Prescott AZ (October 11, 2012) – The Yavapai County Community Foundation of Arizona proudly announces the recipients of its 2012 Joy of Giving awards which pay tribute to the exceptional contributions of local people and organizations to the betterment of Yavapai County.

Perry and Sandy Massie have been named Philanthropists of the Year, Cornucopia Community Advocates has been chosen for the Community Benefactor award, Arizona Public Service will be recognized as Business Philanthropist of the Year. Kaileigh Koons, Emelia Stone and David Warren will be recognized as Youth Philanthropists of the Year.

Special Recognition will also be given to Jack Silvernale.

Nominations for these prestigious awards come from throughout the community. Award recipients are honored with grants of $300 or $1,000 made in their name by YCCF to the nonprofit of the honoree’s choosing.

YCCF will honor this year’s award recipients during the Joy of Giving Awards dinner sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. The event is set for Friday, October 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sedona Verde Ballroom at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. Tickets are $55 per person or $500 for a table of ten. The public is invited to attend and reservations can be made by contacting Tracey McConnell at 928-499-9795 or tmcconnell@azfoundation.org.

2012 Yavapai County Philanthropists of the Year Perry and Sandy Massie

Perry and Sandy Massie

Over eight years ago, Perry and Sandy Massie chose to make Prescott home because it was a great place to live and raise their daughter, Georgia. That is saying a lot since Perry’s position with the Outdoor Channel and Outdoor Channel Holdings Inc. and as host of the “Prospecting America Show” meant that the family had traveled quite extensively.

In the relatively short time they have been Prescott residents, the Massie’s have had a significant impact. Perry is immediate past chair of the Board of Directors of Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Massie’s support the organization both financially and with their time and talents. The Massie’s have served as a family match for a young boy and daughter, Georgia, has been a school mentor.

Perry currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Yavapai College Foundation and is an active member of the fundraising committee and the resource enterprise committee. Sandy and Perry’s commitment to education has also benefited Tri-City College Prep School.

The Massie’s bring an excellent business acumen to the nonprofits they are engaged with, as well as, a sense of adventure coupled with compassion and generous spirits. Driven by a love for youth development and higher education, the couple has helped shape the future of many financially needy college students and at-risk youth in Yavapai County by providing critical support and mentoring.

2012 Youth Philanthropist David Warren

Perry and Sandy Massie were nominated by Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Yavapai College Foundation. The couple is dedicating their $1,000 award to Yavapai CASA for Kids.

YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Kaileigh Koons

Kaileigh Koons has a breadth of leadership and community experiences that rivals community-oriented adults three times her age. Much of this is due to her family’s commitment and dedication to community service and her own sense of philanthropy and compassion for others.

Kaileigh is involved with Teens’ Closet as a co-founder with her mother, Krystal. Teens’ Closet provides free, new or like-new clothing and accessories to teens in need, in an effort to boost self-esteem and self-confidence. Within months of establishing the first closet at The Rock, a teen outreach center in Prescott, Teens’ Closet outgrew that space.

2012 Youth Philanthropist Emilia Stone

Last March, the operation moved into a 650-square-foot facility offered by a generous member of the community. The second Teens’ Closet made it possible to separate clothing and shopping areas for the girls and guys. Currently, Teens’ Closet serves 25 to 30 teens a month from the surrounding areas. School personnel, foster parents, churches, and community members refer teens to this resource. Under Kaileigh’s leadership, Teens’ Closet intends to double the number of teens served by doubling the number of volunteers, increasing the inventory, recruiting youth volunteers to sort, organize and help with fundraising, and enlisting a grant writer for continued sustainability.

Kaileigh is continuing her community work with Teens’ Closet and other organizations while working and attending college full-time. She was nominated by Shari Sterling of Prescott Unified School District. Kaileigh is dedicating her $300 award to Teens’ Closet.

Emelia Stone

As a volunteer at Prescott Creeks, Emelia (Mia) Stone has demonstrated a dedicated passion for the environment and making her community a better place. Mia can be counted on for annual clean-ups, building a parade float, volunteering to help show kids the Watson Wood Riparian Preserve, or making up-cycled jewelry as a fundraiser.

This year, Mia had the opportunity to go to Cambodia with her school to help people overseas. Her caring heart is felt by all who come into contact with her.

Mia regularly works with other Northpoint students on projects throughout the community. These projects are focused on the environment and helping to create social change.

