Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the CAF Arizona Wing Aviation Museum in Mesa.
Santa Claus is flying in to the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum in Mesa on Saturday, Dec. 10, to help East Valley firefighters collect toys to distribute to needy children.
Santa is scheduled to arrive at 11am at the museum, located at 2017 N. Greenfield Rd., at Mesa’s Falcon Field. He will talk with all the girls and boys who come to the museum that day, gathering their Christmas wishes and checking his list to make sure they have been good this year. The first 100 kids to arrive will get a diecast model of the B-17. Doors open at 10am . Continue reading
Posted in Donations, Holiday giving, Holiday-related events
Tagged christmas, donations, Falcon Field, Santa, Santa Claus, Toy
Tempe-based Goettl Air Conditioning is launching its first Jingle Bell Express holiday toy drive to benefit shelters around the Valley. The company has pledged to provide $12,000 worth of items to four local organizations in need of toys, school supplies, toiletries, blankets and clothing for children they support.
Easy-Bake Ovens are on the list of requested toys. Photo courtesy of Hasbro.
Items will be given to the Sojourner Center, Hope & A Future, Arizona Children’s Center and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Items can be dropped off at the Goettl office, located at 1845 W. First St. in Tempe.
Those who donate specifically requested toys will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win one of five prizes from local businesses. (Find a list of eligible toys.)
Raffle items include:
• an autographed Arizona Cardinals item
• one of two $25 Venezia’s Pizzeria gift cards
• a pearl necklace courtesy of Ganem Jewelers in Scottsdale
• a watch courtesy of Ganem Jewelers in Scottsdale
• one of two $25 Discount Cab gift certificates
“After visiting the Sojourner Center last month, we saw how much local shelters are in need of supplies this winter,” says Guy Boehler, Goettl’s general manager. “When leaving a bad situation, the victims that Sojourner assists are usually only able to take a trash bag of things with them. Winter coats and toys are not usually among the items they bring with them, so we are hoping to send lots of necessities to the shelters to help with these needs.”
The deadline for dropping off toys is Monday, Dec. 19; Goettl begin deliveries to the local charities the next day.
Jason Rowley was one of five outstanding Valley dads to be honored by the Phoenix chapters of the American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council as 2011 Fathers of the Year at an awards dinner and celebration Thursday night.
These prominent Phoenix businessmen were chosen on the basis of their demonstration of responsible parenting, exemplary ability to balance family and work life and strong commitment to serving the community.
Jason Rowley, senior vice president of the Phoenix Suns
Jason Rowley, father of two young girls, had no personal ties to diabetes until he learned that an uncle on his wife’s side of the family was recently diagnosed and has had to make “significant lifestyle changes.”
He considers himself fortunate to have been selected as one of this year’s Fathers of the Year, but notes that he is not unique in his steadfast dedication to responsible fatherhood.
“It’s a funny thing, because I can show you 50 guys I know who are wonderful fathers, who do a tremendous job balancing their work life and their family life, who are doing all of the same things that I do to make sure their kids know that they’re loved and important and your highest priority in life,” he says.
When he’s not at work, Rowley likes to spend time with his family outdoors.
“Most of my job is spent indoors, so I have time on the weekend to be able to take them out and to show them [the outdoors]…. They live here in the city, and I like to expose them to some of the rural settings and the great outdoors so that they’ll develop an appreciation for that.”
Working for the Phoenix Suns, Rowley says he can even spend some time with his girls while he is at work. He and his wife try to bring the girls to as many home games as they can.
Although his daughters are still very young (one is 5, the other just 18 months old), Rowley is already thinking about how to foster their involvement in community service.
“As I reflect on it, it’s a nice thing to have the award early on, because it kind of reiterates or makes the point that you really need to try your best as a parent and make sure your kids are learning the things they need to learn to be responsible citizens and grow up in a manner that you’ll be proud of and that they’ll be proud of themselves,” Rowley says. “I think it’s important that they recognize that there are other families and kids out there who are not quite as fortunate, and that they need to help out as much as they can.”
The family often goes up north to Sedona to celebrate Father’s Day, but will likely stay in town this year. Rowley says his wife, a whiz with crafts, always helps the girls make him something he can hang in his office to remind him of the family throughout the day. — Sadie Smeck
Steven Lawrence was one of five outstanding Valley dads to be honored by the Phoenix chapters of the American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council as 2011 Fathers of the Year at an awards dinner and celebration Thursday night.
These prominent Phoenix businessmen were chosen on the basis of their demonstration of responsible parenting, exemplary ability to balance family and work life and strong commitment to serving the community.
Steven Lawrence, partner at Gallagher and Kennedy
Steven Lawrence, partner at Gallagher and Kennedy, and his family.
Lawrence, a father of two, has deep personal ties to diabetes. His wife’s brother, who had type 2 diabetes, died of diabetes-related health complications a few years ago.
