Often a deep compassion is born through enduring some personal trials. Philanthropist Sherry Lund went through her own tribulations before devoting her life to easing others’ burdens. “Most of my life has been spent as a single working mom. I have a different perspective since I’ve had to walk the walk. If you haven’t been through it, it’s hard to relate.” Her motivation behind her nonprofit activities is “I root for the ‘underdog’ in life. I know personally that single, working moms, children and the community need our help, and I’m prepared to work towards that!”
Sherry is involved with an impressive array of nonprofits that includes her duties as Capital Campaign Chair at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, board member of the Wellcare Foundation, on the advisory board for The Harp Foundation, volunteer for Starshine Academy, and providing healthcare for Arthur Hamilton Elementary School and the Murphy School District.
Additionally, Sherry is the President of the Victoria Lund Foundation. This foundation is named after her stepdaughter, who passed away in 2002 of liver failure at age 36. “This foundation provides medical attention for those who need it and can’t afford it. It has been in the Murphy School District for 4 years. I’m so pleased that we help over 2,600 children and their parents a year! Along with another foundation we provide 5 full days of medical care at Hamilton School. We have also established a dental clinic at Hamilton School. We’re having a ribbon cutting soon that we’re all excited about.”
Sherry Lund has had an interesting and varied work career. For many years she was a fashion and photography model, did radio broadcasting and voice over work, performed on television and television commercials, ran an American Design Firm and owned several TCBY franchises. She was also on the Board of Trustees at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medical Sciences for four years. She is currently president of American Integrated Health Systems.
Her community work has encompassed the Texas Embassy in Houston, Clothe a Child, Scottsdale Jaycee’s, Parada Del Sol Rodeo, Wendy Center, Girl Scouts, SCNM fundraising and projects, Save the Family, Gift of Life, the Arizona Department of Peace and was the Harp music founder of the Angel Song Program at St. Joe’s Hospital.
A native of Texas, Sherry came to Phoenix at age 13 when she moved with her family. “My father was transferred here as a minister with the Seventh Day Adventist church. I’ve been in the area since 1968 and have watched Phoenix grow. Every year it has become more cultured, with museums, family activities, more opportunities for people to appreciate music and art. It has changed into a great metropolitan area!”
Finally, Sherry Lund emphasizes that “I love what I’m doing now--helping mothers, children and families of those in need. Sometimes people comment, ‘why do you do so much when you don’t have to?’ They don’t understand that it’s my heart, my passion. They don’t know the trials and tribulations I’ve been through, that I have deep emotions and feelings and a passion for other people. When I see someone who’s struggling, I don’t hesitate, I need to let that person know that they matter. I’m doing what I love. At the end of the day, I have satisfaction and peace in knowing what I’ve helped several people!”
She continues, “ I know how hard it is for people to reach out and ask for help when they’ve been through a bad divorce, or had a difficult situation. I was single for over 20 years, but I gave my full attention to my children, and then remarried later in life. My daughters are great, stable and wonderful women. And it’s because of all that I have experienced, that I am so committed to helping others wherever I can!”
What are your volunteer activities? 1. Capital Campaign Chair at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center 2. President of Victoria Lund Foundation 3. Board member of Wellcare Foundation 4. On the advisory board for The Harp Foundation 5. Starshine Academy 6. Arthur Hamilton Elementary School and Murphy School District
Which social event is your favorite? 1.The Red Ball 2.Laughter is the Best Medicine 3.Celebrity Fight Night 4. Boy's and Girls Club event
Favorite Restaurant? L'Amore Italian Restaurant and Taneko Grill
Who is your hero and why? My daughters Rachel and Sabrina and my husband Bill because they have shown me the meaning of unconditional love, undying support and how important laughter is.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Frank Sinatra
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Connie Selleca
What gives a woman/man style? Woman - Honesty, Intelligence, Class and a since of humor; Man - Sincerity, Charm, Style and a good since of humor
Do you have any Pets? 5 Cocker spaniels, 27 Koi Fish and two Redeye Slider turtles.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? That I like architecture, enjoy entertaining, being outside enjoying the plush backyard with my pond, greenhouse and 9 holes of golf :).
What words describe you best? Family oriented, compassionate, honest, enthusiastic and in love with life.
What words would you like others to use to describe you? Dependable, thoughtful, honest and always there for others.
What was your first job? I was in the ninth grade and I worked in the laundry of Thunderbird Academy.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonesty
What is your greatest indulgence? My grandsons.
What is the greatest gift you have ever given and received? Greatest gift I have ever given is not directly to one person but, to the under served children in need of health care in our community. The greatest gift I have received is the love and support of my family and the ability to be with them.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My Family
What is your current state of mind? I am happy, fulfilled and content.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My daughters.
What is your most treasured possession? My Home
What is the quality you most like in people? Honesty
Favorite books/Writers? Biblical History
What is the best advice you have ever received? Marry your best friend.