About the Flip Flops Foundation

A friend community inspired to do good and give back.

Who We Are

Created by childhood friends who, reconnecting after the loss of one of their own, commit to pay forward the generous, fun- loving spirit and inspiration of their shared youth … to benefit the next generation.

What We Do

We commit our time, talent and resources to uplift, support and benefit people and causes in & around the Carlisle, Pennsylvania area and community.

What We Value

Individuals, teams, organizations and causes that aspire to something better, and are committed to demonstrate leadership or responsibility, cultivate potential, provide service to others, strive to improve, and make a positive impact on themselves or another person, cause or community. We value the “high quality teammate” more than the obvious “star.”

And we value anyone wearing flip flops in any situation.

Meet the Friends and Community of the Flip Flops Foundation

Click each image for more information.

In honor of

Todd Copenhaver
Social Chair

Sheila Shrader Bixby
Finance Chair

Patrick Bryant
Governance Chair

Frank Castrina

Tim Estes
Fundraising Chair

Kim Neely
Grants Chair

Erik Nordberg

Mike Shenk

Heidi Vass Tirjan

In honor of

Todd Copenhaver

MY NAME: Todd Copenhaver, (12/25/66-7/7/20)

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: Todd Copenhaver, was all our friend, a generous, fun-loving, positive spirit and an exceptional human being. As he was from his time at Crestview Elementary through high school in Carlisle, PA, Todd in his youth remained an avid swimmer and saxophone player and the social heart of any group he belonged to – the welcoming, fun-loving, optimistic core – as well as the face and model of invested volunteerism at any event. He was a loving husband and father to his wife Sherri, and two children, Ross and Avery, a daughter with special needs.

Todd’s greatest joys were his family and water. He loved to sail, water ski, surf, swim and be in/on the water in any capacity. He thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Atlanta Yacht Club. He was a patient teacher and an extraordinary father. Todd was a Life Scout, and one of his proudest moments was the day his son, Ross, became an Eagle Scout. He was always the first to volunteer to help with school, robotics, swim team, regattas, and more – dedicating himself to any interest his children pursued and equally encouraging children and families beyond his own. His positive and upbeat attitude was noticed and admired by all. He definitely left our world better than he found it.

Todd’s life has inspired the creation of The Flip Flops Foundation to benefit Carlisle area grant recipients – continuing to meet needs, support worthy causes, and encourage youth scholarship – as Todd would have done.

Social Chair

Sheila Shrader Bixby

MY NAME: Sheila Shrader Bixby

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: My philosophy has always been that time and talent are as valuable as monetary giving. While there are a few charities that I donate money to, my usual giving strategy is working locally where my time and talents are needed to serve the community.

Finance Chair

Patrick Bryant

MY NAME: Patrick Bryant

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: I support the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and volunteer time toward the education of residents and other students (medical, PA, nursing, and some high school) at medical facilities I’ve been affiliated with. Currently, enjoying time with our esteemed Veterans these days.

Governance Chair

Frank Castrina

MY NAME: Frank Castrina

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: After years of corporate life, I’m pointing my time and energy toward volunteering. Beyond the Flip Flops Foundation, I’m providing mentorship as a “Big” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, and I’m passionate about supporting the world class nature and cultural organization, the Portland Japanese Garden, as a docent, horticultural volunteer and public tour guide. Support can be given in many forms … financial to be sure, but time and talent are always in need and in demand!

Tim Estes

MY NAME: Tim Estes

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: Wants to be a fighter pilot and chocolatier when grown up.

Fundraising Chair

Kim Neely

MY NAME: Kimberly Neely

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: After working as a technical writer with the Pennsylvania Medical Society for several years, I fell into fundraising as a profession as the result of a move. I’ve worked as a professional fundraiser for more than 25 years – mostly higher education and healthcare – and love what I do. Asking for money to provide access, affordability, opportunity, advantage, discovery, and advancement from people who have the means and the inclination to do better is a privilege. I’ve served on numerous boards ranging from regional branches of national organizations to small, start up not-for-profits. I believe that financial investment – to the best of one’s capacity – goes hand-in-hand with volunteerism. In addition to Flip Flops, I’m currently serving on the Centre County Children’s Advocacy Center board (services for children who have been physically and sexually abused) and a bank board. I work for the Pennsylvania State University as a Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations.

Grants Chair

Erik Nordberg

MY NAME: Erik Nordberg

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1983

MY GIVING MINDSET: After 23 years of military service, followed by another 10 in defense contracting and teaching at the university level, I’m synchronizing my efforts and resources to support those in need. In addition to the Flip Flops Foundation, I actively support the Green Beret Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Foundation, the PA Wounded Warrior Foundation, and the Sideline Cancer (Griffith Family) Foundation. My mantra: “Even the slightest bit of help or assistance can make a difference in someone’s life…change the world one person at a time.”

Mike Shenk

MY NAME: Mike Shenk

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1984

MY GIVING MINDSET: After 26 years of military life, I’ve pointed my time and motivation toward serving in the emergency management space. Beyond the Flip Flops Foundation, I serve as a Team Rubicon volunteer manager across 23 Texas counties (TeamRubiconUSA.org). I’m passionate about disaster education, preparedness, response, and recovery. Serving communities before and after disasters is incredibly rewarding. Support can be given in many forms … I encourage you to “find your why” and pour your heart and soul into chasing your passion!

Heidi Vass Tirjan

MY NAME: Heidi Vass Tirjan

MY CLASS: Carlisle High School, 1985

MY GIVING MINDSET: My Dad taught me to always give back to my local community as he did, with his time, knowledge and dollars. So I’ve been doing just that since my teens, starting with the Special Olympics. Now, as an adult, I focus on where I feel my time, knowledge and dollars can make the most impact to others. Besides the Flip Flops Foundation, I’m passionate about the Arts, our Natural Environment, and Women’s and Girls issues. I focus my volunteer efforts in these areas and have held board positions for such local non-profits as Riverbend Environmental Education Center, The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Main Line Arts Center, and as President of The Junior League of Philadelphia Inc. My favorite things about volunteering are making friends and seeing smiles when I make a difference in someone’s life. ❤️