Sanborn Of Rye Has Been A Long-Time Volunteer On The Seacoast

RYE, NH — Without community leaders, Rye wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Lee Sheedy, a Rye reader who nominated Tim Sanborn.

How do you know this community leader?

A friend from church.

What does this community leader do?

Tim has been a resident of Rye since 1987 and has two sons. Both his sons attended Rye schools and enjoyed the many community programs and the adjoining beaches/New Hampshire Seacoast, and he believes there is no better place to raise a family. One of his goals in volunteering was to help preserve the local community for generations to come. After serving 20 years in the corporate world in a variety of management and development positions, Tim passed up transfers/promotions, choosing to work part-time as a consultant in order to devote more time to the local community. This has allowed him to serve as: Rye Beach Commissioner for 10 years, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of Rye’s beaches and playing an integral role in restructuring the commission/dept. to create a sustainable model. Rye Education Foundation Board (President & Treasurer) for eight years, raising over $1 million in a capital campaign to supplement the public school budget and provide educational enhancement/enrichment programs to the Rye schools. Also created a scholarship for a long-time school board member serving as committee chair for 10 years. Rye Little League Director since 1997 developing youth by not only teaching baseball fundamentals but also life lessons; and held leadership positions at every program level and went on to coach a Babe Ruth State Champion team. Also initiated and created a volunteer of the year award for a long-time volunteer board member who served for over 30 years without a child in the program. Rye Surf Club Membership director for four years, increasing the wait list from 12 to over 40, helping to ensure the value of our memberships and our long-term sustainability. Portsmouth Youth Football-director since 2004 and current president dedicated to building a successful program in developing youth by not only teaching football fundamentals but also life lessons in the spirit of developing courage, confidence and character in local youth. Seacoast Science Center — Helped to generate/fundraise to improve and preserve this important part of our coastline, providing an educational venue to our ocean marine life. Gather — Volunteers 2-3 times/week at the local food pantry that serves food-challenged people. In summary, Tim has been serving as a volunteer and Board member in a variety of different organizations since 1997 and constantly giving back to the community. He is committed to making the Rye community an even better place to live.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

I believe Tim Sanborn should be recognized, because he steps up to pull off big events, advocates for important causes, and serves in a variety of volunteer positions in Rye. His inherent nature to give back to community (the long list of community service over decades in the last question) reveals a servant’s heart. In addition, Tim attended and graduated from the Leadership Seacoast class; a program designed to provide greater insight into leadership through experientials in all facets of a community and the value of volunteerism to sustain the quality of life in the seacoast region.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

A hero is someone who singlehandedly, or by leading people, overcomes obstacles to create victories. Tim’s heroics have come in both ways to the people of Rye. His relentless efforts always pursue the next best thing to help or improve the community of Rye, whether leading a group or acting solo. For decades, he has served as a leader/volunteer to help Rye. He has a personal creed in his service to community, “Always add value, be part of the solution.”

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Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.