What does it take to be on the Board of Centra Cares?

Our Centra Cares BOD is comprised of volunteers who have a passion for giving back. Their time is donated and many hours go into organizing our fundraising efforts and events. We want to take this moment to thank two important outgoing Board members; Emily Parson and Jeff Foster whose contributions have been many during their term with Centra Cares.

Jeff Foster

Jeff Foster

Emily Parson

Emily Parson

Dear Emily and Jeff, Thank you for your commitment of spirit and time!

Emily and Jeff’s impact on our local and global community through Centra Cares cannot be accurately measured or adequately thanked since the work they do is so far-reaching, their time is given freely and they ask nothing in recognition of what they do. Along with the other members of the Board, their time and dedication have allowed Centra Cares to support many local organizations, held successful fundraising efforts such as our Annual Charity Golf Tournament and made two mission trips to Nicaragua.

In 2013 Emily traveled to Nicaragua and in 2015 Jeff made a similar journey in hopes of helping those less fortunate.

Emily climbing a tree

In 2013 Emily was part of a dedicated team of Centra Cares Volunteers who traveled to Diriamba, Nicaragua to help less-fortunate families in need. This team volunteered in the small community of Mojica to help repair their local school, donated playground equipment and built a rancho community center.

Jeff Foster Reviewing Plans

Jeff Foster Reviewing Plans

In 2015 Jeff traveled with a new group of dedicated volunteers to Diriamba, Nicaragua where they donated their time to help build a health clinic in the small community of La Chona.

These charitable missions are an opportunity to make connections, form friendships and gain a new perspective on life. These trips take a commitment of time, money and a mindset of dedication and resiliency in the lives of those that sign on. And while it may seem that we give a lot to these communities, it is our Centra Cares volunteers who take away so much more than they could ever give in these experiences. In order to make a difference, it takes extraordinary team members like Emily and Jeff behind the scenes and on the ground willing to do the work.

Outgoing Board Members Emily and Jeff with re-established 2017 BOD

Outgoing Board Members Emily and Jeff with re-established 2017 Board of Directors. left to right; Rick Heinen, Bonnie Ahara, Emily Parson, Jeff Foster, John Tilstra, Nathan Veenstra, Carey Day (not pictured: Steve Ponte)

Sincerely,  your Centra Cares team.