OUR TEAM
Amy Friskney, President, Board of Directors
Director of Marketing and Outreach, Associations International, ICF Foundation
"What inspires me to make a difference is knowing that my life has been blessed more than I deserve, so I try hard to give back every time I’m asked. Every project that we complete with the Toy Chest, inspires me to try to do even more for those around me."
Sarah Bosso, Vice President, Board of Directors
Staff Manager, Robert Half Finance & Accounting
"One of the biggest reasons why I was eager to join the Toy Chest Board was because I wanted to assist and help enhance their efforts by sharing my connections in the community, which has been great for our Christmas efforts! I try to consistently give back either through donating my time or resources. Building a better community is beneficial for everyone."
LeAnn Gray-Carrier, Secretary, Board of Directors
Claims Adjustor, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance
"Looking into my own daughters eyes and seeing her big smile when she knows The Toy Chest is going to make a small difference in a child’s life is my inspiration."
Kellie Wheatley Stadler, Treasurer, Board of Directors
Accountant
"I was hooked after my first Christmas volunteering for The Toy Chest! It is a wonderful thing when multiple people give a little to help so many others in need, especially children. I am thankful to be part of an amazing group of people who care so much about making a difference."
Dr. Deb Bryant, DNP, RN, Board of Directors
Nurse Executive
"I have a lot of passions, including my three grandchildren & family, nursing and travel."
Lisa Goodin, Board of Directors
Retired Middle School Principal, Fayette County Public Schools
"I have always felt my calling is to help those that are less fortunate or are in need of service in some way. Being an active volunteer of the Toy Chest has allowed me to continue to help children and families and to bring happiness to their lives."
Ron Gray, Founder & Board of Directors
VP of Operations, Guardian HealthStaff
Host & Moderator, Conversations that Matter with Ron Gray
"My niece, Brooke, is the inspiration behind the Toy Chest. The happiness and joy I see in her is the same thrill of being a kid I wish every child could realize. Every kid deserves the carefree joys of childhood and my wish is that the Toy Chest helps bring that same joy to every kid we serve."
Julie Greene, Board of Directors
Registered Nurse
"I wanted to focus my energy on an organization with a mission to help children in need. The Toy Chest is the perfect opportunity for me to engage with other like-minded volunteers and it allows me to set an example for my children of service to others."
Lanni Griffin, Board of Directors
Business Analyst
"I'm a high-energy business analyst with a focus on finance and accounting. I became involved with the Toy Chest after moving to KY a couple years ago. I strive to be a person of value, rather than a person of success. The Toy Chest provides me an opportunity to do this. I can't say enough about being involved with children's service organizations."
Dr. Jessica Henry, DNP, FNP-BC, Board of Directors
Nurse Practitioner
"Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Her quote inspires me to continue advocating for our most vulnerable citizens."
Logan Nance, Board of Directors
Midway City Council
"As the local rep for Scholastic, I have worked to ensure that every child in our community has access to books in their schools and homes. I am honored to join the board of directors of the Toy Chest because I believe every child should be able to wake up on Christmas morning with something waiting for them under the tree."
Cherlynn Stevenson, Board of Directors
Kentucky House Representative, 88th District
"The ability to spread light and love to impoverished children via the Toy Chest is a natural extension of the service to which I have devoted my life. I am a native Kentuckian, committed to the well-being of those in my immediate community and throughout the great Commonwealth. I live in Lexington, but grew up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, where I witnessed the needs of children, like the Toy Chest serves, on a daily basis."
Priscilla K. Gray, Honorary Board of Directors (deceased 2017)
Founding Board Member, 2012-2017
We lost our Mother on February 23, 2017. Our Mother was a founding board member of the Toy Chest and instrumental in developing and supporting many of our service projects. She loved to be active in all aspects of the Toy Chest, but particularly the domestic violence project where we provide welcome bags to kids entering shelters.We are honored to name her an Honorary member of the Board of Directors.
We are also excited the Toy Chest created a service learning grant in our Mother's name, called the Priscilla K. Gray Service Learning Grant. The Toy Chest will award a service grant to a high school student or group of students up to $1,500 annually.
The grant will be used to fund a service project developed and implemented by Kentucky students. Submission criteria will include a short essay detailing the service idea, objective(s), implementation, and evaluation plans.
This is a unique service learning opportunity to foster service values in KY children and give them a platform to serve other children in their own communities.
The service learning grant will honor our Mother's legacy of commitment to her family, community and children all over KY.
Ron Gray
LeAnn Gray-Carrier
Co-Chairs, Priscilla K. Gray Service Learning Grant Committee