Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells has worked with Christine for a number of years as a supporter and advocate of TIFF’s Initiative. Sheriff Wells sees the need for an Emergency Contact Information (ECI) system in very pragmatic terms. When asked how this initiative has had an impact on the protocol officers follow at the scene of an accident, Wells emphasized the reduction of time spent searching for next of kin. In the chaos of an accident...
Last week, we reflected on the 16th anniversary of 9/11, when our nation was thrown into turmoil and grief over senseless terrorist attacks on our own soil. Floridians also remembered the devastation, stress, and uncertainty we lived through just a year before when hit by Hurricane Irma, the largest hurricane in history to cover our state. Simultaneously, we watched in horror as Hurricane Florence approached the eastern seaboard to create more...
One of the goals we have at TIFF is to show the need for everyone to register their emergency contact information, no matter where you live or what season of life you’re in. There is the potential for everyone to need this service somehow in their lives. This week, we spotlight Meme Signor, wife of 15 years and mother of five children, all ages 13 and under. Moving here three years ago from New York state, Meme notes, “the traffic...
This week we’d like to introduce you to Lorna Pierce, a long-time supporter of TIFF’s Initiative. Lorna has worked with Christine since the formation of this not-for-profit in the capacity of bookkeeper, helping Christine get set up financially. She plays a vital role in the operations of TIFF, but Lorna is motivated by a much deeper purpose behind what she does. When she met Christine, Lorna was volunteering at the...
We say this all the time to friends and family as they set out on a vacation or journey, but do we ever actually take steps to ensure safety? As we pulled out of the driveway in our rented minivan, my fiance said a quick prayer over us for safe travels. We were embarking on a 16-hour overnight drive to visit his family with five kids in tow. We needed all the help we could get. Knowing that any adventure includes a fair amount of risk, we also...
This month, we’re highlighting an important member of our TIFF community. Jon Stuart has an extensive background in marketing and entrepreneurship. Included among his many accolades are the title of Administrative Manager for Xerox Corporation Area Sales Office in Indianapolis, IN, and 30 years as assistant professor at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA, where he also served 12 years as Internship and Placement Director for the NSU...
Any mom will tell you that you don’t stop being a mom just because your child reaches a certain age. You will always want to protect them, care for them and hold their hand through the darkest nights. Many mothers will tell you some of their hardest moments as a parent were knowing they could not be with their child who was going through something traumatic. Our children are little pieces of us walking around outside of our bodies, and when...
Meet Jenny Morrison, a new TIFF ambassador who came to us through the worst circumstances imaginable. But through her horrifying circumstances, Jenny is finding purpose in spreading the news about TIFF. Her hope is to save other families from the agony she endured. Jenny learned about Christine Olson and TIFF’s Initiative after her husband lost his life in a fatal car accident. At the scene of the accident, there was confusion about his...
Matthew is a Web Developer who works for a small company in Sarasota, Florida. He creates and maintains websites for clients by day and for friends in his spare time. He began studying Web Development at Manatee Technical College, and since graduating from there, has taught himself more varied skills in the Web Development field. Matthew first connected with Christine in 2015, while still a student at MTC. “Christine came to our Web...
Tonight as I pen this post, our fearless leader, Christine Olson, is representing this brave initiative at one of our area's most prestigious charitable fundraisers. Generosity, hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, will line up the brightest and most deserving non-profits in four counties for businesses across the nation to support. Representatives of each charity will have the opportunity to explain and discuss their true...
