Get To Know Our Members
Anthony Cardinal
Founder/ C.E.O
Innovative, creative, and an excellent visionary – these are just some of the words used to describe Mr. Anthony Cardinal whose talents are well known in Florida. On the 28th of October 1988 in his native island of Trinidad and Tobago, he was promoted to the position of Supplemental Police Superintendent for 11 years. Anthony also created and operated his own private security company. Mr. Cardinal also had a career in law enforcement in New York City. Worked in consulting, Strategic planning, development, branding, and marketing. In 2000 He created and launched his line of clothing, Kenscoff Sportswear. In 2009, Cardinal’s passion for children and their welfare led him to the creation of an organization whose main challenge is to help children in need and those who served. 1st Veterans Kids Care, Inc. was born. The nonprofit organization was created to transform the lives of children of our military by identifying and fulfilling their needs. 1st Veterans Kids Care is committed to creating an awareness of the needs and life challenges our veterans, their spouses, and children in America undergo when they are faced with the tragic death or disability of one or both parents at war.
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On January 28, 2016, Cardinal launched his own Property Investment and Development Company, Cardinal Homes and LLC in the Central Florida area. His mission is to deliver the American dream home where clients receive the most satisfying building, buying experience. Mr. Cardinal and his family are based in sunny Florida, where inspiration is found in nature and all things beautiful. Cardinal is focusing his full attention on giving this lifestyle of comfort and versatility to veterans and those who serve.
Leon R Gaither
Secretary / Veterans Resource Coordinator
Leon R. Gaither is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He graduated from Maryland with a B.S. degree in Zoology and Howard University’s ROTC Leadership Development program. Leon was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and attended the US Army Field Artillery School Officer Basic Course (FAOBC) at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Since 1993 Leon has been active in secondary and post-secondary education and has taught K-20 grades. Leon earned a master’s in science education and a master’s in educational leadership from the Teacher Education University. Leon has served as the Board President and the Military Veterans Program Coordinator of 1st Veterans’ Kids Care, Inc. a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Central Florida. He was responsible for the management and administrative oversight of the organization and instrumental in developing initiatives, programs, and services whose aims were to improve the well-being of children. His main goals are enhancing the organization's opportunities to partner with veteran organizations, private organizations, and educational institutions. Leon’s greatest strengths are his creativity, his passion, his drive, and his leadership abilities. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that allow him the opportunity to expand his community outreach abilities and utilize his critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques. Born and raised in Olney, Maryland, Leon now lives in Boynton Beach, Florida with his wife and best friend Katrina and their daughter Jordan. In his free time, Leon likes to play the guitar, golf, ride his bicycle, and take long walks.
Larry Raymond
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer, 1st Veterans Kids Care
Finance Executive | Facilities Project Manager | Community-Focused Leader
Larry Raymond serves as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of 1st Veterans Kids Care, where he brings a wealth of financial expertise, project management experience, and a steadfast commitment to community empowerment. His multifaceted background bridges the worlds of public service, financial strategy, and operational excellence.
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Educational Background
Larry is a proud graduate of two distinguished institutions:
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University of the West Indies – where he laid the foundation for his career in finance and management.
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Heriot-Watt University – where he deepened his business acumen and leadership capabilities through advanced studies in finance and project management.
This solid academic foundation has been instrumental in shaping his analytical thinking, strategic planning, and results-driven leadership style.
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Professional Experience
In addition to his executive role at 1st Veterans Kids Care, Larry Raymond serves as a Facilities Project Manager for the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. In this role, he is responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of major infrastructure and facility improvement projects across the county, ensuring operational efficiency and public value.
His dual expertise in finance and facility management uniquely positions him to oversee complex budgets while ensuring that projects align with long-term community goals.
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Leadership at 1st Veterans Kids Care
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As CFO and Treasurer, Larry oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for the organization. He plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability—supporting the mission to serve veterans, children, and underserved families with integrity and impact.
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Financial Oversight: Manages organizational budgets, audits, and financial strategies.
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Strategic Guidance: Helps shape long-term growth and program funding.
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Governance: Ensures compliance with financial regulations and nonprofit accountability standards.
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Commitment to Service
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Larry is deeply committed to community development, equitable access to resources, and improving lives through responsible leadership. His work reflects a deep belief in the power of strategic investment and stewardship to create meaningful change.
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Personal Philosophy
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Larry believes that true leadership combines knowledge, humility, and service. His guiding principles—integrity, diligence, and community responsibility—are evident in every role he undertakes. Whether managing multi-million-dollar public projects or overseeing nonprofit finances, he approaches each task with the same dedication to excellence and ethical practice.
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Larry Raymond continues to serve as a vital pillar of 1st Veterans Kids Care, using his global education and local impact to drive progress, transparency, and opportunity for those who need it most.
Cynthia Finley
Director of Home Decor
Cynthia Finley is the Director of Home Decor at 1st Veterans Kids Care, where she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. In her role, she oversees the Home Line department, managing a diverse range of product categories including cook/dining, home décor, bath, bedding, furniture, storage and organization, toys, sporting goods, and hardware. Her comprehensive approach ensures that each area meets the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, pricing accuracy, stock availability, and safety, all aimed at providing an exceptional customer experience.
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Cynthia is also deeply committed to staff development. She has successfully taught and trained over 80 associates, instilling in them the daily work routines, processes, and seasonal transitions necessary for operational excellence. Her daily 30-minute meetings are a cornerstone of her leadership, focusing on business growth, policy updates, and procedural enhancements. Through effective delegation and a strong emphasis on customer service, Cynthia fosters a team environment that prioritizes both employee engagement and customer satisfaction.
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Her dedication to excellence and her strategic leadership have been instrumental in advancing the mission of 1st Veterans Kids Care, contributing to the organization's ongoing success and positive impact in the community.
Katrina Gaither
Vision and Literacy
M.Ed - Central and South Regions Secondary HR Partner
katrina.gaither@palmbeachschools.org
Office: 561.434.8532
Cell: 407.758.1341
Katrina is a lifelong educator with nearly 30 years working in various roles in public schools. She currently serves as Human Resources Partner for the School District of Palm Beach County, supporting a portfolio of schools with all things related to recruitment and retention of staff. It was her love of learning that inspired the launch of her Bring Your Own Joy business. In addition to being a Certified Wellness and Life Coach, she is also a self-proclaimed Joy Enthusiast, as well as an author (You Are Joy-Full: 100+ Ways to Keep the Joy of Your Faith in Focus), motivational speaker, and educator. It is her sincere belief and message to all that we can all “elevate the joy within.”
As a new HR Partner, Katrina supports the secondary schools of the Central and South Regions. Katrina began her career in another large urban Florida school district as a middle school social studies teacher for more than 15 years. Upon leaving the classroom, Katrina worked as a school-based instructional coach supporting more than 100 middle school teachers each year in all subject areas. This school-based experience led to opportunities for Katrina to support teachers at multiple schools as a District “Marzano” Coach during the day and to support alternative certification teachers taking night classes. More than five years ago, Katrina had the opportunity to join the SDPBC team as a specialist in the Department of Professional Development where she had the privilege of leading the work of the Educator Support Program (ESP), supporting South Region schools and supporting the Teacher Ambassador Program. As the Retention Specialists with the Recruitment and Retention team, Katrina continued to work the Teacher Ambassador Program and launch other retention initiatives, including Voluntary Employee Networking Groups, before transitioning to Partner.
