A leading influencer in her field, Beth A. Thorp co-founded and serves as executive director of the Mitchell Thorp Foundation in memory of her son Mitchell, who passed away in 2008 of an undiagnosed illness, and they are now going on their 11th year. Prior to his passing, it was a very hard journey of taking him in and out of hospitals looking for answers, and people from all of the United States heard about their story. The community came out for them when they heard about their situation and did a walkathon for them, and they were able to raise $75,000 to help pay off a $100,000 medical bill. It truly changed her and her husband’s lives tremendously.
When Mitchell passed, they knew there were other families going through what they had went through and they wanted to pay it forward. They are very faith-based people and wanted to help people who were going through what they went through. They started the foundation in 2009 and ever since, they have been making a difference in families lives all throughout California. They are also affiliated with many children’s hospitals up and down the coast, which is how they get referrals. Today, they have four different programs: medical and home assistance, healing and rehabilitation, wheelchair conversation vans and youth leadership. This is a total change of hats from what Ms. Thorp used to do, and she now wears a philanthropy hat. She just felt like the enemy messed with the wrong “momma bear,” so she is going ahead to help some more families. They have had 100% success rate in keeping families together.
Before taking on her current role, Ms. Thorp was president of Powerful Impressions from 1987 to 2009, the district sales leader in women’s fashion apparel at Tanner Inc., from 2002 to 2005, and director of business development for Worth New York from 2013 to 2014. She attributes her success to her determination, as well as the love for what she does, the love for her son and a love for others. Making a difference in other people’s lives is Ms. Thorp’s driving force.
Prior to the start of her professional career, Ms. Thorp pursued a formal education at the Ray College of Design, now known as the Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, earning an Associate of Arts in fashion merchandising in 1981. She then attended McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where she attained an additional Associate of Arts in business, management, marketing and related support services in 1982. Additionally, Ms. Thorp is a certified image professional.
Active with the North County Philanthropy Counsel, Ms. Thorp was formerly a member of the Association of Image Consultants International. In light of her accomplishments, she received the Leadership Award from ABC 10 News and Leadership San Diego. Recently, she also received a $25,000 grant from Harrah’s Resort. Moving forward, Ms. Thorp sees herself with a published book and speaking again to share the message.