Meet GSSJC Board Member Bud Simpson

Girl Scouting is for every girl

Bud Simpson’s first introduction to Girl Scouting was also GSSJC’s first Urban Campout. His employer, The Coastal Corporation, had been asked to underwrite the annual fundraising gala that benefits girls at risk. “We were so impressed with the needs and their desire to reach these girls that we agreed to the underwriting and established a continuing partnership with the Council that lasted until Coastal was acquired by another company,” he said.

Although he has since retired from Coastal as vice president of corporate human resources and environmental and safety compliance, Bud keeps plenty busy with his work at the Girl Scouts. He has served on GSSJC’s board for the past 12 years (excepting a one-year absence), and his dedication to Girl Scouting remains undiminished.

What has kept him involved for so long? “First, I believe the education and character development of our youth is an imperative for our country. Second, I believe every child, regardless of circumstances, deserves the right to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Because of the excellence of its programs and the tremendous leverage provided by our dedicated volunteers, I believe our Council is uniquely effective in achieving these goals.”

Besides his work with the Girl Scouts, Bud serves on the Board of Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers and the Advisory Board of The Children’s Center for Self Esteem, and he is active with several other nonprofit organizations. He and his wife Nancy work together at a Medical Center Apartment ministry, where they

manage several apartments that are used by people who are in Houston for extended medical treatment. When CEO Mary Vitek gives him time off, Bud also enjoys playing a round of golf. 

Bud graduated from Colgate University, in upstate New York. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged as a Captain.

Bud’s final word on Girl Scouting: “The real heroes of this organization are our 14,000 dedicated volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of so many girls. These are the people who should be featured in this article, not me.”

More About Bud:

What is your favorite Girl Scout Cookie?

It was Animal Treasures, now it’s Thank Yous.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Retired!

What makes you laugh?

Cora Ann’s jokes, of which I am typically the brunt.

What’s your favorite saying?

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Family Partnership Annual Giving Campaign

My daughter, Olivia, now 9-years-old, joined Girl Scouts at the age of 7. As a young girl, she was very shy and reserved. She used to start her day off with a tummy ache and/or throwing up. Now, by the grace of Girl Scouts she has been able to overcome many personal battles. She has never been able before to make a presentation in front of people, much less a class project.

This year (3rd grade) she had a presentation which was a major part of her grade and her teacher was determined that she should be able to perform in front of her class. This task has been very difficult for her. In the past, she would just fall out crying, throw up or just fall to pieces. She had to present a neighborhood project, which included interviewing four members of our community, and present all her facts before the class in a four-minute presentation. Well, for Mother’s Day, we prepared and practiced over and over again until she felt comfortable.

I was a mess. I dropped her off at school and begged the teacher to allow her to do her performance in private but the teacher assured me that everything would be fine. She performed her presentation accurately without crying, complaining of tummy problems, or throwing up. Everyone in her class was so proud of her. Both students and teachers cheered her on and gave her hugs.

This was the best Mother’s Day present I could have ever received. She felt the greatness of accomplishment and I believe that without Girl Scouts, this would not have been a possibility.

Girl Scouts has opened her eyes. It has given her confidence and assurance that no matter the challenges she faces in life, she can succeed. Thank you for helping my daughter and showing me the process of support and belief in the Girl Scout program.

Signed, Samantha

This story is just one illustration of the benefits of Girl Scouting’s programs, ideals and values that help girls no matter what their age.

My family and I do not see Girl Scout involvement and program delivery as a “one size fits all” model, so looking at creative ways to provide learning and growth opportunities to more girls seems very reasonable to us.

The theme of this year’s Family Partnership Annual Giving Campaign is “Building the Future.” This is a concept that everyone should understand and I hope that by helping to contribute to the Family Partnership Campaign, everyone will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council will reach out and offer Girl Scout program to as many girls as possible. Please look into your own lives and see the benefits that the Girl Scout program has brought to you and participate in “Building the Future” to allow many more girls to participate in Girl Scouts.

Thank you in advance for your participation and support of the Family Partnership Annual Giving Campaign.

Julie and Martin Ullrich
Chair of Family Partnership