How quickly time flies by — which is either an indicator that as one ages hours fly by like minutes or that I am just having too much fun! I venture it is a blend of both because I am privileged to be a part of the team creating The Patterson Foundation’s (TPF) legacy.

It was three years ago when I attended my first Grantmakers in Aging meeting and learned of Atlantic Philanthropies’ EngAGEment challenge grant to regional associations to move knowledge to commitment to action in the realm of older adults. Timing coincided with my service on the Southeastern Council of Foundations (SECF) board and TPF’s commitment to connect with other foundations for learning and sharing, so SECF EngAGEment was born — thanks to two-year financial commitments from Richmond Health Memorial Foundation, Healthcare Georgia Foundation, The Community Foundation in Jacksonville and TPF.

Since inception, I have been honored to serve as the volunteer leader working with a leadership team ably supported by Pattie Johnson, coordinator of the SECF EngAGEment Initiative.  Our focus is to provide ways for SECF members to showcase their programs and grantees while educating regional philanthropies about the realities of our aging population….not from a liability perspective, but through an optimistic frame. People can learn more about our work at #agesecf or www.secf.org.

At this year’s Grantmakers in Aging Meeting, SECF EngAGEment is part of a panel where we have the opportunity to showcase successes and spark ideas on how funders can learn and share for greater impact on the greater good.