A Little About Our Board

Our nonprofit organization is fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate group of board members who work tirelessly to make a positive impact in the community. From fundraising to program development to outreach and advocacy, our board members are committed to doing everything they can to support our mission and vision.We recognize the vital role that our board members play in our organization, and we are grateful for their expertise, guidance, and leadership.

We know that their commitment and dedication are what make our programs and initiatives successful, and we appreciate their hard work and unwavering support. We value the diversity of perspectives and experiences that our board members bring to the table, and we believe that their collective efforts are what make us a strong and effective force for change in our community.In short, we love our board members and appreciate all that they do to support our nonprofit and the people we serve.

We are proud to work alongside them, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them as we strive to make a positive impact in the world. If you are interested in learning more about our board or getting involved with our nonprofit, we encourage you to reach out – we would love to hear from you!

Passion

Our board is passionate about the mission and the cause of the organization. We are hoping this passion will inspire and motivate others, helping to create a strong sense of purpose and commitment among, volunteers, and supporters.

Empathy

We have a strong sense of empathy and compassion for those we serve. This empathy helps to ensure that our programs and services are designed to meet the needs of the community for years to come.

Accountability

At Foundation 37, we are accountable to many different stakeholders, including board memeber, volunteers, donors, and the community we serve. We take this accountability seriously, being transparent and honest in our communications and actions.

Our Team

We’re a tight-knit crew of change-makers.
Maria Mills-Benat
Foundation President
maria@foundation37.org

Maria has been a community advocate for as long as she can remember, passionate about helping others, she has been active on City Boards, County Boards, & w/ Hospice, Volusia Basket Brigade, American Cancer Society & many other causes.

However, several years ago Maria recognized a need in our community for people who fell through the cracks when needing assistance & so Foundation 37 was born.

A picture of Sara Samuels
Sara Samuels
Team Member
sara@foundation37.org

Tina has been teaching and in a guidance counselor role in Volusia County for 23 years. She has been involved with Foundation 37 since the very begining and is excited to be a part of the board of directors. We are excited to have her expertise and connections to the community.

Tina Howard
Human Person
tina@foundation37.org

Tina has been teaching and in a guidance counselor role in Volusia County for 23 years. She has been involved with Foundation 37 since the very begining and is excited to be a part of the board of directors. We are excited to have her expertise and connections to the community.

Emily Marasco
Community Engagement
emily@foundation37.org

Emily's dedication and ambition do not stop at the doors of her business. She recognizes the importance of giving back and actively making a difference in the lives of others. Her outstanding leadership skills, coupled with her ability to think outside the box, make her a valuable asset Foundation 37.

Kelly Gasowski
emily@foundation37.org

A native of Port Orange, FL, Kelly's roots run deep in her community. She is an alumna of Spruce Creek High School and the University of Florida. With 22 years of marriage to Matthew Gasowski, they share their home with their daughter, Jordyn Gasowski, and two furry companions.

Kelly's dedication to community involvement stems from her upbringing, instilled in her from a young age. She has previously served on the board of Port Orange Community Trust and remains actively engaged in various philanthropic endeavors, including Jordyn’s Blanket Blessings, Volusia Basket Brigade, March of Dimes, and Network of Executive Women.

Professionally, Kelly serves as a Director with Coca Cola Beverages, Florida, based in Tampa, FL. Her commitment to both her career and community reflects her passion for making a difference wherever she goes.

Goals for 2023

45%
Foundation 37 is looking to raise 45% more this year than it did last year.
15k
We raised 15k for disaster relief from hurricane Ian
2x
Two times as many volunteers as last year.
0
Dollars wasted in our organization.