Az Business Angels Fall 2019 by AZ Big Media

2020 EDITION

— CONNECTING INDUSTRY WITH NONPROFITS —

ARIZONA COMPANIES THAT

CARE

The most philanthropic companies in Arizona page 6

Az Business Angels Awards finalists page 24

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society observes 70th page 54

Front row: Suzee Smith-Everhard, Debbie Shumway, Tina Marie Tentori, Pamela Keefe. Back row: Michael Hughes, Beth Nickel, Andy Abraham, Joel Johnson.

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THE IMPACT OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

e have all felt the impact of nonprofits in our lives. For some of us, it’s on a daily basis. For me personally, my family has been enriched by nonprofits. I am one of those rare individuals who has two siblings who were Wish Kids, which is one of the reasons I tear up at the mere mention of Make-A-Wish and the amazing experiences they create. One of the last times I got to see my oldest sister smile was when the Buffalo Bills walked into our living room in Corning, N.Y., and sat down on the couch next to her. Keep in mind, this was when the Bills were in the midst of four straight trips to the Super Bowl, so it was quite the thrill. My youngest sister used her wish to go to Disneyland and she has lived to see many more adventures thanks to the motivation she received from that magical wish. I’m sure we all have stories about how nonprofits impacted us. Food when the cupboards were bare. A scholarship so we could make a better life for ourself. A warm feeling in our hearts when we volunteered and handed water to a homeless man on a hot day. When was the last time you made an impact like nonprofits do on a daily basis? I mean, REALLY made a difference. This year, I want to challenge myself to make an impact, to make a difference. That’s what Az Business Angels is all about: challenging business leaders and companies to match their skill sets and desire to give back to the community with nonprofits that desperately need the help. Az Business Angels hopes to give new hope to nonprofits and inspire businesses to make a difference and to make it their unconditional mission to connect, volunteer and give back to the communities they serve. More than 20 years later, my eyes still swell when the Buffalo Bills take the field. Make-A-Wish and the Bills made a difference in my sister’s life — a difference that lasted beyond that visit. What are you going to do to make a difference today? Enjoy this issue of Az Business Angels. We hope it will help you answer that question.

Michael Gossie Editor in chief michael.gossie@azbigmedia.com

LIVES IMPACTED: Az Business Angels Editor in Chief Michael Gossie and his sister, Kristina Gossie, who was granted a wish from Make-A-Wish. 2 | AzBusiness Angels

— CONNECTING INDUSTRY WITH NONPROFITS —

President and CEO: Michael Atkinson Publisher: Josh Schimmels Vice president of operations: Audrey Webb EDITORIAL Editor in chief: Michael Gossie Associate editors: Steve Burks | Alyssa Tufts Intern: Angelica Olivas Contributing writers: Erin Thorburn | Elaina Verhoff ART Design director: Bruce Andersen Art director: Mike Mertes MARKETING/EVENTS Marketing & events manager: Keith Chandler Digital strategy manager: Gloria Del Grosso Marketing designer: Michael Bodnar OFFICE Special projects manager: Sara Fregapane Executive assistant: Brianna Villa Database solutions manager: Amanda Bruno AZ BUSINESS MAGAZINE Senior account manager: David Harken Account managers: April Rice | Kim Bailey AZ BUSINESS ANGELS AZ BUSINESS LEADERS Director of sales: Sheri Brown HOME & DESIGN AZRE | ARIZONA COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Director of sales: Ann McSherry Director of business development: Carol Shepard EXPERIENCE ARIZONA | PLAY BALL Director of sales: Jennifer Swanton RANKING ARIZONA Director of sales: Sheri King

Az Business Angels magazine is published by AZ BIG Media, 3101 N. Central Ave. Suite 1070, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, (602) 277-6045. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a SASE. Single copy price $4.95. Bulk rates available. Copyright 2019 by AZ BIG Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from AZ BIG Media.

— CONNECTING INDUSTRY WITH NONPROFITS —

CONTENTS 6 24 52 54

CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP

AZ BUSINESS ANGELS AWARDS

CORPORATE GIVING

2020 EDITION

— CONNECTING INDUSTRY WITH NONPROFITS —

ARIZONA COMPANIES THAT

CARE

The most philanthropic companies in Arizona page 6

Az Business Angels Awards finalists page 24

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society observes 70th page 54

Front row: Suzee Smith-Everhard, Debbie Shumway, Tina Marie Tentori, Pamela Keefe. Back row: Michael Hughes, Beth Nickel, Andy Abraham, Joel Johnson.

4 | AzBusiness Angels

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

ON THE COVER: Front row: Suzee Smith-Everhard, Cox Communications; Debbie Shumway, Hospice of the Valley; Tina Marie Tentori, APS; and Pamela Keefe, National Bank of Arizona. Back row: Michael Hughes, A New Leaf; Beth Nickel, Arizona Science Center; Andy Abraham, Burch & Cracchiolo; and Joel Johnson, FirstBank.

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of the most

6 | AzBusiness Angels

philanthropic companies in Arizona N By MICHAEL GOSSIE

onprofits are big business in Arizona. According to the Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University, more than 70 million people work and volunteer in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit employees make up the third-largest workforce among U.S. industries, behind only retail and manufacturing, and nonprofits create total revenue of more than $1.9 trillion annually, exceeding the gross domestic product of Canada, Australia, Russia or India. But nonprofits couldn’t be in business if they didn’t have the help and support of other philanthropic and socially responsible companies. The following pages put the spotlight on some of those amazing companies that are giving back to Arizona communities and whose philanthropic ways are examples the business community can admire and emulate. AzBusiness Angels | 7

CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP ANGRY CRAB SHACK Angry Crab Shack, a full-service Cajun seafood restaurant, raised more than $40,000 in July for the You Dine We Donate month-long promotion benefiting the Arizona Housing Coalition, a local nonprofit organization that aids and provides resources to homeless veterans and their families. “In our organization, one of the main priorities is giving back to the community that has been very supportive of us over the years and throughout our growth,” said Andy Diamond, CFO of Angry Crab Shack. “We are thankful to our guests for supporting our mission and aiding our communities. Knowing that Angry Crab Shack can make a small impact means the world to us.” Angry Crab Shack has been partners with the Arizona Housing Coalition for three years and has raised more than $87,500 to date with the You Dine We Donate program.

Holbrook, Sedona, Winslow, CottonwoodOak Creek, Verde Valley, Florence, and Saddle Mountain (Tonopah) school districts.

and southwest region manager for Cox Communications.

DELTA DENTAL Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Changing BURCH & CRACCHIOLO Lives Center for Women & Children (CLC) The law firm of Burch & Cracchiolo, has received a $17,495 grant from the P.A. has kicked off its “B&C Star Teachers Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, the Award” program. A Valley teacher is charitable arm of Delta Dental of Arizona, chosen each month to receive $500 to fund its Gateway to Comprehensive through a nominating process on the firm’s Dental Care for the Homeless Project. website. Many teachers spend their own The grant will sustain and help improve money to augment the costs of classroom the CLC’s onsite Dental Care Clinic for an supplies, field trips and other non-covered entire year, enriching the oral health of costs that arise throughout the school year. formerly homeless children and pregnant B&C hopes to alleviate that burden for one women residing at the CLC, a faith-based deserving teacher each month. “Educators recovery program offering long-term, have played a huge role in the lives of our comprehensive services to women and attorneys and staff so this is a natural fit children who have suffered from addiction, for our firm,” said firm president Andy trauma or both. Abraham. FIRSTBANK AND PB AMERICANO COX COMMUNICATIONS After winning FirstBank’s ‘$20K Good In September, Cox Charities announced Business Giveaway’ in 2018, Peanut Butter APS its selection of 108 Arizona nonprofit Americano (PB Americano) was awarded As the education conversation in organizations focused on youth and $20,000 and a personalized marketing Arizona continues common themes education to receive nearly $570,000 in campaign of their choosing. With like teacher retention and professional grant funding. Most of the funds awarded assistance from FirstBank, PB Americano development dominate. To address these came from the generous donations of launched a cause-marketing campaign in recurring topics, Arizona Science Center, Cox’s 3,500 Arizona employees. Since the partnership with local nonprofit, St. Mary’s in partnership with the APS Foundation, program’s inception in 1996, Cox Charities Food Bank, that donated $1 of every jar of continues the growth of its Rural Communities Expansion Project, providing has awarded more than $8 million to local peanut butter purchased over two weeks. Arizona nonprofits that support youth In all, the campaign raised $2,000 that teachers from rural areas throughout will be donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Arizona the opportunity to receive hands- and education. “Cox employees are deeply embedded in the communities we serve in “From the onset of last year’s business on professional development within the Arizona and are committed to supporting contest, it was clear that PB Americano walls of their own school. Currently, the and volunteering to make a difference,” and the Malkoons were dedicated to doing Rural Communities Expansion Project said John Wolfe, senior vice president the right thing for their customers and operates in the Prescott, Humboldt, community,” said Joel Johnson, FirstBank market president. “We are proud to partner with PB Americano in donating some of their prize money to St. Mary’s, a nonprofit that does so much for Arizona. We look forward to building a long-standing relationship with these two amazing organizations.”

