The idea and creation of Anglers for Conservation has been an ongoing inspiration for Karen and I, our family, friends and many others.
Looking back now at the first time the Anglers for Conservation board of directors met, it’s easy to see how much we have accomplished. I knew where we were going, and what we needed to achieve, but back then, at times, it seemed to me a little like I was the blind leading the seers.
Don’t take me wrong; thankfully we had board members with incredible talent, experience and vision. But for me, I was leading us down a path less traveled; down the (non-profit) road to philanthropy. Since I’d only run a business for profit, I’d never traveled this path before. Generally speaking, philanthropists are people with loads of money, but in this case I believe none of us were rich with cash, but we were willing to lend our time, skills and what money we could afford towards the AFC’s mission to create a new generation of marine stewards.
On reflection, I realize without the help from the seers, the AFC would have never made it this far down the philanthropy trail.
There have been many special people (seers) who have helped the AFC along the way. Earl Gillespie fortified our first grant. Barb Egan helped the Board of Directors to better understand the 501-C3 (non-profit) requirements. Our past presidents, Warren Wnek and Tom Van Horn, were and are dedicated to a sustainable AFC. But most importantly, hundreds of volunteers have donated their time and efforts in helping the AFC continue its mission to create a new generation of marine stewards.
In life, it is often not how far we go, but how far those around us go with our help! Thanks for all the help!
Warren Wnek, President, Anglers for Conservation