A Heartfelt Farewell After 14 Wonderful Years at Tawonga

By: Lisa Wertheim

The time has come…I will be stepping away from my role in the Development Department at Camp Tawonga at the end of December.

It’s hard to put into words just how deeply I have cherished this role for the nearly 14 years I have been here. From the very first day, Tawonga gave me far more than I could have ever imagined. The gifts have been abundant: dear friends, a profound sense of purpose, colleagues who inspire and uplift me daily, as well as loads of professional and personal growth beyond imagination.

Being part of this extraordinary community has enhanced my life in ways I will cherish and reflect on for years. I am continually humbled by the magic of this place and the people who make it what it is—people who lead with heart, vision, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child and young adult.

I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride. Together, we built a strong culture of giving that grew into a vibrant, sustainable Annual Fund; a Capital Campaign that strengthened Tawonga’s site with essential upgrades to ensure Camp is safe, accessible, and thriving; a supportive endowment fund to keep buildings updated and more campers coming with financial assistance; and a flourishing Legacy Society (now 150+ strong) to support the Tawonga of tomorrow. 

But of all these accomplishments, my favorite part has always been witnessing the joy in a child’s eyes as they begin to believe in themselves—that moment of confidence, of true self-esteem emerging. I feel deeply honored to have played a part in nurturing the next generation of warm-hearted humans who will create a ripple effect of goodness in the world.

I am forever grateful to Ken Kramarz z”l, who saw something in me and brought me on board back in 2012. To Jamie Simon, with whom I was lucky to partner for so many years, and to Becca Meyer, whose thoughtful and passionate leadership continues to steer Tawonga toward a bright future—thank you. To the many board members I’ve had the privilege of working alongside, your partnership and friendship were essential to all we have accomplished.

And to our incredible donor community. Thank you for believing in the vision and making it real. Your generosity and commitment help ensure that Tawonga remains a sacred space where children can grow, thrive, and discover who they truly are. 

As for what’s next, I’ll be taking some time to rest, recharge, and enjoy being with my family and grandchildren before continuing my journey as a fundraising consultant and coach. I’m excited to help other organizations build the kind of culture and community we’ve cultivated here, and to help people become their most authentic selves. 

Mollie Breger will continue as Tawonga’s Director of Development, and I truly couldn’t imagine a more thoughtful, dedicated, and capable person to carry this work forward. You’ll be in excellent hands with her leadership, passion, and deep love for Camp. 

As Ken would say, Once a Tawongan, always a Tawongan, and thank goodness that’s true. I look forward to seeing many of you at future Tawonga programs. I know I’ll remain close at hand.