“We have very strong connections to the disease and want it very much to go away,” he says.
While Lawrence says he was not directly involved in diabetes research fundraising before receiving the award, his involvement has led him to seek out more information about the disease and to reach out to encourage donations from loved ones and business associates.
His favorite thing to do with his 12- and 9-year-old children is to play sports, more specifically, soccer.
“Both of my children are very active and both are great athletes, so we spend a lot of time doing sports with them. One of the funnest things that we do is play two-on-two soccer in our backyard, my wife and I against our son and our daughter. Those matches are often heated, although I must say, it’s getting harder and harder to keep up. We’re generally in trouble now. We used to be able to take ‘em, but not so much anymore,” Lawrence says.
To instill a spirit of community service in their children, Lawrence says he and his wife have depended upon their own service activities.
“I think from a young age, my children have seen what my wife and I do and our commitment to both them and our greater community. I wouldn’t say we have tried to sit down and have long lectures about that kind of thing, I think we’ve tried to do is show by example, whether it’s my wife’s service on the school board or being involved in church, or this kind of a thing with the American Diabetes Association. We are very blessed, and have tried to show our children through our actions that giving back is an important component of being a steward and being a leader,” Lawrence says.
While the family had no firm plans for Father’s Day at the time of our interview, he said, “You’ll probably find us with a barbeque in our backyard, maybe with a soccer game and a little two-on-two, but nothing major.” — Sadie Smeck
Chris Rich was one of five outstanding Valley dads to be honored by the Phoenix chapters of the American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council as 2011 Fathers of the Year at an awards dinner and celebration Thursday night. On Wednesday, we interviewed honoree Bradley Parker. On Thursday, we interviewed honoree Mike Tully.
These prominent Phoenix businessmen were chosen on the basis of their demonstration of responsible parenting, exemplary ability to balance family and work life and strong commitment to serving the community.
Chris Rich, president of Rich Financial Group
Chris Rich, president of Rich Financial Group, and his family.
Rich, a father of two and president of Rich Financial Group, is also the president of a local Little League, from which he says his connection to diabetes stems. A long-time, beloved umpire and friend had to give up umpiring, hiking and other activities he enjoys after his toe was amputated because of diabetes-related complications.
“That was something real close to my heart,” Rich says.
He was also especially touched to learn about the millions of diabetic children in America that often can’t go to regular summer camps like other kids, because the staff at most camps aren’t usually trained in the medical knowledge they need to care for kids with diabetes. Special camps for kids with diabetes can be costly.
Rich’s favorite thing to do with his family is boating on Lake Pleasant, where they take a trip every year.
While the Rich family does not have any particular plans for Father’s Day, he says they will “spend the day together and find a family activity that we will all enjoy.”
Tomorrow: Steve Lawrence, Partner, Gallagher & Kennedy.
Mike Tully was one of five outstanding Valley dads to be honored by the Phoenix chapters of the American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council as 2011 Fathers of the Year at an awards dinner and celebration Thursday night.
These prominent Phoenix businessmen were chosen on the basis of their demonstration of responsible parenting, exemplary ability to balance family and work life and strong commitment to serving the community. Yesterday we interviewed honoree Bradley Parker.
Mike Tully, CEO of AAA Arizona
Mike Tully, CEO of AAA Arizona, and his family.
Tully, the father of two teenage girls, was surprised to be nominated for the award. He says he is fortunate not to have any close, personal ties to diabetes.
Since his nomination, he has learned a great deal about the disease and its impact, especially on children.
Tully remembers an impactful experience at one of the Father of the Year meetings, at which each father was given a teddy bear wearing a jacket hung with 120 safety pins, representing the number of shots of insulin children with type 1 diabetes must be given each week.
In an effort to raise funds for the cause, Tully sent letters to his “400 closest friends,” family and colleagues around the country. He has been amazed by the generous response he received.
With long work weeks, Tully says he looks forward to vacation times with his kids.
“Between community service-type stuff and work, trying to balance family-type stuff is critically important. So, vacation is one of the big, very very special moments in my life. We typically go on adventurous vacations. We’re typically very active on vacations and have a lot of great memories,” he says.
Tully’s two daughters, ages 15 and 12, are best friends, despite having very different personalities.
“I’ve never seen two kids get along as well,” he says. “The two never fight. We’ve been phenomenally blessed. I’m incredibly lucky, actually, to have the family I’ve got.”
Over the years, Tully says he has tried to teach his girls by example how important it is to be active in the community.
“I’m a strong, strong believer in ‘What you do is what people see, which is what they will do.’ So basically demonstrating the balance in your own life. Frankly, sometimes, when I get done with work, I’d rather drive home. Making those tradeoffs and making sure your kids understand those tradeoffs, getting involved in charities [is important].”
Tully said he wants to be sure his kids understand how fortunate they are, and the struggles others go through.
