Passion

Our board is passionate about the mission and the cause of the organization. We are hoping this passion will inspire and motivate others, helping to create a strong sense of purpose and commitment among, volunteers, and supporters.

Empathy

We have a strong sense of empathy and compassion for those we serve. This empathy helps to ensure that our programs and services are designed to meet the needs of the community for years to come.

Accountability

At Foundation 37, we are accountable to many different stakeholders, including board memeber, volunteers, donors, and the community we serve. We take this accountability seriously, being transparent and honest in our communications and actions.

Our Team

We’re a tight-knit crew of change-makers.
Maria Mills-Benat
Foundation Founder & President

Maria has been a community advocate for as long as she can remember, passionate about helping others, she has been active on City Boards, County Boards, & w/ Hospice, Volusia Basket Brigade, American Cancer Society & many other causes.

However, several years ago Maria recognized a need in our community for people who fell through the cracks when needing assistance & so Foundation 37 was born.

Tina Howard
Board Member

Tina has been teaching and in a guidance counselor role in Volusia County for 23 years. She has been involved with Foundation 37 since the very begining and is excited to be a part of the board of directors. We are excited to have her expertise and connections to the community.

A picture of Sara Samuels
Sara Samuels
Secretary & Treasurer

Sara is a recent graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelors of Science in Aviation Business Administration with a focus in Supply Chain and a minor in Homeland Security. She is continuing her education with her Masters in Leadership & working in the Aerospace industry. She was involved with Alpha Xi Delta Sorority which she volunteered for various philanthropic events. She has also volunteered for countless Foundation 37 events throughout the years. She is so excited to join the board & be a part of the team!

Emily Marasco
Community Engagement

Emily's dedication and ambition do not stop at the doors of her business. She recognizes the importance of giving back and actively making a difference in the lives of others. Her outstanding leadership skills, coupled with her ability to think outside the box, make her a valuable asset Foundation 37.

Kristen Hensel
Board Member

Hi I’m Kristen! I am a cosmetologist locally after moving here from Ohio in 2019. Growing up in a small town we knew everyone and helped each other out in any way we could, moving here I had no idea how or where to get involved in something similar to that until I met Maria. Watching Foundation 37 do so many amazing things for the community made me realize I needed to be apart of it.  I am so excited to be apart of the board and to give back to the community I now call home in any way I can.

Goals for 2025

45%
Foundation 37 is looking to raise 45% more this year than it did last year.
15k
We raised 15k for disaster relief from hurricane Ian
2x
Two times as many volunteers as last year.
0
Dollars wasted in our organization.