Name & Foundation Position:
Leslie Zook, Secretary
Contribution to the Foundation:
With my years of experience with the foundation already and now as a board member, I hope to continue Scott’s legacy and the inspiration of how and why it all began. My desire is to spread the foundation in other surrounding communities so we can inspire and encourage even more families and children.
Strengths You Add to the Board:
Throughout the years of volunteering with the foundation I have had the privilege of utilizing a variety of strengths. Event planning, including planning the Grand Opening of Scotty’s Playhouse, the 15th Annual Celebration, assisting with golf tournaments and more. Marketing, helping with social media, print marketing materials, etc. Other strengths I hope to bring to this already incredible organization would be creativity, vision and collaboration.
Most Important Aspect of the ‘See Ya Later’ Foundation:
It’s hard to choose just one important aspect as I think they all are important to the audiences they are meant for. Kids camps were designed to reach those kids who would never have the opportunity otherwise to attend such an event. They have reached thousands of kids and gave them not only new techniques and skills but encouragement. Our scholarships were a memorial to Scott and we love finding impact makers in each graduating class. Through Seeds of Hope we have the very special honor of encouraging those that are going through a life-threatening situation, much like my parents and I suffered, and to be able to spoil them just a bit makes all the difference. So as you can see it’s hard for me to choose just one! They all meet a need and they all inspire and encourage, which is our mission!
Why Did You Get Involved with the ‘See Ya Later’ Foundation?
I have been involved with the ’See Ya Later’ Foundation since before its inception, as I am Scott’s older sister. We never expected the foundation would ever exist, but now that it does I am so grateful that it has reached and impacted so many. It’s an honor to now be serving as a board member, not only a volunteer and active participant.
Most Memorable ‘See Ya Later’ Moment:
Wow, there have been so many over the years!! I remember having to hit the inaugural t-shot at the annual golf tournament, totally missed the first swing! For several years I sat on the interviewing committee for the Scott Banke Memorial Scholarship and was able to present the winning scholarships to recipients at their awards ceremonies. Planning the 15th year Celebration was a great event weekend! I also played an elf with Mr & Mrs Claus at Seeds of Hope Christmas parties years ago. There have been several awesome memories over the years and they just keep continuing.
Where Do You See the Foundation In 5 Years?
In 5 years I would love to see the foundation in major growth mode, reaching more families and children than ever before in more communities than we ever thought possible! It would be incredible to have SYL chapters throughout the state and the northwest! Hey a girl can dream!
