Dec 10, 2018 / Spotlight
Get to Know our SRH Staff: Danni Sanford, Development Communications Coordinator
What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis?
I work with the Development team to establish, maintain and expand relationships with donors. Some days this means grant-writing while other days I work as a wordsmith to craft letters that will educate potential friends about the hospital’s work or inspire new gifts. Every day is different and is a learning experience!
What skills do you need for your job?
My seven year anniversary is this month! Prior to coming to Scottish Rite Hospital, I was an Elementary Writing Teacher/Coach/Specialist in Dallas ISD. Since part of my work in the schools involved grant-writing, I applied for the position with the hospital.
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children ?
Working with the Development team and getting to meet so many different people from around the hospital. We do some truly amazing things with and for children.
What drives or motivates you to do what you do every day?
My children. My daughter is a patient at the hospital. Since she has had a number of medical challenges, we know what it’s like for families who have children with complex medical needs.
And we know what the “typical” hospital experience can be like. This hospital is different in so many significant ways. If I can make it possible for even one more child to have an experience like we’ve had, I want to do that.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first official job was as a Pharmacy Clerk at Eckerds. I was 16 years old, didn’t have a driver’s license yet, and the store was within walking distance from my house. After college, I worked as a layout artist at The Lubbock Avalanche Journal, then as an Account Executive and Copywriter for a Dallas advertising agency. Teaching – and graduate school – followed. And now, Scottish Rite Hospital!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two young children – ages four years and 22 months. My spare time is primarily spent playing with the kids or thinking up new ways to make myself even busier. My husband and I serve on the Children’s Medical Center Heart Center Advisory Team and the Family Advisory Board at Children’s Medical Center. We’re also somewhat active in Mended Little Hearts and at our kids’ daycare.
What is your favorite…
I had my first copy of Gray’s Anatomy (the book, not the TV series) when I was 12. After taking AP Biology II in high school and killing off all of my fruit flies during our genetics experiment, my aspirations were modified somewhat. I decided instead that I should be a writer.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
White water rafting down the Gauley River. I was accidentally knocked out of the boat by our guide and wound up in the water, trapped under our raft - fun times.
What’s the last book you read?
Audible is my friend these days. The last book I listened to was The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I’m currently working on The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen.
To contribute to our mission of giving children back their childhood, please call our Development department at 214-559-8374 or learn more on our website.
I work with the Development team to establish, maintain and expand relationships with donors. Some days this means grant-writing while other days I work as a wordsmith to craft letters that will educate potential friends about the hospital’s work or inspire new gifts. Every day is different and is a learning experience!
What skills do you need for your job?
- A passion for discovering new ways to communicate ordinary things.
- Patience and persistence to research and gather information from various sources.
- Tremendous willpower…not to eat the entire jar of chocolate sitting outside of my office
My seven year anniversary is this month! Prior to coming to Scottish Rite Hospital, I was an Elementary Writing Teacher/Coach/Specialist in Dallas ISD. Since part of my work in the schools involved grant-writing, I applied for the position with the hospital.
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children ?
Working with the Development team and getting to meet so many different people from around the hospital. We do some truly amazing things with and for children.
What drives or motivates you to do what you do every day?
My children. My daughter is a patient at the hospital. Since she has had a number of medical challenges, we know what it’s like for families who have children with complex medical needs.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first official job was as a Pharmacy Clerk at Eckerds. I was 16 years old, didn’t have a driver’s license yet, and the store was within walking distance from my house. After college, I worked as a layout artist at The Lubbock Avalanche Journal, then as an Account Executive and Copywriter for a Dallas advertising agency. Teaching – and graduate school – followed. And now, Scottish Rite Hospital!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two young children – ages four years and 22 months. My spare time is primarily spent playing with the kids or thinking up new ways to make myself even busier. My husband and I serve on the Children’s Medical Center Heart Center Advisory Team and the Family Advisory Board at Children’s Medical Center. We’re also somewhat active in Mended Little Hearts and at our kids’ daycare.
What is your favorite…
- Hospital event: Since Development just pulled off a stunning victory this year – the Annual Halloween Costume Contest
- Food in the cafeteria: I love the wrap sandwiches, yummy soups and turkey tetrazzini!
- Place in the hospital: Allan Shivers Park. We had my daughter’s 4th birthday party there last May.
- Place to travel: I spent a year in Nashville at Vanderbilt…so I adore Tennessee!
- Type of food: Sweets are my kryptonite!
- TV show: When I’m actually watching something other than True and the Rainbow Kingdom or Paw Patrol, I really enjoy This is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale
I had my first copy of Gray’s Anatomy (the book, not the TV series) when I was 12. After taking AP Biology II in high school and killing off all of my fruit flies during our genetics experiment, my aspirations were modified somewhat. I decided instead that I should be a writer.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
White water rafting down the Gauley River. I was accidentally knocked out of the boat by our guide and wound up in the water, trapped under our raft - fun times.
What’s the last book you read?
Audible is my friend these days. The last book I listened to was The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I’m currently working on The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen.
To contribute to our mission of giving children back their childhood, please call our Development department at 214-559-8374 or learn more on our website.
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