CIGNA: Cigna employees in the North Phoenix office collected almost 5,700 items to help Esperanza Elementary School, a local school in need. This is the second year the Phoenix diversity and inclusion team at Cigna adopted a school to gather school supplies through employee donations. The photo shows Melissa Sepuka, principal of Esperanza; along with Cigna employees Susan Samlaska; Kevin Bortel; Karen Bimber; Hannah Grace; Evelyn Michaud; Jeanette Monge; Lisa Calderoni; and Nick Youngblood. 8 | AzBusiness Angels

FORREST ANDERSON Forrest Anderson Plumbing and Air Conditioning Inc., a family-owned business in the Phoenix area since 1961, honor men and women who served in our military by providing one local veteran with a new air conditioning unit each year. “This is an important opportunity for everyone at Forrest Anderson to thank veterans for their service and acknowledge their contributions to keeping our families safe,” said Audrey Monell, president of Forrest Anderson. “The men and women

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CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP who enter the military sacrifice so much for our national security and we think it is important to share their stories and honor their dedication to our country.” This is the fourth consecutive year Forrest Anderson has sponsored the Military Hero AC Giveaway.

a combined $16 million in new grants this year to develop innovative approaches to finding a cure for the disease. HHOW remains one of the largest funders of pediatric cancer research in the nation. This year will reach $160 million in total lifetime funding since 1998 towards finding a cure.

FULTON HOMES The Fulton Family Foundation made a $5 million gift to the Banner Health Foundation to establish the Dr. Robin Blackstone Childhood Obesity Center of Excellence at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. The Fulton Family Foundation is chaired by longtime Valley homebuilder and philanthropist Ira A. Fulton, founder of Fulton Homes. This gift established Arizona’s first center of excellence dedicated specifically to pediatric obesity and metabolic disorders, a passion of Fulton’s based on his own experiences as a patient of Dr. Blackstone, MD, FACS, FASMBS. This gift marks the Fulton Family Foundation’s second investment in obesity care and research in partnership with Banner – University Medicine. In 2018, Fulton endowed the Ira A. Fulton Clinical Chair in Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Disorders with a $2 million gift. Dr. Blackstone was appointed to this prestigious position, leading the multidisciplinary team at Banner’s Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Center.

ISAGENIX From nourishing children around the world to packaging products more sustainably, Isagenix International is dedicated to giving back, as highlighted in its “2018-2019 Isagenix Social Impact Report.” The inaugural report showcases how the global health and wellness company makes a positive impact on communities, employees and the planet. In 2018, Isagenix gave $7.2 million in product and monetary donations to nonprofit organizations that align with the company’s vision to better the world. The company also has a goal to convert all packaging components to be made with recyclable, reusable, compostable, or recycled materials by 2028. JABURG WILK The law firm of Jaburg Wilk was once again a sponsor of Child Crisis Arizona’s 2019 Lunch for Love. More than 40 years ago, Child Crisis Arizona created their

emergency children’s shelter for children up to age 10. Since then they have provided emergency shelter, foster and adoption programs, Early Head Start programs, education for families, home visitation and counseling. They have continued to expand their services. Their vision is safe kids and strong families. Larry Wilk, shareholder at Jaburg Wilk and CCA board vice chair, said “Child Crisis Arizona has such a positive impact in our community. Not only providing emergency shelter but also helping children and families through their early education services. I am proud to continue supporting them.” LYFT Lyft, whose mission is to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, announced the expansion of its Wheels for All Grants program to support the important work of Valley nonprofit organizations focused on building connected, stronger, more equitable communities. Since September, Lyft in Phoenix has awarded ride grants to nonprofits on a quarterly basis to help bridge transportation gaps for individuals and families. Phoenix has been a part of the Wheels for All Grants program since 2018 and has awarded grants to organizations like the International Rescue Committee,

HONORHEALTH Circle the City is partnering with HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center to address the healthcare needs of the homeless population in Sunnyslope, a north Phoenix community. An estimated 25.3 percent of the population in Sunnyslope lives below the poverty threshold, including hundreds of individuals who live unsheltered on the streets. “Circle the City’s vision is to have a healthy community without homelessness and to do that we must meet individuals where they are,” said Circle the City Development Director Kimberly Hall. “This partnership with HonorHealth gives us that opportunity.” HYUNDAI Hyundai Hope On Wheels (HHOW), a nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai and its dealers, gave a $100,000 Hyundai Impact Award Grant to Phoenix Children’s Hospital to continue its longstanding fight against pediatric cancer. The institution is one of 77 recipients receiving 10 | AzBusiness Angels

INTERNATIONAL CRUISE & EXCURSIONS: International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. held its annual Fill-A-Backpack Drive in July to raise funds and donate school supplies to its local nonprofit community partner, A New Leaf. The internal ICE Charity Committee raised more than $11,000 from employees at the ICE Headquarters in Scottsdale, helping to fill more than 800 backpacks with binders, notebooks, calculators, pencils, markers, glue, rulers, and many other school supplies. This drive marks ICE’s largest donation ever to A New Leaf.

Working Together to Build a Stronger Community We are proud of our respected long-standing relationships in the nonprofit and business communities. With decades of experience representing nonprofits, our team of attorneys have an inside-out understanding of nonprofits and the issues they face.

Scott D. DeWald sdewald@lrrc.com 602.262.5333 direct

Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP Attorneys at Law

lrrc.com

CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP

LOGICAL POSITION: The award-winning national digital marketing agency with a local office in Mesa, hosted a company-wide Back to School Supply Drive to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Employees at Logical Position’s nine offices throughout the country will be collecting much-needed school supplies to benefit their city’s local Boys & Girls Club chapter.

one•n•ten and The MORE Foundation to help ease transportation barriers. NATIONAL BANK OF ARIZONA NB|AZ has become an innovator in the local nonprofit space with the Charity “Charmed Giving” Program. The NB|AZ nonprofit group recognizes Feeding Matters and Ballet Arizona by donating charms for their relentless effort to improve our community through art and science. The Charity “Charmed Giving” Program is a Charity Charms awareness initiative. Companies can choose a charity and donate funds for the custom charm program that aligns with the cause they support. The selected nonprofits receive customized charms as a form of recognition. “This program is simple but yet so impactful for our nonprofit clients. NB|AZ is honored to collaborate with Charity Charms to help raise awareness for so many worthy causes in our community,” said Pamela Keefe, vice president and nonprofit relationship manager, who has helped countless nonprofit organizations reach their unique financial goals. PETSMART One-in-four seniors live alone, often with a pet as their only source of comfort. With nearly 7 million seniors living at or below the poverty line, many are finding it increasingly difficult to support themselves – let alone a pet. Meals on Wheels America, the leading organization dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger, says thousands of their 12 | AzBusiness Angels

pet-owning clients will forgo their own resources to ensure their pets are fed before even taking a bite of a delivered meal themselves. To help address these issues, PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, has committed $3 million to Meals on Wheels America to fund a three-year partnership that will support a national pet food pantry and veterinary care program to provide home-delivered meals and veterinary care to pets of home-bound seniors. PHOENIX SUNS The Phoenix Suns have been one of the Valley’s most involved donors for youth, and today, they have given Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix a big assist. The NBA team has committed $1 million to the Clubs to support their plans for expansion into school-based sites in districts in need, starting with Phoenix’s Cartwright District. Since 1993, the Suns have invested dollars, given volunteer time and made capital improvements in BGCMP’s 16 Valley Clubs. “We’ve been long-time supporters of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix because the organization has impacted our city’s youth in such a meaningful way,” said Phoenix Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley. “Today’s investment will bring the Club opportunities to serve thousands more youth throughout the Valley and helps parents ensure their kids have quality after school programs in a place they know and trust.”

