission. 

In our 25 years, MCF has infused our community with over 52 million dollars of philanthropic support, but more importantly, much value that cannot be seen. It is the power of partnership — having created strong bonds and lasting connections that have yielded immeasurable positive change. 

And as we move forward, I hope to closely partner with our donors, fellow foundations, government officials, the business community, and our esteemed nonprofit partners in the team sport that is philanthropy. We are stronger together. 

Join me in celebrating the vision that Dot Ridings, “The Three Bobs,” my predecessors Marilyn Howard, and most recently, Susie Bowie, our star-studded Board, and the incredible Jennifer Abbott, Alicia Chalmers, Simone Peterson currently on staff, our donor family, and many corporate ambassadors, for their leadership and vision. It is on their shoulders that I will stand, to carry out our mission of partnering with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service—now and forever. 

Veronica Thames is executive director for the Manatee Community Foundation.

Photo courtesy Manatee Community Foundation Facebook page.