Cecily Rouse Timmons
Advisory board member at CORRAL Riding
CORRAL seeks to pair rescued horses with at-risk girls ages 11 to 15 to promote healing, transformational growth and, ultimately, lasting life-change.
Why did you get involved in charitable work?
I found my day-to-day professional life in for-profit companies did not allow for the breadth of contribution I desired. Charity work is great vehicle for both career exploration and soul-fulfillment.
How can charitable giving be improved?
Charitable giving should be more readily available in day-to-day transactions. One should have the opportunity to give in small ways or amounts without writing a big check for an annual fund drive. The concept of incorporating donations into grocery purchases or quarters in jars is very appealing to me.
How has your organization adapted in response to the recession?
We just received our 501(c)3 status in early 2009. We are blessed we have received the generous support that we have, and hope to hang on until things are better. Until then, we are supporting the most girls that we can with our limited resources.
What makes an effective leader?
There are two kinds of leaders -- those lucky ones who are born with the tendency, and those who have to learn how to lead when they encounter something they feel passionate about. There are many ways of accomplishing tasks as each individual has different strengths to bring to the table. Without zeal and a confidence in one's beliefs or cause however, leadership is really a moot point.