SALT RIVER PROJECT SRP chose three Valley nonprofit organizations – A New Leaf: La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter & Donation Center, Arizona Humane Society and Arizona Agriculture and Equine Center – to receive solar systems that will generate green, emission-free energy provided by the SRP Solar for Nonprofits program. Since 2007, the program has completed 49 solar system installations that have collectively helped nonprofits save more than $600,000 while providing green, emission-free energy for their buildings. “This is a great partnership with our customers who contribute to the program, and an impactful way to invest in green energy while helping nonprofit agencies direct more funds to the communities they serve,” said Dan Dreiling, SRP director of Customer Programs. “The program supports our commitment to investing in Arizona-produced, solar energy projects that also benefit the nonprofit arena.” SMARTPRACTICE SmartPractice, a healthcare marketing and supplies firm, announced a new $60,000 donation to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, for the development of a quicker and more accurate way to detect and monitor breast cancer. This new donation contributes to the $235,000 SmartPractice has gifted to TGen since 2015. SmartPractice’s financial support is helping TGen develop a “liquid biopsy,” a simple blood test that could provide early warning of cancer’s progression and continuous, non-invasive disease monitoring during treatment. SPROUTS The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation announced $3 million in donations to nonprofit organizations that specialize in nutrition education and fresh food access. Funds include Neighborhood Grants that support grassroots children’s nutrition education programs, as well as large, multi-year Impact Grants designed to help partners increase organizational capacity and scale programs. “Each year, our network of nonprofit partners continues to grow and our work in local communities continues to deepen,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. “As a result, children and their families have greater exposure to nutrition education and hands-on cooking

Burch & Cracchiolo has a nearly 50 year history of supporting organizations that are making our Valley and state a better place to live and work. We are pleased to give back to the community that has given so much to us. This year we have initiated the B&C Star Teacher Program honoring a Valley teacher every month who needs and

deserves financial assistance for classroom needs. In addition, in 2019 we have supported the following non-profits and foundations: • Arizona Anti-Defamation League

• Peoria Diamond Club

• Arizona Animal Welfare League

• Phoenix Indian Center

• Arizona Builder’s Association

• RSL AZ North Soccer

• Arizona Coyotes Junior Hockey

• Salvation Army

• Arizona Humane Society

• St. Vincent de Paul

• Arizona Women’s Leadership Forum

• Valley Partnership

• Brophy College Prep Athletics

Community Project Day

• Carescape Foundation

• WESTMARC

• CHEEERS • Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) • Chandler Compadres • Glendale Chamber of Commerce Auction • Levine Foundation • Luke AFB Country Fighter Partnership To nominate a teacher go to bcattorneys.com. He or she could be awarded $500.

Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. 702 E. Osborn Rd., Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85014 602.274.7611

www.bcattorneys.com

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CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP and gardening programs in their schools and community centers, and urban farms are increasing access to fresh, nutritious produce in food desert communities.” SUNDT The Sundt Foundation awarded over $85,000 in grants to 30 Phoenix-area nonprofits during its third-quarter disbursements. “Our Sundt Foundation committee believes in giving back to the community where we live and work,” said Cathie Gabriel, the Sundt Foundation’s Tempe region board member. “We’re proud to support 30 local organizations this quarter and help them achieve their missions.” The Sundt Foundation awards grants each quarter to area charities that support disadvantaged children and families. Nonprofits are selected through an application process and reviewed by a committee of Sundt employee-owners.

UNITEDHEALTHCARE More than 120 UnitedHealth Group employees got together to pack emergency food boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank. It’s all part of UnitedHealth’s Empowering Health commitment. The company is working to tackle food insecurity in Arizona by donating more than $660,000 in grants to the Food Bank Network in the last two years. The emergency food boxes packed were distributed to families, seniors and the homeless. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare is co-sponsoring the purchase of a St. Mary’s Food Bank mobile food pantry. The trailer will be fully stocked and set up at area churches and nonprofits to provide emergency food to neighborhoods in need, then moved from location to location as requested.

WALMART AND SAM’S CLUB Walmart and Sam’s Club, longstanding supporters of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, are the new namesakes of the Walmart and Sam’s Club General Pediatrics Clinic at the Hospital. “Walmart and Sam’s Club’s ongoing support for Phoenix Children’s Hospital is truly astonishing,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Recognizing their efforts by renaming the General Pediatrics Clinic is incredibly well deserved for a company that does so much for our patients and community.” Since 1989, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised nearly $14 million for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. n

5 OF THE MOST PHILANTHROPIC PEOPLE IN ARIZONA

LEO AND ANNETTE BEUS

Through their generous philanthropic investments, Leo and Annette Beus have already made a lasting Arizona State University impact. They have changed the face of the downtown landscape with the addition of the Beus Center for Law and Society, supported Sun Devil Athletics and provided numerous scholarships to increase student access to a college education. Now, with a new $10-million-dollar investment, the Beus’ want to help shape the future of medicine. Their ever-deepening ASU commitment will soon establish the Beus Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser (CXFEL) Lab, now under construction at ASU’s Biodesign Institute. The CXFEL laser will be a firstof-its-kind, X-ray technology with potential applications in medicine, renewable energy (for the “green” economy), the computer industry and beyond. 16 | AzBusiness Angels

TOM AND JAN LEWIS

Tom Lewis, CEO of Scottsdale, Ariz.based real estate business T.W. Lewis Company, and his wife Jan have given a $2.5 million gift to Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University to support student personal development and success. The Lewises, founders of the T.W. Lewis Foundation, have designated their generous gift for two purposes: $1.5 million to establish and fund the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development at Barrett Honors College on the ASU Tempe campus and $1 million to go toward the construction of a $10 million Barrett Honors College Student Success Center.

DORIS NORTON

Following a longstanding family tradition of investing in health care and health sciences education benefiting the Phoenix community, local philanthropist Doris Norton has donated $5 million to Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and Creighton University. This transformational gift will expand much-needed health sciences education in Phoenix, creating a pipeline of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals at a time when the Valley, state and nation are facing an imminent shortage of healthcare professionals.

