
As Executive Director I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of generous individuals and companies who have supported and believed in our mission. I thank you for that. You have believed that working together, we can make a difference. And we truly have!
During my trips to South Africa over these years I have seen this difference first-hand: people who are alive today because we have been able to provide funding for life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) medication; children who live in a third-world setting are receiving a first-world education; local community residents who have been employed as caregivers and counselors are providing inspiration and hope to their neighbors; at-risk boys who have been mentored by responsible adults have learned about goal-setting, morals, and values, and now these young men are taking their place among the leadership of the community.
As I move on to lead another nonprofit organization in Dallas, I want to express my deepest thanks to my Wilson colleagues, to our loyal donors and supporters, to the many people inVaalwater, South Africa who I am proud to count as friends and to the children to whom I have been known as “Mama Tori.” Most of all, I want to thank Trisha Wilson for giving me this amazing opportunity. The Wilson Foundation’s mission is to “change lives, one child at a time.” I know without a doubt that this experience has changed mine. The Wilson Foundation and the special people of South Africa will be in my heart forever, and I am grateful.
Thank you.
Tori Mannes
Executive Director