How did you get involved with the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®?
My late husband, Greg, served as Vice President and General Counsel at Spartan Medical, Inc. for nearly eight years. In May of 2018, Greg died suddenly, inspiring his brother Vince to establish the Proffitt Brothers Foundation® in his memory. When Vince approached me about being a part of the Foundation, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to honor Greg’s legacy and continue his passion for helping others.
What is your new role with the foundation, and what do you hope to accomplish?
I am Deputy Director and serve on the Board of Trustees. My primary hope is to further the Foundation’s mission of rewarding and amplifying the selfless efforts of people in deserving communities while continuing to be a voice for Greg’s vision.
What do you think will be the biggest challenges?
The brain trust and amazing people at Spartan Medical overcome challenges daily that would seem unsurmountable to many companies. This team accomplishes anything they put their collective mind to, and everyone wants to help with the Foundation. The COVID shutdowns were our biggest challenge to creating momentum as a ’new kid on the block,’ but we have quietly made a real impact locally and pulled off an amazing inaugural Gala in record time. I am confident that, moving forward as a team, we will collectively figure out how to overcome whatever challenges arise…but we are well ahead of the curve from an organization and infrastructure standpoint.
What do you think are the biggest opportunities for the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®?
I think the biggest opportunities for PBF will stem from growing our relationships with our current partner organizations - Valhalla Sailing Project, Live Water, and Project Healing Waters, to name a few - while enhancing the prospect of seeking out additional organizations and individuals who have exhibited the ability to do good. By striving to encourage and strengthen their good deeds with funding and support, we will undoubtedly make a sizable impact.
“I envision a Foundation that will be recognized within not just the local community, but nationally.”
What do you wish people knew about the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®?
I wish people knew that there is a story behind the name. It’s about two brothers who worked together, overcame many challenges, and accomplished so much. Greg was a loving, generous, and kind-hearted person who didn’t hesitate to help anyone who needed it. His life was made full by supporting others and giving back. Likewise, Vince has a big heart and is willing to help anyone at any time. The two of them created something very special, and gave 1000% every day to the Spartan Mission. Vince and I agree that there was still one more major goal in life for us all, and by creating the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®, Vince has allowed Greg’s memory, and mission “to do good,” to live on.
What other nonprofits have you volunteered for or worked with in the past?
I have been involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the last eight years. I am also a member of the Modern Widows Club, an organization that helps to empower women in widowhood to make a positive difference in the world. And most recently, my kids and I volunteered at Operation Santa, an amazing event put on by TRWMG Bridges Kids Club in Pittsburgh, PA and sponsored by the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®, at which over 800 bags of gifts were handed out to children of military families.
What are you most excited about for the future of the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®?
I am excited to see the positive ‘butterfly effects’ the Foundation will achieve by supporting both the charitable organizations with which we currently partner, and those with whom we hope to engage in the future. I look forward to augmenting their generous accomplishments as well as recognizing the selfless individuals who inspire them.
What do you think the Proffitt Brothers Foundation® will look like in five years?
I envision a Foundation that will be recognized within not just the local community, but nationally. I want to be able to have Annual Giving Campaigns and to provide scholarship funds for children of veterans and/or military families who have lost a parent. In the direction that we are headed, we will continue the great work that has already been set in motion. By growing and strengthening our relationships with like-minded organizations and individuals, we can help so many who are deserving.
To learn more about Operation Santa and the Proffitt Brothers Foundation®’s sponsorship, CLICK HERE.