Gerald “Chip” Songy enjoyed a nearly 36-year career as a partner at Stirling Properties. After retiring in 2012, he wanted to give back to his community and began engaging with multiple nonprofit organizations and joined the boards of several. Longtime friends and Parole Project board members, Don Allison and Nancy Roberts, introduced Chip to our organization.
“Within about 15 minutes of meeting [Executive Director] Andrew Hundley, I was already considering making a donation,” he recalled, chuckling. “I didn’t anticipate they would ask me to join the board of directors. However, the decision to join wasn’t difficult at all.”
During visits to the Parole Project office, Chip greatly appreciates his interactions with clients, staff, and volunteers. “Getting to know the clients personally adds tremendous value to my involvement with the organization,” he said. “There’s an overwhelming sense of positivity, gratitude, and happiness I’ve felt from the moment I walk in. It’s more meaningful than any financial contribution I have made. The passion they exude is inspiring. It’s clear how committed they are, which makes it easy to support and promote the mission. You can see firsthand how your donations directly contribute to rebuilding lives.”
