Honoring Andy Walsh: A Dedicated Leader for Over 20 Years
“Peter’s Place has been a home to me for a long time. It is family to me. I will be involved and serve on the Board in the best way that I can; to continue to help Peter’s Place fulfill its mission to serve grieving children.”
On Saturday, April 20, Peter’s Place will be honoring Andy Walsh, Board Emeritus, for his dedication to the organization for more than 20 years at our Annual Benefit & Auction, Constellations: A Night of Shining Stars.
As a friend and neighbor of the Morsbach Family, Andy Walsh, his wife Lee, and a small group of others banded together to support them in their grief to help make sense of the unthinkable after Peter died in 1999. Later, Andy’s tenure with Peter’s Place would begin in 2003 when he answered the call to join the Board of Directors.
Eleanor Morsbach Godin, who served as Co-Chair of the Board with Andy shared, “He is a friend to many, has broad experience with startup nonprofits, has an empathetic heart, and he was an attorney! Little did he know then that he would shepherd this young organization through varied stages of growth for over a decade.”
In its early years, Peter’s Place faced some tough financial challenges. Andy was a part of that leadership team that would not let this organization fail. With the others, he built a steady revenue stream that still thrives to this day and ensuring that no one ever loses track of what was most valuable to Peter’s Place; ensuring that we have our best interest in serving the grieving children in our surrounding communities the best way we can.
Jim Buck, Board Emeritus, described Andy in this way, “There are some people who are prone to run away from trouble; others are naturally disposed to put out fires. Andy’s not only the latter type, he’s also an inspiring leader who helped guide Peter’s Place – its management, Board, and community – towards solutions and strategies for a much better future.”
Andy was involved on many levels of leadership, playing a role on a variety of committees over the years, adding tremendous value to a growing organization. His tireless efforts were apparent; however, perhaps most notable was Andy’s compassionate direction while serving as Vice Chair, Co-Chair and, finally, Board Chair from 2006 until June 2018. Andy completed his Board term in 2021 and was elected Emeritus; a designation so richly deserved and held by few.
“From the first time I met Andy at The Gryphon, he has been an invaluable source of information and institutional knowledge, combined with kindness and passion for Peter’s Place.” Stephanie Lim Capello, Executive Director, said. “Peter’s Place will continue to be a successful and strong organization for children and families for many more years because of his commitment and ongoing contributions.”
He is very proud of the growth he has seen with the organization. With its new strategic plan in place, Andy explains that it has put Peter’s Place in good stead to reach our goals of growing our offerings, both onsite and offsite, and increasing our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in our board, our staff, our volunteers and our children and their families.
The Peter’s Place family extends our genuine gratitude to Andy for believing in our mission to ensure no child ever grieves alone and the immediate need for grief support services in our community.
If you have yet to purchase a sponsorship or ticket for the event, kindly do so by Thursday, April 12, by clicking here. Unable to attend and would still like to make a donation or a gift in honor of Andy Walsh? Please click here to donate. Thank you!