Q&A with Pam Andrews, Philanthropy Coordinator

We recently sat down with Philanthropy Coordinator Pam Andrews to ask her a few questions about her work at The Freshwater Trust.

In two sentences, tell us what you do at The Freshwater Trust.

As the Philanthropy Coordinator, my primary role is to manage our Salesforce database to track philanthropic funds and ensure all donors receive appropriate tax and thank you acknowledgments. I also support the organization’s donor relations efforts and provide logistical support for events.

It’s a pleasure to work with such a diverse group of people who are incredibly bright and enthusiastic about their work, and who also take time to have fun.

What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now?

Right now my focus is on our largest fundraiser of the year, the annual Fight for Fish golf tournament held at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. This is our 20th tournament, and it is co-hosted by Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser and Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle. The event has directly raised close to $8M in support of freshwater conservation projects, along with other types of support from the attendees. As the event coordinator, I am responsible for an unbelievable number of details that go into organizing 80 golfers that travel from several states for a multi-day event!

What’s something that’s happening at the organization right now that you are very excited about? 

I’m excited that TFT’s work is reaching into new geographies like Colorado and the Puget Sound in Washington to collaborate with local entities on advancing conservation efforts.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

What do you love about working for The Freshwater Trust?

My colleagues are amazing! It’s a pleasure to work with such a diverse group of people who are incredibly bright and enthusiastic about their work, and who also take time to have fun.

Last book you read or movie you watched?

I recently finished Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. She won the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for this heartbreaking yet funny story about a boy growing up in foster care in Appalachia, surrounded by the craziness and influences of the opioid epidemic. I’m a fan of both her fiction and non-fiction novels.

Last place you traveled.

My last trip isn’t notable, but at the end of February I’ll be heading to Arizona for some hiking adventures in the Santa Catalina Mountains along with a few days at the Grand Canyon. I’m looking forward to seeing the Colorado River, along with exploring the amazing geology of the canyon.

A quote you live by. 

I appreciate many inspiring quotes, but I’ll offer two: Margaret Mead’s “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” And Viktor Frankl “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I am hoping that will be enough time to convince my husband that we should adopt two more cats.

What’s the number one piece of advice you have for someone trying to get into this field? 

The role of philanthropy as it relates to non-profits is constantly evolving, so it’s important to network and perhaps volunteer or intern at an organization whose mission aligns with your beliefs and skill set.