Tootie Rinker may have spent much of her childhood overseas, but her roots run deep in Winchester, VA.
Growing up in a military family, she lived in places like Ethiopia and Taiwan before moving back to her father’s hometown of Winchester after he passed away while serving. The transition from Taiwan to a Virginia high school was a major culture shock — but ultimately, Stephens City became home, and community became her anchor.
With a graduate degree from the University of Virginia, Rinker built her career as an audiologist. But it was her 25 years as director of the Winchester chapter of the American Red Cross that truly shaped her perspective on the power of service.
“Volunteering was part of life in a military family,” she said. “You were expected to do your part. And I grew up loving it.”
That passion never faded. When Rinker retired from the Red Cross, she quickly discovered that full-time rest wasn’t for her. “I was bored stiff” she laughed. Within six weeks, she was back at work part-time in a local audiology office. It turned into an 11-year second act before she finally retired — officially — two years ago.
But slowing down has never been her style.
These days, Rinker brings her energy, nonprofit experience and deep local knowledge to the CARE Charity Board, which administers The Power of Change funds. Recruited by REC Board Chairman Chris Shipe, she didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“I’ve seen how much good can come from a small group of people who care,” she said. “This was an opportunity to continue doing something meaningful.”
Rinker is especially passionate about causes that support food security and working families who are struggling to make ends meet. She was struck by how thorough and thoughtful the Board’s grant review process is.
“It’s not just about handing out money. We ask the tough questions — how can this grant really help them grow their impact?” she explained. “Sometimes it’s not just about giving food to a pantry, but helping them buy the equipment that lets them serve even more people.”
To Rinker, volunteering is more than an act of service — it’s a powerful force for connection and purpose.
“Volunteering benefits everyone involved — from the people receiving help to the people giving it,” she said. “It’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It fills a need, and it gives you a sense of purpose.”
Outside of the CARE Board, Rinker stays active through her church, the Rotary Club of Winchester (where she’s served on the board) and as President of the Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary. She also co-leads the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds and delivers beds for children in need.
She and her husband, a third-generation apple grower, have two daughters and two granddaughters.
For REC members considering whether to enroll in The Power of Change, Rinker’s advice is simple: “It’s a small way to make a big difference. Your monthly contribution may be just pennies, but collectively, it grows into something powerful for the people around you. It’s one of the easiest ways to give back.”