S P O TL I G H T O N A R I ZO N A B U S I N E S S A N G E L S : S P E C I A L A D V E RTI S I N G S E CTI O N

Care Fund

16427 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 145 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 | thecarefund.org Michelle Schwartz, Chair, Care Fund Board of Directors MISSION STATEMENT AND FOCUSES The Care Fund believes that a parent should never have to choose between working to pay their mortgage over caring for their seriously ill child. The organization financially supports Arizona families who are enduring financial hardship while handling a child’s extended illness by providing mortgage and rent support during the crisis. Founded by the Lamb family after they experienced the loss of their infant son, Apollo, the Care Fund honors their son through the nonprofit’s work aiding families with similar experiences. Realizing not all families have the wherewithal to be able to spend large amounts of time by their child’s bedside and away from work, but knowing that having a parent beside them is a key to recovery, the Care Fund seeks to eliminate that stress for families. HISTORY In 2013, Pat Lamb and Bill Rogers founded The Care Fund, previously the Apollo Foundation, which helps families with a critically ill child pay their home mortgage or rent when medical expenses severely

limit their ability to meet their monthly housing obligations. In 2010, Lamb and his family saw fellow local families struggling with their mortgages and other bills firsthand when their infant son, Apollo, came down with a virus at three days old. Apollo would pass away at just nine weeks old. The goals of Care Fund are to ensure that families without the means that the Lambs were blessed to have at the time can remain in their homes and spend time together despite their circumstances. They do this by working collaboratively with hospital social workers, physicians, health care professionals, hospitals and clinics to refer families to our Mortgage and Rent Assistance Program. Since its inception, and in partnership with everyone who collaborates with us, Care Fund has provided more than $1.6

million in emergency mortgage and rent assistance to Arizona families in these exact situations. SUCCESSES In the words of one mother: “I am in total shock but forever grateful. You can’t imagine how much of a relief and peace you have placed in my heart and my family. As a mother this is one of the greatest gifts and blessings to know as a mother I will be able to continue to help my son and my other children. Thank you from the deepest part of my heart.” LARGEST FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR The Care Fund has two major fundraising events during the year, a September Western-themed gala, “Desert Sky,” and a November event in Tucson, Casino Corral.

Her past was dark, Her Story but her future is bright!

Matters

When you support you support her present, so her past can be redeemed and her future prepared. She has critical needs in her first 24 hours with us like food, clothing and medical care. She needs a home. She needs family. She is in need of intensive trauma-informed care carefully integrated along side the basic needs of any teenage girl. Please exercise your AZ Tax Credits today by making a gift to StreetLightUSA to help her write new chapters in her story. Your gift can be subtracted dollar-for-dollar from your state taxes.

Story Matters AHer story made possible bytoldyou.it doesn’t. …even though she’s been

S P O TL I G H T O N A R I ZO N A B U S I N E S S A N G E L S : S P E C I A L A D V E RTI S I N G S E CTI O N

StreetLightUSA

8380 W Emile Zola, #6178, Peoria, AZ 85381 | streetlightusa.org Skye Steele, Chief Executive Officer StreetLightUSA provides crisis intervention, stabilization and housing through a variety of programs and services tailored to meet the needs of young girls at risk for and victims of child sex trafficking. Since 2008 we have served over 1,200 girls. When you support StreetLightUSA, our on campus, trauma informed education program – Prestige Academy – is just one of the critical programs you support.

classes. So far the program has helped two residents complete their high school educations – one diploma and one GED - and move onto college!

Prestige Academy (go Pink Pumas!) began its inaugural year in the fall of 2018. This program provides a trauma informed curriculum and specialized lesson plan for each student as well as a small class size. The girls also receive life skills training such as job search and interview skills, how to manage a budget, health and wellness

StreetLightUSA is an Arizona Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO #10011), which means you can choose how your tax dollars are spent by supporting the girls in our care. You can give up to $1,000 if you file married joint or $500 if you file single. Get back every dollar by subtracting the same amount from your Arizona state taxes, dollar for dollar.

AzBusiness Angels | 19

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

DEVELOPING

HOPE

Bank of America partners with Phoenix nonprofits to support workforce development efforts and economic mobility By ELAINA VERHOFF

s Phoenix continues to grow, business is booming. Yet employers in the Valley are struggling to find qualified people to fill open positions. To continue the upward trajectory and keep our city’s strong economic engine running, Phoenix will need to ensure a consistent pipeline of talent. One company with a long-standing commitment to local workforce development and responsible growth is Bank of America. Locally, Bank of America has built strong partnerships with several of the region’s nonprofit organizations that are removing barriers to economic success for vulnerable populations, preparing talent for the job skills needs of tomorrow, as well as developing strategies that better connect the needs of employers with training providers. Bank of America has intentionally sought out relationships with nonprofits that are working hard to help lift people out of poverty through educational programs and workforce training needed to find meaningful employment. In 2019, Bank of America has awarded grants to dozens of Valley nonprofits, with funding going directly toward programs that 20 | AzBusiness Angels

help youth and adults from economically disadvantaged backgrounds get on the path to financial mobility. This is done through workforce development, education, and making sure basic needs such as access to affordable housing and healthy food are met. One of Bank of America’s partners is A New Leaf, an organization that served 26,973 individuals last year with resources like homeless and domestic violence shelters, affordable housing solutions, youth services, foster care and workforce support. Specifically, Bank of America supports A New Leaf’s BankWork$ program, which provides job skills training to people from underserved areas to help them secure meaningful employment with financial institutions. Since BankWork$ launched in Arizona in 2016, 75 percent of program graduates have found careers in banking, many of them with Bank of America. Another partner doing great work to develop the workforce pipeline in Phoenix is Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a group that provides education, resources and support to positively transform the lives of women and strengthen our

community. Fresh Start offers a six-month Upward Mobility Program designed to offer women more opportunities to build resiliency and career readiness through job skills training, education, and networking opportunities for a self-sufficient and upwardly mobile career track. St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), an organization that connects people with quality employment, has also partnered with Bank of America in its efforts to provide resources and tools to help low-income job seekers move from homelessness or poverty to sustainable employment. Thanks to funding provided by Bank of America in 2019, SJW was able to launch the Mobile Success Unit, Arizona’s first ever mobile job development office, which allows the organization to effectively serve hundreds more men and women in their job search. With Arizona’s economy in full swing and businesses experiencing a tight labor market, it is imperative that leading corporations support and fund local organizations providing the skills and training needed to prepare our workforce for the jobs of today and the future. n

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The World We Depend On, Now More Than Ever, Depends On Us Learn more about the power of nature at nature.org/arizona

Arizona Nature Conservancy

he Nature Conservancy in Arizona works to conserve our rivers, lands and forests. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our state’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together.

AZ BUSINESS ANGELS

AWARDS Event casts a spotlight on the nonprofits, individuals, business leaders, and organizations that impact our communities

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Az Business Angels magazine — in conjunction with the Arizona Community Foundation and Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits — cast a spotlight on the nonprofits, individuals, business leaders who support them at the Az leaders, and organizations that are Business Angels Awards, which is making the biggest impact on our sponsored by WaFd Bank Arizona. communities at the first annual Az “When the first issue of Az Business Business Angels Awards on Nov. 7, 2019. Angels was launched in 2017, its “We want to engage the nonprofit mission was to challenge business leaders of Arizona in order to learn leaders and companies to match their more about their missions, the causes skill sets and desire to give back to the they support and the people who work community by working with nonprofits tirelessly to serve them,” says AZ Big that desperately need the help,” says Media Publisher Josh Schimmels. Michael Gossie, editor in chief for AZ “Equally important, we will pay tribute Big Media, which publishes Angels and to the leaders of Arizona’s for-profit eight other magazines. “The magazine community who sit on boards, donate was created to give new hope to time, support company community nonprofits and inspire businesses and initiatives and give back through various business leaders to make a difference means to the nonprofit community.” and to make it their unconditional mission to connect, volunteer and Az Business Angels will recognize, give back to the communities they honor and bring together Arizona’s nonprofit community with the corporate serve. Now, we get to honor those

organizations and individuals at the Az Business Angels Awards.” From hundreds of nominations, the judging committee for the Az Business Angels Awards narrowed the very competitive field of nominees down to finalists in 14 categories. Over the next several pages, you will meet the finalists by category and in alphabetical order. AzBusiness Angels | 25

AZ BUSINESS ANGEL OF THE YEAR: INDIVIDUAL

RICK UEABLE CO-OWNER || FOODS 2000

ERIC OLSEN OWNER || FASTURTLE By day, Olsen is the award-winning owner of Fasturtle, a digital marketing agency. But by night – and during most weekends – Olsen is dedicated to creating opportunities for women, children and nonprofits across Arizona. He recently completed five years of service on the Fiesta Bowl committee — which has given more than $12.5 million to Arizona youth, sports, education and human services organizations in the last eight years — and he is a decade-long board member for Tonto Creek Camp. “Beyond my work with children, I come from a family of strong women. And I am married to a strong woman. This propelled me down another philanthropic road: The Fresh Start Women’s Foundation,” says Olsen, who joined the Foundation’s Men’s Board last year.

