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> Board members:
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> First, thank you for approving the exploration of merger with Darkness to Light. I wanted to give you some further background on the organization and some of the reasoning behind this proposed merger. There are many benefits, and certainly some challenges. But I believe when you evaluate the objective evidence you will conclude this merger is extremely beneficial and the right thing to pursue.
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> D2L was formed in 2000 in Charleston, SC, as a child sexual abuse prevention organization. Currently the organization has 10 employees, 8 full time and 2 part-time, all located in Charleston, SC. Their complete financial data can be found at https://www.d2l.org/about/financials/ <https://www.d2l.org/about/financials/> . I will point out that the audited financials are through FY2015-2016; the FY 2016-2017 year financials will not be available for a few months.

> D2L has several thousand facilitators delivering the Stewards of Children program in nearly all 50 states, and 12 countries. As you know, Stewards of Children is the only evidence informed child sexual abuse prevention program in the US. The current CEO, Katelyn Brewer joined the organization in 2017. The organization has had some turnover in the CEO position in the last 5 years. Katelyn, who is the 3rd CEO in 6 years, has prior experience as a Chief Operating Officer with a few other large nonprofits, this is her first CEO position. She has no background in child abuse, which is limiting. It is my belief that we can bring the passion and the story to move this message to where it must go to truly fulfill Beau’s promise.
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> There are several positive reasons for this merger, most significantly is that we share the same mission as D2L. One of the two programs that we deliver is their trademarked program, Stewards of Children. Further, the Beau Biden Foundation ought to be, the national voice on child abuse prevention and keeping children safe online; D2L has or has had a presence in nearly every state and overseas. A national organization requires national presence.

> Growth for D2L is frankly somewhat limited by their name, and they know that. BBF can gain entree into organizations that they may not be able to access. They have the programming, and we have the story and the voice in this child protection arena— a merger serves to provide our own product and a broader presence. I think as we move to engage national organizations in training, we should be in control of the programming. This is an outstanding proven program, and I am certain that the objective data would indicate creating a new programing model is not the efficient way to proceed, especially given the already widespread, effective nature of Stewards of Children. Rather, merging our two organizations is the best option.
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> Josh and I were first approached about merger by Dr. Lyndon Havilland, a board member, during the time she was serving as interim CEO. The current CEO, Katelyn Brewer has mentioned this to me as well. I know personally the majority of the employees, as I have dealt with them when I was with the DOJ and in this position, and am a board member- for 6 years. They are good people all committed to the mission- based on my interaction with them I am confident they will all support joining our organizations. Many have actually told me that. I am confident that the majority of the D2L board would support as well.

> My vision is that I would continue to lead the organization, with Josh in a top management position. I am aware this would require travel to Charleston quite a bit. (For the record, I do not own a home in or near Charleston:)) I know that this would be more work and would have a cost attached to it for the time and travel. The location in Charleston may be a bit of a drawback, but may also be viewed in as a benefit because as a national organization I believe it is positive to have more than one location. We are also aware that once merged there may be cost savings in sorting out duplicative positions.

Please let’s engage in a challenging conversation around this issue. I am eager to hear your thoughts and concerns as we move through this process.

As always, thank you for your support. We look forward to taking on this challenge.

Best—

Patty

Patricia Dailey Lewis, Esquire
Executive Director
Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children

www.beaubidenfoundation.org <http://www.beaubidenfoundation.org/>
patty@beaubidenfoundation.org <mailto:patty@beaubidennfoundation.org>

“We have seen the progress that can be made when society commits to shining a bright light on a crime like domestic violence, and we are seeing the beginning of what can be accomplished if we continue shining that bright light on child abuse. As adults, we have a legal and moral obligation to stand up and speak out for children who are being abused. These children cannot speak for themselves.” —Beau Biden