Donna Sulligan: Blue Ridge Tours' Biggest Heart

We have all heard the saying, "Behind every successful man is a great woman." Well, at Blue Ridge Tours, that sentiment is proven time and time again with our owners, Steve and Donna Sulligan. While Steve's vision and leadership is behind the success of  Blue Ridge Tours, Donna continually adds to that success with her big heart and never ending dedication to the students year after year. 

Ocean Drive Elementary in Charleston, SC

"Remember, it's all about the kids," is a phrase that you hear all the time from Donna - it is her mantra. Everything she does at Blue Ridge Tours is focused on the students. From working long hours in the office making sure that each trip goes smoothly to leading groups to places like New York City or Washington, DC, Donna's heart shines through. Donna has endeared herself to so many children and teachers over the years with her kind heart, fun games, and silly songs. She knows the best ways to have fun, but she also always knows when a kid just needs a big hug and a bit of encouragement.

The first time you meet Donna, you can not help but smile and know that you have met a lifelong friend.  Her smile is as bright as the midday sun, and it envelops you with its warmth. Looking into her sparkling eyes, you just know that she is going to tell you a good story or let you in on a little secret about the place you are about to visit.

Donna always sees the good in people, and she always wants to make sure that everyone succeeds and gets the very best that the world has to offer.

As co-owner and vice-president of Blue Ridge Tours since 2006, Donna oversees the day-to-day operations in the office. From planning the itineraries for each destination to auditing every expense, she guarantees that each group receives the most educational and economical trip.  Her attention to detail and her desire to making sure the job is done right is evident in every trip from Blue Ridge Tours. Donna will literally work around the clock to make sure that every student, teacher and adult experiences a trip that they will remember forever. Donna has also created a scholarship program so that no student has to be left behind for lack of ability to pay. Additionally, Donna and Blue Ridge Tours award teacher grants every year to help offset the cost of classroom or trip expenses such as t-shirts or video dvds.

Donna with her kids

Before Donna came to Blue Ridge Tours, she owned and operated a successful home cleaning business in the Upstate for over 15 years. Donna has two grown children who have her same smile and happily share her big heart with all of Blue Ridge Tours' kids.

Even though Steve and Donna met and married later in life, you would think that they have been together forever. They live each and every day to the fullest with love, happiness and service. They both love to travel, and Blue Ridge Tours is one way they share their love with others.