A Bridge for Kids Mourns Loss of Co-Founder
One beautiful morning in the spring of 2012, Tammy Nance and I met for a walk to talk about A Bridge For Kids. At that time, the organization was just forming and still waiting for its non-profit status. Tammy’s excitement and enthusiasm for the potential to change the lives of San Diego’s high achieving, low income teens, was palpable. The mission was clear, but the potential for the organization’s impact on San Diego was just in its infancy. It was clear that there was so much to be done and so many opportunities ahead. I was sold! I volunteered to help in any way and provide any talents I had with to contribute to the success of the group. I had no idea what a fantastic few years I would have getting to know this amazing woman and how she would greatly impact my life.Tammy’s dedication to A Bridge For Kids was endless. After her complete dedication to her family, she lived and breathed A Bridge For Kids. What struck me most was her optimism, energy, and dedication to find the most deserving teens and match them with sponsors who would support their growth and help each teen create a successful and brighter future. It never amazed me to see Tammy shed tears of love and joy when she interviewed a teen who had a particularly moving story, or when we met with teens to award them sponsorships or prizes for winning our annual essay contest. If Tammy had her way, I truly believe that she would have personally sponsored and mentored every teen that A Bridge For Kids met.Tammy had an enormous heart and shared it with everyone she met. With a radiant smile, a love of life, and an insatiable desire to make this world a better place for everyone, Tammy touched every person she met and made our lives better just by knowing her. Tammy will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on through A Bridge For Kids’ board of directors, volunteers, sponsors and donors, and, most importantly, the teens whose lives she has changed forever.With much respect and love,Randi ShankenExecutive Program DirectorA Bridge For Kids