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Ueable owns 49 Arizona Subways with his business partner, Ken Clark, and is founding member of Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona (SKS), a nonprofit founded by franchisees to help at-risk children gain access to sports, equipment, registration fees and more. SKS has donated $1 million in nonprofit grants and sports equipment for kids. Ueable also volunteers as director of African affairs for Partners in Action. “Right now, I’m focused on Bulembu, a city in Swaziland,” says Ueable, explaining the nonprofit, in partnership with two Swazi partners, bought Bulembu with a goal to make it self-sustainable. So far, Partners in Action has helped open an orphanage, school, bakery, dairy, sawmill, and hotel/restaurant to help improve the quality of life in the city.

KEVIN WALSH PARTNER || QUARLES & BRADY In 2018, Walsh, 35, was honored among the Top 50 Pro Bono Attorneys in Arizona by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. Walsh studied International Peace Studies at Notre Dame, believing that “if you want peace, work for justice.” This belief led him to law school at Villanova, where he began volunteering in a legal clinic helping refugees seek asylum and education in the U.S., eventually partnering with a nonprofit helping students in Iraq during the war. In 2007, he traveled to Syria and Jordan to assist identifying and aiding student refugees – many whose homes and schools had been destroyed. This led to broader advocacy for refugees. He even co-hosted a full Symposium in D.C., which helped to result in true reform.

FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR

MAKE-A-WISH ARIZONA WISH BALL Make-A-Wish Arizona said the sold-out 2019 Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball raised more than $3 million in a single night and had more than 1,000 guests in attendance. The funds will help grant more than 300 future wishes to Arizona children with critical illnesses. Corporate sponsors included Phusion Projects, Harley Davidson of Scottsdale, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Discover and Grimaldi’s. The 2020 edition of the Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish Ball, which will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2020, will also mark the 40th anniversary celebration of the organization, which was founded in Phoenix in 1980 after a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.

MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Since 1949, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been on the forefront of blood cancer advances such as chemotherapies and stem cell transplantation, leading the way to the targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are saving thousands of lives today. In Arizona, the LLS has been growing at a rapid pace. One of the organization’s primary fundraising campaigns is Man & Woman of the Year, a 10-week campaign in which community leaders battle to raise the most money for cancer research. The winners are crowned the Greater Phoenix Man and Woman of the Year. The annual campaign raised nearly $1.1 million in 2019 and a goal of $2 million for 2020.

PHOENIX HEART BALL

The Heart Ball was introduced to the community in 1959 by Peggy Goldwater, wife of Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater. For 60 years, the Phoenix Heart Ball has helped to advance the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a mission that has empowered the lives of countless men, women and children in our Phoenix community. Since its inception, Phoenix Heart Ball volunteers have raised more than $37 million to fight the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in America — heart disease and stroke. Contributions received go far in supporting cardiovascular research, professional and community education, and advocacy efforts. The Heart Ball is a celebration of the AHA’s fundraising efforts and continues to be a major driving force behind eradicating heart disease and stroke.

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We’re in this together. For over 100 years, we’ve believed in giving back to our communities. In fact, in the last year, we’ve been honored to provide $148,500 in financial support and 2,235 hours of volunteer assistance for a variety of community endeavors and organizations in Arizona. We are proud to continue that commitment by supporting the AZ Business Angels Awards and the honorees that impact our communities. We’re here to help, because we’re in this together.

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WaFd Bank Arizona

6720 N Scottsdale Rd Ste. 111, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 | www.wafd.com Mike Brown, Arizona Regional President WaFd Bank Arizona – formerly Washington Federal – is a full-service national banking institution that focuses on business-to-business banking, commercial and equipment financing, and retail home loan and commercial real estate financing. WaFd Bank Arizona has two main funnels to best help the community. First, there is the WaFd Bank Foundation. The mission of the WaFd Bank Foundation is to facilitate direct donations to community-based nonprofits that are serving the needs of low and moderateincome individuals. The foundation has granted more than $200,000 to Arizona nonprofits in recent years. Nationally, the grant program has exceeded more than $1 million in donations in states where it has a footprint since its founding in 2008. Beyond this, WaFd Bank is dedicated to giving back time and fundraising at the branch, citywide and statewide levels. It provides time outside of the office for team members to serve on associations and nonprofit boards as well as organizes regular activities from chartable walks to in-brand fundraising campaigns to help on the hyperlocal level.

NONPROFIT EVENTS/ORGANIZATIONS WAFD SUPPORTS Care Fund, UMOM New Day Centers, Habitat for Humanity, Central Arizona Shelter Services, International Rescue Committee, Pima County Community Land Trust, Right Turn for Yuma Veterans, Boys & Girls Clubs statewide, YMCA, Youth on their Own, Junior Achievement of Arizona, Chicanos Por La Causa, Save the Family

EXECUTIVES WHO SERVE ON NONPROFIT BOARDS MIKE BROWN, Arizona Regional President, serves on the board of directors for the Care Fund. PARIS DAVIS, senior vice president and northwest Arizona retail division manager, serves on the United Way’s Women’s United Steering Committee and is an honoree board member for the Washington Federal Foundation. She is also the past national co-chair for Washington’s United Way program and an active volunteer with Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). KIM DEES, senior vice president and southern Arizona retail division manager, sits on the Care Fund for the Tucson Advisory Council and assists the Mortgage and Rent Assistance Advisory Committee.

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NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

MICHELLE MOORHEAD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TEEN LIFELINE

Moorhead has tirelessly worked to prevent teen suicide during her 30-year tenure at Teen Lifeline. As a result of her dedicated and inspired leadership, thousands of youth have called Teen Lifeline’s hotline, talked to a trained teen peer volunteer and found hope, a compassionate listener, connections to life-changing resources, and found the strength to stay alive. Moorhead oversaw Teen Lifeline’s evolution from a program at a large behavioral health facility to its current status as an independent 501(c) (3) organization and an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization. She shepherded Teen Lifeline from being a hotline-based program to now having an expanding suicide education and prevention program in schools across Arizona. In 2018, Teen Lifeline’s prevention staff saw more than 334,000 people, up from 115,000 people in 2017.

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DANIEL OPENDEN BECKY RUFFNER PRESIDENT AND CEO SOUTHWEST AUTISM RESEARCH & RESOURCE CENTER (SARRC)

As a young researcher at a world-renowned autism center in California, Openden saw firsthand the progress children with autism could make when guided by evidence-based science. More than 20 years later, that same sense of hope is the cornerstone of his work with SARRC, which under his visionary leadership, proves that children, teens and adults with autism can make meaningful progress and achieve extraordinary outcomes every day when guided by best practice models. Since Openden began his tenure as president and CEO in July 2013, SARRC has achieved national recognition for its efforts to build inclusive communities — PBS NewsHour named Phoenix “the most autism-friendly city in the world” — and the nonprofit has doubled its staff and revenues.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PREVENT CHILD ABUSE ARIZONA Ruffner is the rare visionary who can both perceive bigpicture needs and implement detailed solutions. She is also a galvanizing leader who inspires positive action in service of children and families. Ruffner founded PCA Arizona in 1989 when she saw the critical need for “upstream” services that could prevent child maltreatment before it occurs, rather than solely focus on the aftermath of abuse and neglect. Under her leadership, PCA Arizona now serves more than 60,000 children, families and community professionals annually. In her 30 years leading PCA Arizona, Ruffner has united child welfare professionals, behavioral health specialists, community leaders, educators, parents, foster parents, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, judges, attorneys, and law enforcement to work more effectively to prevent and address child maltreatment.