“One thing could change in your life and it could be completely different,” Tully says, “and you’d want to have people looking out for you if that ever happened to you.”
This Father’s Day, the family will embark on yet another adventurous vacation. They will be heading up to Whistler, Canada to go sightseeing for bears, canoeing down a river, and speeding down a “monster zip-line run.” — Sadie Smeck
Tomorrow: Chris Rich, president of Rich Financial Group.
For over 10 years, Arizona Jewish Theatre Company has been collecting food at its preview performances to give to local food banks. For its newest show, ” My Name is Asher Lev,” the drive will expand to all performances.
Audience members are asked to bring a non-perishable food items the performance. The theater will be collecting both general food items for food banks as well as Passover items to be given to Jewish families for the upcoming Passover holiday. Passover items will be distributed by the Bureau of Jewish Education Passover Food Drive.
Donations also are welcome at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N Scottsdale Rd., throughout the week before Passover, April 11-15.
Written by Aaron Posner, and adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok, “My Name is Asher Lev” runs through April 3 at the John Paul Theatre on the Phoenix College Campus, 1202 W. Thomas Rd. Parking is in the north lot off 11th Avenue, south of Osborn (the southwest corner of Flower St & 11th Ave).
The play follows the journey of a young Orthodox Jewish painter torn between his upbringing and his desperate need to fulfill his artistic promise. Learn more.
Michael Kary and Ben Tyler in "My Name is Asher Lev." Photo by Mark Gluckman.
After watching a video about a Red Cross Store that opened in Portugal, staff at the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter were inspired to open their very own Red Cross Hope Store this holiday season.
“We were so moved by the people who simply wanted to do something to help people — providing hope when they needed it most,” says Tracy Kiest, communications manager at Arizona Red Cross. “The Red Cross touches so many lives in so many ways, whether it’s following a home fire or relaying a critical message for military members. A gift from the Hope Store gives Arizonans a way to help people in their time of need. This is a gift that exemplifies the true meaning of the season.”
With furniture donations from IKEA Tempe, and a retail space donation from Vestar/Desert Ridge, the American Red Cross was able to open the doors to its store on November 26.
“When you walk into the store you see four huge, compelling photographs representing different services such as military, disaster, shelter and international,” says Keist. “There are also a few other supporting photos, and next to the photos you learn more about the program and how a gift of hope can help people. There are a few items, such as a first-aid kit and vintage bag, on display for props. If someone asked to buy a prop, we could arrange it.”
Money earned at the store buys things such as cozy blankets for a shelter, phone cards for military members and lifesaving vaccinations for children in third-world countries.
“We had a very successful first weekend with nearly $2,000 in donations; now we’re focusing on ways to maintain momentum,” Kiest says. “We’ll be open through the holiday season.”
The Hope Store is located at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix (Loop 101 and Tatum Blvd.) between Dave & Buster’s and Rock Bottom Brewery. Visitors this weekend can sign a huge holiday card for military service members at Luke AFB (noon to 3pm today, noon to 4pm Sunday) and visit with Santa (noon to 3pm today). For more information, visit the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter website.
Gryphen Specialty Products and Services (GSPS) is hosting a canine/feline toy and food drive to help abandoned pets in Maricopa County. The ends Wednesday, Dec. 22, when donations will be delivered to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.
“As the holidays approached, we decided that hosting this donation drive would be a way for Gryphen consumers and staff to give back to their community,” says Holly Nelson, marketing manager for Gryphen SPS. “The shelter takes in so many animals that it’s impossible to keep up with the demand for supplies. Gryphen wants to help in any way that we can.”
People are asked to purchase a new dog or cat toy, a bag of food or any other item listed on the MCACC wish list, which includes items like blankets, towels, sheets, newspaper, nebulizer, preventic flea and tick collars, dog shampoo and conditioner, pens, collars, dog and cat beds and food and water bowls.
“Our goal is to help thousands of abused and abandoned animals in the care of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control during this holiday season, as well as stock their shelves into the New Year,” Nelson says.
Donations can be dropped off at any of the following locations:
GSPS of Tempe
1301 E. University Dr. #130
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-966-9500
GSPS of Casa Grande
1411 N. Overfield Rd.
Casa Grande, AZ 85194
520-421-2800
GSPS of Coolidge
236 W. Coolidge Ave.
Coolidge, AZ 85128
520-723-8599
Gryphen SPS promotes and delivers products that are responsive to the employment needs of adults with developmental disabilities. For more information, call 480-966-9500 or visit gryphensps.com.
Posted in Events, Fundraising, Holiday-related events, Local Topics, Nonprofits
Tagged Abandoned pets, animals in need, arizona, canine/feline drive, donation, food drive, Gryphen Specialty Products and Services, GSPS, Holidays, maricopa, Maricopa County, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, Maricopa County Arizona, MCACC, New Year
