Member profile: Shawn Bassham

ZCorp PRDigital • August 18, 2022

‘Service Above Self’ motto strikes chord with longtime Rotarian

Name: Shawn Bassham


Occupation/company: Chief Philanthropy Officer (Chief Fun Officer), St. Francis Reflections

 

A few things you like about that work: I take my passion and purpose in partnership with others to bring about a change in the world, to see the acts of love borne out through the mission of nonprofit. I see how collaboration and connections can solve community problems. It’s nice to go home every day knowing that I have been a part of the solution.

 

When you joined Rotary: In 2004, I joined Five Trails Rotary in Casper, WY. I then chartered a new early-morning club, Reveille Rotary, and was the charter president. Moving to Idaho, I joined the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club and was involved in membership and greeter coordination. In Florida, I was initially a member of Cocoa Beach Club representing St. Francis. But I transitioned to Rockledge Rotary when St. Francis had no one associated and we had only two at Cocoa Beach. PLUS, when I came to Rockledge for a speaking engagement, they were just too much fun.

 

Why you joined Rotary: My board chair wanted me to join for my work in leadership at the hospital. I relished the “Service Above Self” motto as I believe that is my philosophy of life. Rotary continues to surprise me in the ways it gives and impacts the communities it serves.

 

Where you’re from, originally: I was born in Washington state and lived there until I was 16, returning to Washington for my college education.

 

Other places you’ve lived and worked: I’ve lived in Michigan, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and now Florida. I did my graduate work at Colorado State University and took leadership roles for regional medical centers in Wyoming and Idaho. Now, I enjoy the Space Coast and work for St. Francis Reflections.

 

Your major influences in life: The God of the universe who loves me and has a plan for my life. My father who loved everyone and valued what each persona brings to the world. My sister who left me too soon but was a gift to the world in every way.

 

A few interesting anecdotes from your history:

 

Here are some things people can ask me about:

  • I lived on the streets of Seattle for a week.
  • My wedding and dress cost $500.
  • I played fifth-grade boys' basketball and live for a moment in the men’s dorm.
  • I was drafted during my 18th year.

 

Things you do outside of work, interests, hobbies: I enjoy traveling, reading, snorkeling, walking the beach, writing and having long conversations with family and friends.

 

Tell us a little about your philosophy of life: Love with abandon. Love God, love those you encounter, love what you do and love yourself – in that order.

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Cheryl Cominsky just wanted to do a little volunteering for The Children’s Hunger Project – that’s all. It turned out to be more than that. In April 2020, she became the nonprofit organization’s executive director. “I started as an office volunteer and then it just became my heart,” said Cominsky, a Rockledge Rotarian . “It was never my aspiration to be executive director. I didn't walk in here with that idea in mind.” The Children’s Hunger Project in Cocoa is addressing a gap in schoolchildren’s meal programs. While in-school breakfast and lunches are available during the week, some children go hungry on weekends. In response to this problem, volunteers for the organization get together and pack weekend food packages that teachers place into the children’s backpacks. The packages contain nutritious, easy-to-prepare foods these children can bring home on Fridays. Volunteers meet at the Cocoa location to prep the weekend food packages. A number of businesses, civic groups and faith communities in the area support the effort with generous donations. “It’s just wonderful to be supported and surrounded by so many good people,” Cominsky said. The Children’s Hunger Project has been in Brevard County for 11 years. It started out serving 27 students. Now, the program is in 46 elementary schools helping to feed about 2,700 every week. In the early days of the pandemic, the number of meals served reached 6,000 but has since tapered off. “We're 72 miles of beautiful beaches with spaceships and rocket launches , but we still have families and children who need help,” she said. A New Jersey native, Cominsky moved to Florida with her husband and son in 2000 (a second son was born in 2002). The move came after she spent years in Pennsylvania managing sales for a software-reselling business. After that job brought the family to the Florida east coast, her husband's job prompted a move to Tampa. Seven years ago, they relocated to Viera . For much of her adult life, Cominsky has been involved in volunteer efforts, helping organize events, fundraisers, and functioning in other child-advocacy capacities. “You’ve got to care for other people,” she said. “Everybody needs some help sometimes.”
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