AZ BUSINESS ANGEL OF THE YEAR: BUSINESS AMERICAN EXPRESS American Express prioritizes giving back as one of its core principles. American Express’ 2Gether initiatives — Serve2Gether, Give2Gether and Green2Gether — promote volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and sustainability throughout the company. Give2Gether is the company’s dollar-for-dollar matching program. Amex hosts a campaign each October to encourage charitable pledges from its colleagues. In 2018, the Phoenix participation rate was 75.8 percent, including 96.24 percent participation from the organization’s leaders. Participants donated $1.75 million, which when doubled by the company increased to $3.52 million.

DESERT FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION In 2018, Desert Financial championed its “Year of Giving” initiative, investing $7 million into the community. “The ‘Year of Giving’ began in 2018, and has continued into 2019,” says Jeff Meshey, CEO of Desert Financial. “In the first six months of this year, we have donated to more than 130 local nonprofits.” In addition, the Desert Financial Foundation Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $4.4 million to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s 1 Darn Cool School.

ISAGENIX INTERNATIONAL Since Isagenix launched its ISA Foundation in 2018, the foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $1.8 million to 51 U.S.-based nonprofits, including 23 Arizona-based organizations. Local recipients have received a combined total of $ 627,500 and include Make-A- Wish and Live Love in Chandler. Since 2012, Isagenix and its employees, customers, and independent distributors have raised more than $10 million for Make-A-Wish, helping the nonprofit grant more than 1,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses.

MERITAGE HOMES To strengthen and manage its philanthropic efforts, Meritage Homes formed the Meritage Cares Foundation to support eligible charitable organizations for the support and well-being of children, families, military veterans and other charitable causes. Through the Meritage Cares Foundation, the company can focus on the one component of corporate social responsibility that they consider most important — practicing “community outpour” as they give back to the communities in which they work and live.

USAA USAA’s Season of Sharing provides employees with the opportunity to help the military and local Arizona community during the holiday season. In 2018, employees donated 2,365 pounds of food, sponsored 47 families (providing gifts and a holiday meal), assembled 1,200 care kits to help the military and first responders, donated 400 toys, and sponsored 290 children so they would have at least one gift to open. In 2018, USAA gave back to the local community through a total of over $1.2 million in philanthropic grants. AzBusiness Angels | 31

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Arizona Community Foundation

2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 405B, Phoenix, Arizona 85016 | azfoundation.org Steve Seleznow, ACF President & CEO The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) was founded over 40 years ago by a group of community leaders who understood the importance of philanthropy. Our mission, “To lead, serve and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Arizona,” guides our work. In collaboration with nonprofits across the state, we listen to and understand the needs of communities and connect donors with the causes they are passionate about. Through these important connections, area nonprofits are able to realize their missions with the help of financial and volunteer support from individuals, families, and corporations. ACF also offers training programs designed to provide guidance for nonprofit organizations working to achieve and maintain financial sustainability. Created by ACF and other partners in 2005, the Arizona Endowment Building Institute (AEBI) provides Arizona nonprofits the tools and education they need to develop and implement endowment building programs. Nearly 60 nonprofits across Arizona have graduated

from AEBI since its inception. “Gompers greatly benefited from being part of the Arizona Endowment Building Institute,” said Mark A. Jacoby, Gompers President and CEO. “The mentoring was invaluable, the policies developed have proven their weight in gold, and the level of knowledge gained has continued to propel Gompers’ services to even greater opportunities. The unforeseen benefit was that we grew as an organization, becoming more sophisticated and savvy as a management team and board.” Last year, ACF provided $50 million in grants to 2,448 nonprofit organizations throughout the state. Since 1978, ACF has granted over $783 million into the community supporting scholarships for local students, nonprofit organizations, and causes ranging from quality education,

to health innovations, community improvement & development, environment & sustainability, and arts & culture. “Partnering with AZ Business Angels in honoring the nonprofits and corporations that support our community is important to ACF,” said ACF President & CEO Steve Seleznow. “We value each organization that was nominated through this awards program, along with the many other organizations serving our communities statewide. Congratulations to the finalists and winners for the recognition of the hard work they do every day to make Arizona a great place for all.” For more information about the Arizona Community Foundation, visit www.azfoundation.org or call us at 602.381.1400 to learn how we can support you or your organization.

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MOST INNOVATIVE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

GIRL SCOUTS’ COOKIE DESSERT CHALLENGE

In 2019, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council brought back its award-winning Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge, in which chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants use their culinary prowess to re-imagine one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scout Cookies and turn them into a custom dessert menu item. The chefs look to inspire home cooks across Arizona to buy an extra box or two of Girl Scout Cookies to create their own desserts and it worked. 11,368 girls in Central and Northern Arizona sold 2,828,384 cookies. The per-girl average was 249 boxes each, up from 239 boxes in 2018.

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Kathryn Chandler, executive director and mobility manager, Northwest Valley Connect.

NORTHWEST VALLEY CONNECT Doctors’ appointments, essential errands, trips to the grocery store, visits with family and friends — we are a population on-the-go. But for some, finding a way to get around can be a stumbling block for some seniors and people with disabilities. That’s where Northwest Valley Connect comes in: Helping Northwest Valley residents get to the places they need to be. And to help make that happen, Northwest Valley Connect puts on Motors & Meals, which benefits the organization and includes include a collector’s car show, beer and wine garden, food trucks, farmers’ market, costume contest, music and local entertainment for the whole family.

Courtney Bennett, Arizona and New Mexico area manager, Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

TITO’S VODKA FOR ONE-N-TEN

Courtney Bennett, Arizona and New Mexico area manager for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, has been a longtime supporter in the nonprofit community, but stepped up big time this year for one n ten. Bennett has been a part of “Dancing for one·n·ten” in a sponsor capacity for many years, but stepped up this year as a contestant. Inspired by her mentor and friend, Letitia Frye, who last year lost her son to suicide, Bennett was paired with professional dancer, Paige Knuth, and raised $54,000 via her campaign, breaking all fundraising records to date.

OUTSTANDING COLLABORATION BETWEEN A BUSINESS AND NONPROFIT

PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND KTAR

Tim Harrison, Phoenix Children’s vice president of corporate partnerships and events, started on the other side, working in radio, and Give-A-thon was his baby. When he made the switch to Phoenix Children’s, he was still deeply committed to the success of Give-A-Thon and his work has paid off. Give-A-Thon was the largest radiothon in the country for the fourth straight year. With the help of KTAR News 92.3 FM and 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station, communities across Arizona gave more than $1,841,272 to support world-class care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

THE JAMES AGENCY AND COLLEEN’S DREAM FOUNDATION The James Agency (TJA) organized a nationwide awareness campaign on behalf of ovarian cancer nonprofit Colleen’s Dream Foundation in tandem with World Ovarian Cancer Day. Utilizing strategic partnerships and social media activations, TJA developed a digital awareness campaign that drove action among targeted audiences across the country. Results surpassed the established objective, reaching 16,800 impressions through a total audience of 30,000. Engagement on social media, including likes, comments, shares and event responses also exceeded goals. Cumulatively, there were 3,653 total engagements.

VANTAGE MOBILITY AND ABILITY360 Vantage Mobility International is a Phoenix manufacturer of wheelchair accessible conversions built on minivan and SUV chassis for both personal and commercial use. As an annual sponsor of the Department of Defense’s Warrior Games, it’s only natural that VMI would team up with local nonprofits such as Ability360 and Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. In April 2019, VMI named the center as the hub for its pilot program with a rideshare provider to ensure people with disabilities have a new way to access rideshare. The new program designated 35 VMI vehicles which can be used by rideshare drivers to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs.

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NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR: EDUCATION AND YOUTH

ACADEMIES OF MATH AND SCIENCE

Serving almost 6,000 bright young scholars at seven campuses, the Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is one of the highest performing K-8 charter school networks in Arizona, serving exclusively economically disadvantaged communities. Recognized as the 2016 Arizona Charter School of the Year, the foundation of AMS’s success is innovative coursework, an extended school year and day, and extensive extracurricular offerings. For the past two decades, AMS has provided an award-winning K-8 education that has transformed thousands of under-challenged students into soaring scholars. AMS leverages its experience, expertise, and energy to drive Arizona forward one student at a time. When students succeed, so does our community.

