Sunnyside Communities is delighted to share that Lynda McMillen, our former director of development, has been named this year’s recipient of the Sandra S Neff Fundraising Executive Award. Presented by the Shenandoah Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, this honor recognizes a fundraising professional who exemplifies integrity, leadership, and a commitment to ethical and compassionate philanthropy.
Lynda’s eighteen year career at Sunnyside Communities shaped the way we understand generosity and community care. She began as a development officer, grew into the role of assistant director, and eventually became director of development. In each position, she put people at the center of her work. Her efforts helped ensure that residents who outlived their financial resources could remain in the place they loved and continued to call home. That mission grounded everything she did.
What makes this award so special is that it recognizes the qualities Lynda brought to her work every day. She formed genuine relationships across all three of our campuses in Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Martinsville. She listened closely. She supported residents with a kind and steady presence. She guided donors with clarity and warmth. Under her leadership, the Fellowship Fund grew in ways that directly impacted the lives of older adults and strengthened our entire organization.
Lynda also became a trusted ambassador for Sunnyside Communities across Virginia. She visited Presbyterian churches and presbytery women’s groups, sharing the stories of our residents and inviting others to join in the mission. She created programs and gatherings that helped people feel connected to the heart of giving. Her colleagues remember her energy, her thoughtful planning, and her willingness to dream up new ideas that made philanthropy feel inviting rather than intimidating.
Her work did more than raise funds. It raised awareness, built trust, and reminded our community that generosity can be a powerful force for dignity and stability. As an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she brought that same spirit to the broader professional community, contributing her voice to conversations about ethics, standards, and the future of the field.
Although Lynda is now enjoying retirement, her influence is still felt. The relationships she built, the systems she strengthened, and the culture of compassion she helped shape continue forward in meaningful ways. Her award celebrates not only her career but also the vibrant impact she continues to have on the people and mission of Sunnyside Communities.
We are proud of Lynda. We are grateful for her dedication. And we celebrate this well earned recognition with heartfelt joy. Watch her tribute video here.
