Giving Back and Paying it Forward: A Leader in Community Service and Advocacy

At First Foundation, we are inspired by the dedication and selflessness of our volunteers, who give their time and resources to support nonprofit organizations. This month, we are proud to recognize Heather Tice, Vice President and Marketing Manager of Events and Community, for her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of children.

As a mother of a child with autism, Heather has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families with children who have disabilities. She knows first-hand the struggles of obtaining the necessary support and medical care and its extraordinary costs. Despite these challenges, Heather has been a beacon of hope and inspiration, dedicating 11 years to serving on the board of Ricky King Children's Fund, with 10 years as their President and Fundraising Chair.

The Ricky King Children's Fund provides financial assistance to children with disabilities in Southwest Florida, helping fund essential medical equipment not covered by insurance or Medicaid. "I saw how life-changing the organization was for the families desperate for help," says Heather. "I started to get involved and became an advocate and fundraiser for this small organization." The Fund has provided iPads with software for nonverbal children, adaptive strollers for kids who are unable to walk but have outgrown a child's stroller, leg braces and adaptive standers for children with cerebral palsy, wheelchair-accessible vans for families without transportation for their child, and much more.

"Nothing is better than seeing a parent's joy and the positive impact on these children's development. It inspires me to follow my passion and purpose: to help support as many families as possible in giving their child with a disability or terminal illness the best quality of life possible."

Heather also serves on the Southwest Florida Advisory Board for Blessings in a Backpack, further embodying the spirit of community service. Blessings provides backpacks with kid-friendly, ready-to-eat items for students to eat over the weekend. A nourished meal can improve a child's reading and testing skills, attendance, behavior, and general health. Her contributions have been instrumental to the continued success of both Ricky King and Blessings in a Backpack.

She continues to advocate for and engage the community to volunteer or support the causes close to her heart.

To honor Heather's dedication, First Foundation will donate $100 to the Ricky King Children's Fund on her behalf. We thank Heather for everything she does to support the community and make a positive impact on the lives of children.

To check out the organizations Heather is involved with, visit their websites:

Ricky King Children's Fund - https://www.rickykingfund.org/

Southwest Florida Chapter of Blessings in a Backpack - https://swfl.blessingsinabackpack.org/