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ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER Many do not know about Arizona Science Center’s numerous programs to develop Arizona’s educators. Teacher shortage and retention issues are plaguing our state and ASC’s Learning Team has helped these teachers stay ahead of the curve with science standards. The STaR teacher residency program brings teachers to the center for an immersive program in which they are given the latest in project-based learning. The Rural Communities Expansion Program takes them to rural communities in Arizona, where key instructors work directly with the educators in their schools to mentor them, assist them with crafting curricula and hands-on projects and more.

CHILDHELP

For six decades, Childhelp’s founders, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, have made it their mission to ensure that millions of children around the world are protected from abuse, neglect and bullying. This year, 2019, marks Childhelp’s 60th anniversary – a significant triumph for the organization and the children and families served. Since 1959, Childhelp has brought the light of hope and healing into the lives of more than 10.5 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping at-risk children. Its programs and services include residential treatment services; children’s advocacy centers; therapeutic foster care; group homes; adoption; the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline; and child abuse prevention, education and training.

NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR: HEALTHCARE

HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY

As the leading provider of hospice care in central Arizona for more than 40 years, Hospice of the Valley brought security, comfort and dignity to more than 18,000 patients and their families last year. While helping individuals at end of life is Hospice of the Valley’s mission and one it holds to steadfastly, leaders of the organization also believe in evolving to serve the growing needs of our community — a belief that has led the nonprofit to create several innovative programs that support patients and their families, often long before they need end-oflife care.

SOUTHWEST BEHAVIORAL AND HEALTH SERVICES SB&H is actively collaborating with Phoenix judges and other providers in an opioid drug treatment pilot program to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is the use of medications, with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug. For opiate dependence, this includes Methadone, Buprenorphine (with and without naloxone) and Naltrexone.

UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF CENTRAL ARIZONA For families who find themselves in need of services for a newborn who entered this world with a disability or an older individual who has an unexpected, and likely frightening diagnosis, UCP of Central Arizona has been there for them for almost seven decades. The support provided for individuals with a wide array of disabilities has given freedom and purpose to lives that otherwise could be unnecessarily confined. It could be said that therapy and services for individuals with disabilities is what UCP of Central Arizona does, and that would be true. But, for almost 70 years what it has really provided is hope. And with hope, anything is possible.

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Find your cause. Invest in your community.

APRIL 7, 2020 Arizona Gives Day is a single statewide day of giving that has raised $17.1 million for Arizona nonprofits since 2013. Your donation on this day could help an organization win a cash prize, too! Find your cause at

azgives.org

Search for a Tax Credit Organization on azgives.org Open 365 Days a Year

APRIL 7, 2020

Arizona Gives Day |

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IN-KIND SERVICES PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

HMA PUBLIC RELATIONS

CHASSE BUILDING TEAM In March 2018, the Virginia B. Jontes Foundation of Phoenix broke ground on Heidi’s Village, a 40,000-square-foot animal shelter and veterinary clinic on the northwest corners of 40th and Fillmore streets in Phoenix. CHASSE Building Team, which is serving as the general contractor on the project, donated 100 percent of its pre-construction estimating fees to help realize the dream of Heidi’s Village. This equates to a lot of money. We are talking well over $100,000 – maybe north of $150,000. Once complete, Heidi’s Village will feature nine total buildings, including a kitten nursery for orphan kittens who need to be bottle fed.

Since the early 2000s, HMA has served in several volunteer capacities for Subway Kids & Sports of Arizona, whose mission is to provide sports equipment, uniforms, registration fees and access to major sporting events for kids who might not otherwise be able to participate. Beyond this regular program, HMA also seeks out ways for “super-sized” giving, including a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Flagstaff that awarded more than 80 bikes, helmets and locks to at-risk kids in Northern Arizona. HMA’s team also donates at least 500 hours a year toward the nonprofit’s fundraising effort — a two-day Top Golf and traditional golf tournament — which just gave away its 1 millionth dollar.

CREATIONS IN CUISINE CATERING

Tony Rea, owner and head chef of Creations in Cuisine Catering, is a tremendous supporter and his dedication to the nonprofit community extends beyond being a donor. For the past five years, Rea has used his catering truck to help ensure Esperança is able to receive large medical donations that support the volunteer surgical program. Esperança manages to send roughly $2 million worth of donated medical supplies to Nicaragua each year. Often, some donations — wheelchairs, medical beds, exam tables — are too large for donors to transport. With Esperança not having the means to pick up donations, Rea steps in to fill this void.

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PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR

FIRSTBANK WITH THE ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA NONPROFITS AND ARIZONA GIVES DAY FirstBank’s collaboration with the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits on Arizona Gives Day has helped generate millions of dollars, through countless donations, to thousands of nonprofit organizations across the state. FirstBank and the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits started Arizona Gives Day, an annual, 24-hour online giving initiative, in 2013. FirstBank’s support enabled Arizona Gives Day 2019 to receive more than 22,000 donations and hundreds of offline donations, totaling more than $3.6 million. Thanks, in part, to FirstBank’s partnership throughout its history, Arizona Gives Day has raised more than $17 million for instate nonprofits since 2013.

UNITEDHEALTHCARE AND ARIZONA FOOD BANK NETWORK WAFD BANK ARIZONA AND THE CARE FUND In late 2018, WaFd Bank Arizona President Mike Brown met with the Care Fund, which helps local families with a critically ill child pay their home mortgage or rent when medical expenses severely limit their ability to meet their monthly housing obligations. Touched, he committed the initial $15,000 donation to Care Fund. But, that wasn’t enough. He joined the organization’s board of directors in 2019, obtained approval for a $25,000 grant, got his Tucson team involved and WaFd became the title sponsor of the organization’s Tucson gala and WaFd also serves as title sponsors’ of the Phoenix gala, the organization’s chief means of fundraising for the entire year.

In 2018, through a $500,000 charitable grant from UnitedHealthcare’s Empowering Health commitment, the Arizona Food Bank Network purchased two refrigerated semi-truck trailers to transport fresh food across the state to communities in need and provided sub-grants to member food banks and food pantries to purchase additional equipment. In the first year of this ongoing partnership, more than 6 million pounds of fresh food were distributed throughout the state, providing more than 4.5 million meals to 520,000 individuals experiencing food insecurity. UnitedHealthcare is continuing its support to the Arizona Food Bank Network in 2019 with a $160,000 grant.

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JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM Join SARRC leaders like Daniel Openden, an Az Business Angels nonprofit executive of the year finalist, who are committed to helping people with autism meaningfully integrate into inclusive communities. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just getting started or have experience, we encourage you to explore the many career opportunities at SARRC today.

autismcenter.org/careers

OUTSTANDING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

A NEW LEAF

Riverboat Acres has 11 acres of land used for fundraising purposes in support of A New Leaf’s domestic violence and homeless shelter programs. The main building, designed as a Riverboat, seats 750 people and hosts 10 bingo sessions during a six-day period. Riverboat Acres exists to provide financial assistance to all of A New Leaf’s programs — with a preference for shelter and domestic violence programs — and provide information to the public about A New Leaf’s programs. About 40,000 people visit Riverboat Acres annually to play bingo, have a meal in the Captain’s Galley, or host an event of some kind.

CAFE 54 Cafe 54 provides a unique solution to a complex problem. Cafe 54 is an award-winning restaurant and job training program for adults in mental health recovery that seeks to reduce the stigma of mental illness by proving that individuals in recovery can, and do, work. Eighty percent of Americans with severe mental illness are unemployed, but nearly all want to work. However, poor past work experiences, stigma and symptoms create barriers for these individuals when they seek to enter or reenter the workforce. Cafe 54 seeks to help these citizens overcome the unique challenges they face.

