Yavapai County’s Joy of Giving Highlights

The generosity and support of the Yavapai County community for its nonprofit organizations through the Arizona Community Foundation runs deep. This month, the community once again stepped up by supporting philanthropy during ACF of Yavapai County’s signature philanthropic event, The Joy of Giving, on Aug. 2 in Prescott.

This event is unlike any other in the area. Not only does ACF celebrate and recognize the grants awarded to nonprofits during this year’s grant cycle, which totaled $828,923, but attendees also donated during the luncheon and collaborated to choose each table’s nonprofit of choice to receive their “on-the-spot” donations.

This year’s Shining Star nonprofit organizations that were recipients of table donations include:

• House of Hope, $5,600, to provide housing and services for seniors experiencing homelessness.
• Phippen Art Museum, $350, to educate about the heritage, history, and influence of art in the American West through free art classes.
• Soldier’s Best Friend, $2,800 to pair service dogs with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury related to combat.
• Verde Search & Rescue, $350, to support the all-volunteer organization with specialized training for search dogs. The group provides life-saving rescue for lost or missing residents in the area.
• Yavapai Regional Transit, $3,500, to extend transportation beyond Prescott and Prescott Valley to cover Chino Valley as well. The organization provides critical transportation for seniors and the disabled to medical appointments, among other services. YRT extends transportation from Chino Valley into Prescott and Prescott Valley at no cost to their riders.

These organizations demonstrate some of the greatest needs in the community. As Burt Hunt, Director of House of Hope said, “I must get two to three calls a day from elderly people who are losing their homes. It’s just heartbreaking.”

ACF President & CEO Anna María Chavéz was so inspired by the organization’s compelling impact that she pledged an additional $500 to each of the Shining Stars in addition to the table donations.

Through ACF of Yavapai, donors can be stewards of the community and meaningfully contribute to the local organizations that help the most vulnerable in the community, noted Mark Kille, Advisory Board Chair, as he kicked off the event.

This year’s grant cycle began in January and volunteer panels reviewed 139 grant applications to determine how the allotted funds would be distributed. While not every organization always receives funding as part of the cycle, ACF regional and central office philanthropy specialists around the state are experts in vetting nonprofit organizations and ensuring funds with available grant dollars through ACF are well-educated on the needs and causes that match their passions.

A few of these amazing local donors and stewards were recognized with philanthropy awards as part of the event:

• Courtney Osterfelt, Professional Leadership Award
• Carol Chamberlain, Philanthropic Leadership Awards
• Peter Tibi, Philanthropist of the Year.

As Dr. Tibi noted, philanthropy is a way to bring the community together and douse the flames of fear that threaten our communities today.

Wrapping up the event was recognition of the Janet Codding Law Enforcement Canine Fund, which has granted more than $500,000 to law enforcement organizations that use canines in Yavapai County since 1999.

ACF has been supporting nonprofit organizations around the state for more than 45 years through its annual grant-making cycles. There are multiple ways to give back to the community while growing your investments such as cause-related funds, legacy-giving options, supporting scholarships, and more.

Photo: Verde Search & Rescue Dog Scout, with his handler, thanked the attendees for their gifts with a loud “Woof.”