Mia volunteers and helps the Yavapai Community Food Bank, Coalition for Compassion and Justice and Yavapai Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Emelia was nominated by Tina Blake, a local nonprofit advocate. Mia is dedicating her $300 award to the Prescott Creeks Preservation Association.

2012 Youth Philanthropist Kaileigh Koons

David Warren

David Warren participates in Service Learning class at Prescott Valley School with an excellent work ethic, a sense of compassion, and exceptional leadership.

In his senior year, as an Executive Director of the club, David supervised a wide range of community projects that improved the quality of life in Yavapai County. His supervised blood drives won the Platinum Award from United Blood Services and the club received the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Gold level, as did David.

David’s supervised food drive for the Yavapai Food Bank exceeded all goals.

David led the club in the development of a project inspired by First Things First that it named Teen Parents: Reality Check. This well-researched presentation provides the realities of teenage pregnancy in an innovative, powerful, and extremely impacting way.

David Warren was nominated by Bill Suedmeyer of Prescott Valley School. David is dedicating his $300 award to the Prescott Valley School Youth Chamber.

COMMUNITY BENEFACTOR AWARD

Cornucopia Community Advocates award accepted by Julie and Harv Grady

Cornucopia Community Advocates

Cornucopia Community Advocates is an organization that raises community awareness about emerging problems, such as the rise of hunger in Yavapai County and assists numerous organizations and food banks with money, resources, mentoring and advocacy. Cornucopia contributes to the well-being and quality of life in the entire community by helping organizations that promote the arts, economic development, care for children, elders and the poor.

Cornucopia Community Advocates is considered a catalyst for networking among organizations with shared missions and purposes. It was nominated by Bishop William Gameson and Gardens for Humanity.

Cornucopia is dedicating its $1,000 award to the Verde Food Council.

BUSINESS PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR

Arizona Public Service (APS)

APS gives back in the communities it serves throughout Arizona and in Yavapai County. The public utility sponsored the Granite Creek Cleanup earlier this year and the APS Foundation provided much needed financial support for West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, making it possible for AmeriCorps members to assist in its Senior Peer Program.

Jack Silvernale was honored by Yavapai County Community Foundation in recognition of his unselfish dedication at great personal sacrifice to provide for the needs of Prescott citizens

The Senior Peer Program is designed to provide resources for common senior difficulties with isolation, chronic health conditions, stress, loss of a spouse, and financial challenges. This service provides confidential support groups, one-on-one individualized support, educational presentations, and resources and referrals for those seeking specific information.

APS was nominated by the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic Foundation and is dedicating its $1,000 award to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arizona.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Jack Silvernale

Jack Silvernale was known for his generosity. When he purchased the failing Prescott Whipple Stage in 1975, Jack spent his own money to operate the city bus service for citizens who had no other transportation alternative. He was determined to make it work even at great personal sacrifice.

Jack didn’t seek accolades or praise or any kind of reward. Quietly, without fanfare, he simply helped others. And Jack saw to it that, after his death, the city bus would continue to provide services to the people of Prescott.

2012 Joy of Giving Nominees for Community Benefactor

1. Boys to Men Mentoring Network
2. Connections Equine Therapy
3. Four County Conference on Disabilities
4. Hallelujah Horse Ranch for Youth
5. Mayer Unified School District’s Parent Teacher Organization
6. Prescott Noon Lions Club
7. Prescott Valley Law Enforcement Canine Unit
8. Verde Valley Leadership
9. Yavapai CASA for Kids, Inc.

2012 Joy of Giving Nominees for Business Philanthropist

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
2. El Gato Azul
3. Guidance Aviation
4. Nyla D Salon
5. Prescott Daily Courier
6. Sedona Wish List
7. The Frame & I Gallery & Art Store

2012 Joy of Giving Nominees for Philanthropist of the Year

1. Krystal Koons
2. George Sheats
3. Hydie Henson Doerksen
4. Juanita Setzer
5. Ron Romley
6. William Lacy

The Yavapai County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arizona Community Foundation, is a 19-year-old permanent philanthropic endowment for the enduring benefit of our community. Its mission is to lead, serve and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Yavapai County. YCCF secures, manages and allocates donors’ gifts for charitable purposes in the County while working to improve the quality of life for local residents. Since its inception in 1993, YCCF has contributed millions of dollars to Yavapai County nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, and the communities they serve.

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