The Birth of Trinity’s Children, Inc.: Honoring Trinity’s Legacy
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by
vripley
In the wake of an unimaginable loss, Kristine and Vaughn Ripley found themselves driven by a profound desire to make a difference. On December 13, 2023, their beloved daughter, Trinity, tragically lost her battle to a fentanyl overdose. Her passing was a heart-wrenching moment that left an indelible mark on their lives and ignited the spark that led to the creation of Trinity’s Children, Inc.
Our First Step Forward
On Monday, September 2, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., the inaugural board meeting of Trinity’s Children, Inc. was held virtually via Zoom. This pivotal gathering brought together the founding members who would steer our mission forward: Vaughn Ripley, Robert Tough, Kristine Ripley, and Angel White.
Setting the Foundation
The meeting commenced with a heartfelt call to order by me, Vaughn Ripley, marking the official beginning of our journey. As the first and only meeting, we skipped the approval of previous minutes and dove straight into establishing the core structure of our organization.
Appointment of Initial Board Members
Each founding member was entrusted with a key role:
- President: Vaughn Ripley
- Vice President: Robert Tough
- Secretary: Kristine Ripley
- Treasurer: Angel White
Approval of Corporate Bylaws
With our roles defined, we moved on to approve the corporate bylaws, laying down the rules and guidelines that would govern Trinity’s Children, Inc.
Charting Our Path Forward
Organization Status Overview
I provided an update on our nonprofit registration status, highlighting our progress with legal filings and outlining the next steps to ensure our compliance and readiness to operate effectively.
Fundraising Plans
Our discussion then shifted to fundraising, where we focused on two primary events:
- Golf Event
- Tough Mudder
These events were chosen for their community appeal and potential to raise significant funds for our mission.
Board Contributions
We unanimously agreed that each board member would contribute funds annually, demonstrating our collective commitment and setting a strong financial foundation for Trinity’s Children.
Outreach and Community Engagement
Planning for community awareness campaigns and forging partnerships with local organizations was another critical agenda item. We recognized the importance of building a robust network to amplify our impact.
First Board Initiatives
Tasks and responsibilities were assigned to ensure that our initial activities and programs were executed seamlessly. This included finalizing banking arrangements, preparing for the next board meeting, drafting website content, coordinating with event sponsors, and preparing financial reports.
Decisions That Shaped Our Future
By the end of our meeting, we had made several key decisions:
- Establishment of Founding Board Members
- Approval of Corporate Bylaws
- Commitment to Primary Fundraising Events
- Agreement on Annual Financial Contributions from Board Members
- Continuing Collaboration with Johnston Business Law Group for Legal Services
Taking Action
Following the meeting, each board member took on specific action items to propel Trinity’s Children forward:
- Vaughn Ripley: Finalized banking arrangements and prepared for the next board meeting.
- Kristine Ripley: Began drafting content for our website.
- Robert Tough: Coordinated with potential event sponsors for our fundraising events.
- Angel White: Prepared preliminary financial reports and projections.
A Community United by Purpose
Our first board meeting was more than just an administrative session; it was a heartfelt commitment to honor Trinity’s memory by creating a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. Trinity’s Children, Inc. was born out of love, loss, and an unwavering determination to prevent others from experiencing the same pain we endured.
As we continue to grow, our pillars of Empowerment, Support, and Advocacy will guide every step we take. We invite you to join us in this mission—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, we can honor Trinity’s legacy and build a safer, healthier future for all.
To learn more about our journey and how you can support Trinity’s Children, Inc., visit www.trinityschildren.org.
Together, we can make a difference.
#TrinitysChildren #EmpowerFamilies #SupportYouth #OverdosePrevention #CommunityEngagement #SaveLives
