About Us
Just like a dandelion weed can overtake a beautiful garden, a painful disease or unfortunate situation can uproot a beautiful life.
In the middle of this unrelenting weed sprouts a white, feathery seed head called the pappus. Often, children and adults alike put this iconic part of the dandelion to their lips and blow, casting a silent wish into the air; much like one wishes for a reprieve from pain endured.
And if you look closely at the dandelion weed, you will notice a pretty, little, yellow flower blooming from its green leaves, symbolizing hope in the midst of a crisis.
Our foundation provides a tiny reprieve, hope, and joy in the lives of those we touch …
if even only for a short time.
Dandelion Wishes Foundation, Inc.
Board Members
President–Paige Defreece
Paige DeFreece lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a married mother of three. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with degrees in Finance and Accounting and earned her CPA in 1991. She spent 8 years in public accounting and 5 years in the private sector before deciding to spend precious time as a stay-at-home mom.
Her love for art developed shortly after with an interest in drawing, sculpting, 3D edible cakes, pottery, woodworking, themed rooms, etc.
Paige and her husband, Mike, did personal projects for people going through difficult times for several years before Paige decided to make Dandelion Wishes Foundation, Inc., into an official 501(c)(3).
VP–Sandy McFadyen
Family has always been the center of Sandy’s life and her greatest joy. She is a proud mother of three amazing children, and being their mom is the most important role she will ever have. For the past 24 years, she has lovingly cared for her daughter with cerebral palsy, a journey that has strengthened her appreciation for resilience, love, and everyday victories.
Sandy has owned her own businesses, taught at a physical arts college, and worked at a nonprofit hospital where she helped individuals and families facing financial hardships find support and hope. She leads with compassion, creativity, and dedication in everything she does.
She is proud of the life she has built and is excited to be a part of the Dandelion Wishes team.
Treasurer–Gina Strand
Gina lives in Lenoir City, Tennessee, with her husband and two dogs. She has worked for a life insurance company for 15 years and was an elementary school teacher prior to that. She enjoys being creative and converted a shed into a pottery studio with the help of her very talented husband. In addition to playing with clay, she enjoys watercolor, collage, and multi-media art. She is excited to join the Dandelion Wishes team and the opportunities it provides to help people in her community.
Secretary–Kim Burritt
Kim lives in Lenoir City, TN, with her Daughter and 3 cats. She is a daughter, mother, sister, aunt, artist, and lover of all people and places. She moved to East Tennessee from Eastern Iowa in 2011, where she had lived most of her life. Currently working for corporate America to pay the bills, however, she enjoys making and selling art whenever possible. Helping build people up when they are in need has been a driving force in shaping her own life and the life she wants to see in the world. Kim is very excited to be a part of Dandelion Wishes and can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone.
Contact us.
email@example.com
(555) 555-5555
123 Demo Street
New York, NY 12345