About Our
Members
Stephen Tendrich
Founder • President
Stephen Tendrich is a lifelong community advocate whose dedication to service began as a teenager in North Miami Beach, volunteering with the local Chamber of Commerce’s Adopt-a-Highway Program. This early involvement sparked a deep commitment to civic engagement, service, and social impact that continues to shape his work today.
A Florida native, Stephen later moved to New York, where he built a multifaceted career as a mixologist, radio personality, home-baking entrepreneur, and American Sign Language teacher, often using his platforms to uplift LGBTQIA+ individuals and marginalized communities through inclusive spaces and storytelling.
Upon returning to Florida, Stephen expanded his volunteer efforts by working with Broward-based organizations serving individuals experiencing homelessness, collaborating with community and LGBTQIA+ partners to address food insecurity, stigma, and inequity. His hands-on approach to service reflects his belief that dignity, access, and compassion are essential to healthy communities.
As founder of the Pink Nail Society, Stephen transformed personal experience into collective action. Under his leadership, the organization raises awareness around prostate health and LGBTQIA+-inclusive men’s wellness, while engaging in meaningful community service initiatives and outreach, including Food Drives benefiting Broward Partnership and the Jack and Jill Center.
The Pink Nail Society currently collaborates with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, bringing their Game Changer Van to expand access to free prostate cancer screenings across the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, and has previously partnered with Broward Health’s Man Van. To date, the organization has raised over $30,000 toward prostate cancer research, supporting education, outreach, and vital life-saving early detection efforts.
Founder’s Message
“Awareness is key. We hold that key to open those doors to possibilities.”— Stephen Tendrich
Erich Schilling
Vice President
Erich Schilling has dedicated decades to volunteer work, notably with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the 1980s and 1990s, where he manned call centers for telethons in Massachusetts. He served as a phone operator, supervised call center operations, and tabulated pledges.
Beyond that, Erich volunteered with fire departments in Massachusetts, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, raising funds for Toys for Tots. He also supported the March of Dimes and Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Foundation through various events.
In 2021, Erich co-founded Mama’s Helping Hands Foundation in South Florida, serving as Co-President before becoming President in 2023. The foundation supports LGBTQIA+ and Leather Communities and honors individuals pivotal to these communities. Under Erich's leadership, the foundation collaborated with organizations like Broward House and Aids Health Foundation, aiding communities locally and internationally, including providing HIV medication to Venezuelans in need.
Additionally, the foundation raised funds for Mama’s Holiday Family Drive, assisting over 60 families with holiday expenses. They also hosted benefits for members facing health challenges, including one coping with cancer. In 2022, the foundation supported deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals through fundraising efforts for organizations like The Center for Independent Living of Broward.
John M. Gordon
Secretary
John has proudly been a part of the Wilton Manors Community for the past 19 years. He is also a massage therapist and has been for the last 10 years. He takes pride in taking care of his clients and taking care of the community by volunteering with a handful of organizations throughout the LGBTQIA+ community.
He has worked with Flockfest on pool parties, beach events, and galas, assisted with Miami Pride 2023, 2025, and contributed to The Pride Center's Halloween Street parties for the last three years. His involvement also includes supporting HarmonyWaves' block parties and galas, and has helped with the opening of the new Gray Box Theater.
John has been working hard these last three years at staying sober and helping others to get sober as well. He is also helping to guide the way for addicts to find help.
He takes great pride in his sobriety. “I am not ashamed of where I came from, because it got me to where I am today."
