Donor Appreciation: A year of giving
As 2016 comes to a close, the Tiger Woods Foundation looks back and gives thanks to the many people and organizations that have supported the work we do and the lives we transform. Through our ‘Donor Appreciation’ series this past year, we’ve had the opportunity to feature a few of our generous advocates and share their stories, both professional and personal. Today, we revisit 2016’s selected donors and share highlights from their Q&A’s.
Cynthia and Thomas Coad
Cynthia and Thomas Coad, two of the TGR Learning Lab’s first major advocates, played an instrumental role in helping the Learning Lab break ground in Anaheim, California, in 2004. With their philanthropic donation and their unwavering support to help secure the land, we found our home in Anaheim.
Q: There are several common traits our staff and scholars possess — traits we believe lead to success. Which trait do you identify with and why?
Cynthia Coad: Undeterred. I try to be a goal setter, and I’ll work to solve problems that come my way.
Thomas Coad: Undeterred. I am goal-oriented, but I’m realistic enough to know that every path to achievement has some obstacles to overcome.
Danny Conway
Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Danny Conway joined the Tiger Woods Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2014 and brought with him unlimited insights and guidance. His passion for nurturing the innovators of tomorrow extends to our very own Earl Woods Scholars, as he sets out to begin his new role as a mentor.
Q: Tell us about someone or something that has inspired you greatly.
A: Two very influential forces in my life are Tiger and my dad. Like Tiger, my dad has worked, and still works, very hard for everything he has and never takes anything for granted. Any success I have achieved is because of the things my dad has taught me.
Edward Machir
With an impressive tenure as a CPA and partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers spanning 35 years, Edward Machir joined the Tiger Woods Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2013, where he currently serves on the Audit Committee. A graduate of Georgetown University and an ardent supporter of the Earl Woods Scholar Program, Machir has dedicated much of his time over the years as an EWSP mentor to two Georgetown University students.
Q: How did you get involved with the Tiger Woods Foundation?
A: One of my passions is to help young, talented men and women who do not have all the advantages of life succeed. I became very impressed with the work of the Tiger Woods Foundation.
Josie Liu
Starting as a team member for a State Farm agent in 1999, Josie Liu climbed to the top to become an agency field leader for State Farm Insurance. As a way of giving back to the community, State Farm has been a generous supporter of Tiger Woods Foundation’s professional development teacher training program, TGR EDU: Create.
Q: There are several common traits our staff and scholars possess — traits we believe lead to success. Which trait do you identify with and why?
A: I most identify with ‘undefeated.’ I believe I am undefeated because it’s a state of mind — and the only way I will be truly defeated is if I quit and give up on myself. In every situation I can learn and grow. Whether the world would say I “won” or “lost,” I know that I can still grow from that situation.
Jonathan Orszag
A longtime supporter of the foundation, economist Jonathan Orszag officially joined the Tiger Woods Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2012. Throughout his impressive professional and academic career, Orszag has been a steadfast advocate of the uplifting power of education.
Q: Tell us about someone or something that has inspired you greatly.
A: I find it inspiring that two of the world’s wealthiest people, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, have inspired other wealthy families to commit to give to charity a majority of their net worth. If all families committed to that idea, we would leave the world a better place for future generations.
The Tiger Woods Foundation is honored and deeply grateful to work beside a diverse group of supporters who share our belief in the power of education. Our history demonstrates a commitment to collaboration with educators, community leaders and philanthropists. And as we move into our next phase of growth, these relationships will only broaden and strengthen. By investing in quality education, together we are making a life-changing impact and transforming families, neighborhoods and communities. Thank you for your support!
Champions of the unexpected for 20 years.
