AWBW’s 25th anniversary year was full of celebrations and growth, and as we enter into 2017 our hearts could not be more full of gratitude for our incredible family of supporters. One individual stands out in particular. Involved since 1994, Amanda Lin has seen us through 22 years of growth and it is a bittersweet moment as she transitions off of our board of directors beginning in 2017.

As she shares in her online campaign, Amanda’s impetus to get involved in AWBW was due to a college roommate who experienced intimate partner violence. She felt it was her duty to help other women in similar situations.

When Amanda began with AWBW in 1994 our budget was just $33,000 and we were working with two program partners at the time. Now in 2016, our budget is nearing 2M and we have over 350 programs partners. She has helped with virtually every inch of our growth, including establishing the first fiscal policies and finance procedures, and transitioning us to financial audits. She has also coordinated and chaired more events than we can count including V-Day, Art in the Afternoon, Music & Art Fest, Zazou, ArtWorks for Healing, and our most recent 25th Anniversary Brunch.

Dedicated is just one of many words you could use to describe Amanda. She has a quiet but powerful presence that is deeply rooted in a sense of responsibility to make a difference in the world, and she has done just that. She has involved her entire family; her husband Michael, and her three kids Brandon, Megan, and Charlotte, as well as siblings and extended family. She has a huge network of friends, many of whom have also become longtime supporters.

We are so proud that Amanda sees AWBW as the “capstone of [her] life of giving and service.” While she transitions off of our board and out of her role as treasurer to take more time for herself and her family, she will remain involved in an advisory capacity. It’s safe to say we would not be where we are today without her thoughtful and supportive guidance. Amanda is in all ways an exemplary person. She shows us that we all have that the power to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

On behalf of our board, staff, volunteers, donors, and program partners, we thank Amanda for her tireless and passionate service and we look forward to the next chapter of our work together!