About Us
Linda Sanborn began her idea of DUO while teaching, but it wasn’t until she became a Santa Rosa County School Board Member that she could make her idea into a reality. She wanted principals of our Santa Rosa County Public Schools to have funds to help a student immediately with a critical need.
In April of 2023, with some key pieces in place, Linda began fund-raising on her own and by September, she had $38,900 raised, ready to distribute 38 $1000 debit cards to 38 principals for the 2023-2024 school year.
In the fall of 2023, Linda then pulled together a board to help her guide the organization and to help fund-raise for the following school year. The board members are all volunteers and they all started fund-raising immediately.
We kept our goal of raising enough funds to distribute $38,000 each September for the 2024-2025 and the 2025-2026 school years. Plus, we have raised extra funds for the principals when they have had to call for additional DUO Dollars to help more children with critical needs.
We have now set our yearly goal of fundraising to $48,000.
We will have our second annual Clay Shoot this November to raise funds for the 2026-2027 distribution of cards. We are adding a wine-tasting event in February. We will have our third annual Dinner Theater fund raiser in March, and our second annual Run and Row fund raiser in April.
We are busy making sure that our children in Santa Rosa County are not left out because of financial hardships.
All the individual bio and pictures of members follow.
Linda Sanborn is the founder and President of the DUO program. She retired after teaching Spanish and English for 35 years, the last 28 of which were at Milton High School. Additionally, she is co-owner and vice-president of Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center. The mother of three and grandmother of eight, Linda has served on the Santa Rosa County School Board since 2018.
Hollace Riffell is Vice-President of DUO. Now retired after having taught in both public and private schools in Ohio and Florida, Hollace enjoys the chance to continue helping students through DUO’s mission.
Elizabeth Henderson is Secretary for DUO Board, serving as the memory bank for all of their decisions, activities, and goals. Liz retired from East Milton Elementary in 2022 after teaching 21 years. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and nature and hopes to visit all 50 states. Her goal in life is to emulate the DUO motto: Do Unto Others.
Desi Lee is Treasurer of the DUO Board. He volunteers in several organizations in Santa Rosa County. He is a graduate of Florida State University and is a special education teacher.
Kimberly Anderson is head of marketing for the DUO Board. Kim works for Sunbelt Title Agency, and is a busy wife and working mom. She is honored to be a part of the DUO program, helping students with critical needs.
Marie Locklin is a recently retired teacher of 39 years in Santa Rosa County. She began her career in Maracaibo, Venezuela, as an assistant teacher in an international K-12 school for a total of 40 years in education. Marie is dedicated to serving all students and families.
Rhonda Lowe is a real estate broker with RE/MAX Infinity, serving Pace and the surrounding communities. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with friends. Rhonda is honored to serve on the board to help make a positive impact.
DUO Board Members
Linda Sanborn
Founder and President
Hollace Riffell
Vice President
Liz Henderson
Secretary
Desi Lee
Treasurer
Kimberly Andrews
Marketing
Rhonda Lowe
Marie Locklin
Jim Taylor
Retired