How does one transition from aspiring to be a medical professional to leading a mission to make Richmond the healthiest city in America? Kelly del Campo Merricks, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Sheltering Arms Foundation, shares her captivating journey and what drives her to make a difference. Kelly's story unfolds from moving to Richmond for medical school, only to find her true calling in the nonprofit sector, where she's reshaped philanthropy for over three decades. Her intrinsic motivation and commitment to fostering community collaboration are at the heart of her work, promising a future where Richmond thrives with health and vitality.
In our engaging conversation with Kelly, we explore the rewarding yet challenging world of nonprofit fundraising, enriched by her experiences with the Red Cross and the Central Virginia Food Bank (now FeedMore). Kelly opens up about the unique satisfaction that comes from connecting donors with causes they truly believe in and the fulfillment she finds in building systems that empower nonprofits to flourish. Her impactful stories, including her time at the Red Cross during September 11th, highlight the essential role of administrative support in enabling direct service work. This episode provides an intimate look at how individuals can facilitate meaningful change through strategic philanthropy.
Kelly also shares her involvement with the Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) Quest program, which has significantly influenced community collaboration and understanding. Her experiences with LMR illustrate how collective efforts, such as designing a food delivery system for the food bank, can lead to transformative improvements. We delve into the future of Richmond and the Sheltering Arms Institute, discussing innovative ideas for driving collective health and community growth. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on building healthier urban environments and making a tangible impact on people's lives.
Today's episode of America's Healthiest City is brought to you by Xponent21, a leading digital marketing agency in Richmond. At Xponent21, we specialize in helping organizations grow through innovative strategies in SEO, website design, and
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