Tanya Gaab recently retired from the U.S. Army. A mission, however, continues. The founder of and executive director for the Sandhills Guardian Foundation, Tanya aims to supply foster children in the area with a higher quality of life.
Originally from New York, Tanya moved to North Carolina while in middle school. She’s lived in Moore County since 2011. The foundation, considering numbers alone, faces an uphill fight.
There are 10,000 foster kids in North Carolina, but only 6,000 or so foster families in the state.
“We want to provide more than just the basics, both experiences and material items,” Tanya, a graduate of West Point, says.
The average age of a foster child in North Carolina, according to available data, is 8. Tanya explained that kids of all appropriate ages are in foster care.
“It goes from birth all the way to 17,” she says. “If a child were 18, we could provide that need as well.”
Based in Whispering Pines, the foundation is now designated as a 501c3 nonprofit. The issues it’s designed to overcome have been on Tanya’s radar since at least graduate school.
“I talked about the abuse of boys in Afghanistan,” she revealed. “It impacts the criminal justice system, the healthcare system. My thesis focused on how child abuse and maltreatment impact our society.”
Through the foundation’s work, Tanya hopes the youngsters grasp a key message.
“I want them to know people love them,” she says. “It’s about the larger impact to our community, later.”
Donations finance the foundation’s cause.
“We have a social media site and a website,” Tanya says. “We ask for business partnerships. Farms, hairdressers – that’s how we fund the experiences (for the kids).”
An upcoming gathering – the 2025 First Annual Sandhills Guardian Foundation Gala-style Holiday Event – is scheduled to take place Friday, Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tanya hopes it inspires members of the community to get interested.
“I’m hopeful we have people willing to get involved,” she says. “We’d love some generous people to donate their time and money.”
As for attendance, Tanya, who’s assisted by four or five volunteers, has a specific figure in mind.
“I think 75 would be a healthy number,” she says. “It would be a great goal to have 75 folks here. We’ve sold some tickets. We’re still getting the word out.”
Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the event. Sponsors for other offerings are still being sought.
“We’re looking for sponsors to donate beer and wine,” Tanya informed.
Peter Mutabazi, an author and foster dad to several kids, is the guest speaker at the gala, which will happen at a private home in Pinehurst. There will also be a silent auction and live music.
“I’m very excited,” Tanya, the mother of two children, says.
Feature photo: Tanya Gaab. Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter, please click here.
Follow Sandhills Sentinel: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Newsletter
