E62: Turning Personal Loss Into Community Impact with Susan Combs from Pancakes for Roger

Lead with Heart | Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, Nonprofit Management & Fundraising

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Today’s guest is Susan Combs - the founder of the nonprofit organization Pancakes for Roger. Her journey began with a heartfelt tribute to her father, Major General Roger Combs, a Vietnam War veteran who battled throat cancer due to Agent Orange exposure.
From a simple wish for pancakes to a nationwide movement, Susan has turned a personal loss into a mission of giving back to the brave men and women who serve our country. Her innovative approach to fundraising and community engagement has propelled Pancakes for Roger to incredible heights, making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans.
I’m honored that she is sharing her story with us today.
In this episode:

• [02:34] The emotional journey that led Susan to create Pancakes for Rogers
• [07:51] Overcoming the challenges that accompany grief
• [12:25] How to navigate difficult conversations
• [17:21] The differences between starting a nonprofit and a for-profit organization
• [21:12] Using social media to create a sense of community
• [24:52] Upcoming initiatives for Pancakes for Roger

RESOURCES
Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide for Slaying Dragons by Susan Combs

CONNECT WITH SUSAN
LinkedIn: Susan L Combs
Instagram: @combsandcompany and @pancakesforroger
Website: pancakesforroger.org

My book, Sow, Grow, Lead is live on Amazon! It shares my journey of starting a nonprofit in Malawi and offers practical strategies to help nonprofit leaders turn visions into reality, and create meaningful impact

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CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
Produced by Ideablossoms