As the Philanthropy Director, Cheryl Patterson joined Families First of Palm Beach County in 2023. Cheryl is passionate and intentional about leveling playing fields and increasing access for underserved children and their families.  

For 20 plus years, Cheryl 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 Cheryl with ‘The Spirit of Detroit Award.’  Cheryl 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. 

Cheryl attended her beloved Fisk University in Nashville, TN founded in 1866, credited as the oldest Historically Black College University (HBCU).  Cheryl 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. Cheryl 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, Cheryl created a Homecoming Parade for Fisk hailed by the Tennessee as ‘The Best One Yet’ attended by 5,000 people.  She returned to Detroit, Michigan where she graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies specializing in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Marketing.  

From a family of eight (8) Cheryl 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.  Cheryl learned at an early age that if you love God, you must love people, and you serve God through serving others.  

Cheryl is a transplant from El Paso, Texas where she resided for eight years.  Since October 2022 she has called the village of Wellington home.  Cheryl resides with her daughter, Marjoni and two grandchildren, Caleb-Miguel (12) and Allorah (7).  

Cheryl’s favorite quote is by author, playwright and civil rights activist, James Baldwin – “Those who say it can’t be done are often interrupted by those doing it.”