Meet Our Award Winners!

Rising Stars

Tracey Van Hook
Director of development
Foundation for Excellence in Education (Tallahassee, Fla.)
www.excelined.org

Organization’s mission: To identify, quantify, reward and foster replication of excellence in education.
How much raised annually: We are in our first year, so no numbers available annually.
Role models: As entrepreneurs and founders of Tate’s School of Discovery, a private school for children from preschool to fifth grade, my parents are my most significant role models. They taught me to value honesty, integrity and the importance of education.
Why did you choose fundraising as a career: It was a great way to impact positive change in our world.
Keys to success (in life): It is vitally important to value each person that enters your life. Each has a lesson and will contribute to your personal growth and the
community.
Fundraising accomplishment of which you are most proud: In October 2006 (on a volunteer basis), I brought together 50 Humane Societies from Florida for the inaugural Humane Society Appreciation Reception & Conference hosted by former Gov. Jeb Bush and first lady Columba Bush at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee, Fla.
How would your co-workers describe you: Organized and fun.
Greatest lesson ever learned: If you enjoy what you do, blessings will follow.
Other thoughts on fundraising: I encourage others who enjoy working with people and have a passion to change the world to consider a career in fundraising. Often, we are limited not by our ideas, but by available funds. As a fundraiser, you have the opportunity to empower donors and impact change.