Wellington resident Cheryl Patterson has been named the new philanthropy director at Families First of Palm Beach County. Patterson has 12 years of experience fundraising through marketing with a proven track record of securing corporate partnerships.
As the philanthropy director, Patterson joined Families First in 2023. She is passionate and intentional about leveling playing fields and increasing access for underserved children and their families.
For 20-plus years, Patterson has developed meaningful partnerships to increase awareness and revenue. Her strong background in public relations and marketing served as the catalyst to her career as a fundraiser, achieving successful outcomes for nonprofit organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
As a result of her successful outcomes, the City of Detroit presented her with the Spirit of Detroit Award. Patterson went on to receive the City of El Paso Hometown Hero award, presented by Allstate Insurance in partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso.
Patterson attended Fisk University in Nashville, where she was greatly impressed and inspired by the internationally known Jubilee Singers, who in 1871 as students toured America and Europe performing to increase awareness and funding for Fisk University.
At Fisk, she was a student leader and community organizer. Patterson was featured on 20/20’s special series called, “20 Something,” which highlighted young adults across America who were making an impact and influencing their peers.
In addition, she created a homecoming parade for Fisk attended by 5,000 people. She returned to Detroit, where she graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies.
From a family of eight, Patterson watched and worked alongside her mother, father and grandparents, as they served their community, where they leveraged their church as a community center for the less fortunate.
Patterson is a transplant from El Paso, Texas, where she resided for eight years. Since October 2022 she has called Wellington home. She resides with her daughter, Marjoni, and two grandchildren, Caleb-Miguel (12) and Allorah (7).
