Sedona AZ (August 4, 2016) – The Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County announced the recipients of its 2016 Joy of Giving Awards at an annual luncheon Friday, August 5. The awards pay tribute to the contributions of individuals and organizations to the betterment of Yavapai County.
Selmer D. “Sal” Lutey, Philanthropist of the Year
Sal Lutey were recognized as Philanthropist of the Year for his long history of supporting youth development programs and social services programs in Yavapai County. Since he came to Prescott over 40 years ago, Sal has served as Past President of the Yavapai County Bar Association, member of the Board of Governors, Past President of the Arizona State Bar Association, Salvation Army Advisory Board, District Chair of the Boy Scouts of America Old Capital District, Past President of the Prescott Rotary Club, Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters Endowment Foundation, and Professional Advisory Board at the Arizona Community Foundation. Sal was a founding member of the Arizona State Bar Foundation.
“In his humble way he’ll tell you that he’s just done his job but the truth is that he’s encouraged people to remember their community by funding endowment so that their impact will last forever,” said Carol Chamberlain, Regional Director of the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County.
Sal first learned about the power of endowment when he attending Law School at the University of Texas. He was an out of state student, but the cost of his schooling was $250 per semester. This was due to the large endowment of the school’s foundation. Sal’s love of his community will continue as he has left his own legacy gift.
The Joy of Giving philanthropic awards luncheon offers everyone in attendance to be a philanthropist for a day. Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County spotlights five shining stars from the 106 grant proposal received in 2016. These shining stars are:
Highlands Center for Natural History
The Highlands Center for Natural History was recognized for its work in engaging individuals of all ages to learn more about the environment around them. The Highlands Center for Natural History is currently working on developing materials for their “four Seasons” outdoor educational program. This program will engage youth with science through parental engagement and exploration. The Highlands Center for Natural History’s goal is to deliver this new program to more than 100 children and families.
Soldier’s Best Friend
Soldier’s Best Friend pairs veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brian Injury with service/therapeutic companion dogs. The dogs themselves are rescues. As their logo states “Touching 2 lives at once.” The partnership between soldier and dog assists the soldiers’ recovery and potentially mitigates their greater risk for hospitalization, homelessness, incarceration, and suicide. Funds received will be used to support Yavapai County residents’ training, equipment, and their dogs’ veterinary care.
Yarnell Community Center
The Yarnell Community Center is a cornerstone of their community. Through this center Yarnell residents are served meals, delivered meals if they are home bound, and able to shop at the thrift store. Community members come together for educational programs, special events, and receive free blood pressure checks. Funds given to Yarnell Community Center will help reduce the operating expenses as well as support a new position of Development Coordinator. This position will help Yarnell Community Center to establish sustainable fundraising.
Yarnell Elementary School District
Yarnell Elementary School District will utilize funds to hire a music teacher, a position that was terminated when the district lost some of its funding. Yarnell Elementary School District has seen the impact from the lack of musical education. Middle school students have difficulty in understanding the rhythm of poetry. The funds will also help support two performances in the school year where the students can demonstrate their musical growth.
Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation
Children enter the foster care system every day. Often these children come into foster homes with only the clothing they have on. Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation provides emergency clothing cards to foster parents. While the state does provide a one-time emergency clothing allowance, it can take up to six weeks before the foster parent receives a check. Yavapai CASA for Kids makes it possible for case managers to give foster parents a gift card for clothing and one for shoes when a child enters a home. Yavapai CASA for Kids will utilize their funding to provide gift cards to 120 children.
Through the 2016 competitive grants process, ACF of Yavapai County awarded $282,595 to support 59 community projects serving Yavapai County. Nonprofit organizations of all kinds serving Yavapai County residents were invited to submit proposals, which were vetted by local volunteers sitting on grant panels.
“We are so proud to be able to support the wonderful work done by the nonprofits in our community,” says Martin Gottlieb, Chair of the Board of Advisors. “The funds that are entrusted to ACFYC are stewarded with great care. Our grant process, conducted by 50 community leaders, is one of our shining moments each year.”
To learn more about the organizations and projects supported with these grants, contact Lisa Sahady, Regional Philanthropic Advisor, at 928-583-7815 or lsahady@azfoundation.org. To establish a named fund or contribute your own assets to annual grant making efforts, contact Carol Chamberlain, Regional Director, at 928-583-7816 or cchamberlain@azfoundation.org.
The Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County is a 21-year-old permanent philanthropic endowment for the enduring benefit of our community. This family of charitable funds is guided by a local Board of Advisors and benefits from cost-efficient, centralized professional services provided by the Arizona Community Foundation. Founded in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide philanthropy with regional offices serving communities across Arizona. Last year, Arizona Community Foundation granted more than $41 million to more than 3,000 nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies.
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