UMOM NEW DAY CENTERS

UMOM CEO Darlene Newsom believes that to end homelessness in Arizona, the formula to success is housing + income = ending homelessness. UMOM’s Homegrown Training provides skill-based learning for the barista and food-service industries. Last year, 59 clients participated in the Homegrown Training. It is a six-week program that includes “front of house” barista and customer service training, utilizing the Starbucks curriculum, and “back of house” culinary arts modules. The Homegrown Training program has a 70 percent graduation rate and 63 percent of the trainees have been placed in jobs upon completion of the program.

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OUTSTANDING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CHARLES SCHWAB More than 7,600 Charles Schwab employees across the company honored Schwab’s long-standing culture of investing in its communities through philanthropy and volunteer service by participating in Schwab Volunteer Week in May 2019 with a week of volunteer projects that help local and national nonprofit organizations. This year’s event marks another recordbreaking year for employee participation. Arizona represented nearly 1,300 volunteers, working on 62 projects, benefitting 26 nonprofits for more than 5,100 hours invested in the community.

GODADDY Through GoDaddy for Good, every employee receives a $1,500 annual goodness budget. This budget can be used to match donations to any 501(c)3 nonprofits or employees can earn $35 for every hour they volunteer to award a nonprofit. GoDaddy employees are impressively proactive in seeking out volunteer opportunities and causes to support. Employees receive 20 hours of paid time off annually to volunteer. GoDaddy employees volunteered more than 28,000 hours and supported over 300 nonprofits in 2018.

SNELL & WILMER Snell & Wilmer fosters philanthropy through encouragement of donating time and support to worthy causes. This is exemplified through having a strong Community Involvement Committee, which brings together staff and attorneys to participate regularly in local nonprofits and causes. In 2018, nearly 80 percent of attorneys firmwide donated their time to 349 pro bono matters acquiring around 14,400 hours donated. In Arizona alone, attorneys donated 7,561 hours of their time and expertise, valued at $2.5 million in 2018.

SUNTEC CONCRETE Suntec’s Teacher Appreciation Program directly supports teachers and their classrooms. The company allow all 1,300 employees to nominate a teacher that has made a difference in the life of their child. Those teachers are then given a blank wish list to fill up with items they feel will enhance education, make learning fun and get the kids engaged. They’re typically given a $2,500 limit per classroom. In addition, Suntec donated $246,220 in 2018 to training employees within the organization.

TELEVERDE In 1994, Televerde launched a six-person call center at a women’s prison in Arizona. The model is simple: Hire, compensate, provide sales training and educate this disempowered community through on-the-job experience. Over the past 25 years, 3,000 women have been through the Televerde program. While statewide recidivism rates can be as high as 70 percent, it’s less than 10 percent for women of Televerde, 25 percent of whom continue to work with Televerde after they’re released from prison. AzBusiness Angels | 47

Student ID Provides Help & Hope Imagine, something as simple as having a phone number on the back of a school ID could save the lives of countless teens. Is your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school providing a connection of hope to your child? Flip their school ID over. If our number isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t there, reach out to your school or call the Teen Lifeline business number at 602-248-8337. For more information, go to teenlifeline.org/schoolID

Is your teen struggling?

You can provide a connection to hope!

Teen Lifeline is available 24/7/365 with teen peer counselors available by call and text from 3 to 9 p.m. daily. Trained peer counselors are standing by to help troubled teens and concerned adults every day of the year.

You can make a real impact in saving the lives of teens across Arizona with your investment. With Teen Lifeline, every donation saves lives.

To talk to a teen, call or text 602-248-TEEN (8336)

To donate, please visit teenlifeline.org/savealife

S P O TL I G H T O N A R I ZO N A B U S I N E S S A N G E L S : S P E C I A L A D V E RTI S I N G S E CTI O N

Christopher Todd Communities’ A New Lease on Life® 1201 S Alma School Rd Ste. 12400, Mesa, AZ 85210 | christophertoddproperties.com/our-giveback Todd Wood, CEO

MISSION STATEMENT AND FOCUSES From the very start of Christopher Todd Communities, we made a commitment to provide a helping hand up, one person or one family at a time. In 2017, we created our philanthropic program based on our core values called “A New Lease On Life®” to offer housing assistance to those in need, focused at this time on honorably discharged veterans transitioning to civilian life, who need a helping hand up to achieve their best civilian life. Our company develops innovative luxury rental communities comprised of single-family, single-story smart homes in professionally managed gated communities. They are an inspired alternative to traditional apartment living. With the opening of every new community to date, we have provided one veteran a home rent-free for a year, along with additional assistance in the following two years. Community members and our partners also came together to help with other of their needs such as furniture, televisions and even children’s toys. We are honored and humbled to help each of these veterans get a break from rent, allowing them to focus on their education, training or finding meaningful employment.

Each recipient of our A New Lease on Life program submits an essay on how they will pay forward the gift of housing. We look for veterans who have a plan for themselves and others and who demonstrate a broader community connection. HISTORY Christopher Todd Communities founded A New Lease on Life ® in 2017 as a way to give back to the many communities it would serve. Todd Wood, CEO and founder of Christopher Todd Communities, was passionate from the start about using the opportunity of building luxury rental communities as a way to give back to our countries veterans that have sacrificed so much.

SUCCESSES Christopher Todd Communities has had the pleasure of awarding a Veteran a home at three of our brand-new communities within just over a year period. We are also currently accepting applications for our fourth communities opening within the next six months. NONPROFIT EVENTS/ORGANIZATIONS CHRISTOPHER TODD COMMUNITIES SUPPORTS The Veterans Directory, Vets’ Community Connections, Women Veteran Entrepreneurs, Veterans Association for Real Estate Professionals, The Animal Welfare League and most recently the Surprise Elementary School in Marley Park.

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NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR: SOCIAL SERVICES FLAGSTAFF SHELTER SERVICES Flagstaff Shelter Services operates the largest homeless shelter in Flagstaff, providing shelter, food, and services to more than 150 people each day — or 43,000 beds each year for individuals experiencing homelessness, regardless of their faith, mental health, or sobriety. The vision of FSS is to provide “shelter tonight and housing tomorrow,” reflecting the idea that FSS can be an emergency crisis response for the most vulnerable men and women in Northern Arizona and then help stabilize those individuals with safe and affordable housing.

GABRIEL’S ANGELS To make a change in your community, you need driven and caring individuals to be consistent in delivering a much needed service. Gabriel’s Angels has been doing just that for nearly 20 years. As the leading nonprofit organization in Arizona, Gabriel’s Angels has offered their animal-assisted programming to at-risk children birth to 18 within the state. Registered teams, consisting of an owner and pet, offer unconditional love while teaching confidence, respect and empathy to at-risk children.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization is a partnership with a targeted community to address a variety of Social Determinants of Health to help stabilize communities and bring sustainable practices to residents. Neighborhood Revitalization takes a holistic approach in helping a community address a variety of issues affecting their neighborhoods. Habitat partners with residents, other nonprofits, community associations and municipalities to understand and address major needs identified by residents. Habitat is currently working in four targeted neighborhoods located just south of Downtown Phoenix.

PAYSON SENIOR CENTER (THE CENTER) The Center makes an incredibly positive impact on the town of Payson, which has approximately 15,000 residents, 36 percent of whom are age 65 or older and an average age of 57 in the community. This concentration of seniors in a small town creates the need for a vibrant center for them, and the Payson Senior Center fulfills that need every day. The Center provides socialization, education, nutrition and transportation to its patrons and provides an opportunity for seniors to feel connected, valued, and loved.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Very few nonprofit organizations can do what St. Vincent de Paul does each year without any federal funding and relying solely on private and corporate donations. Beyond the 4,500 meals they serve each day to the homeless and undeserved population of Phoenix Metro, the organization built a completely new Resource Center where homeless and underserved individuals can come each day for a hot shower, clothes and toiletries, but can also get assistance in finding a job, getting bill assistance for their utilities and much more. 50 | AzBusiness Angels

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

SCOTT DEWALD

PARTNER, LEWIS ROCA ROTHGERBER CHRISTIE DeWald has been an invaluable resource to the Cosanti Foundation for several years. The organization is going through a transition from a founder-led nonprofit, which it was for its first 45 years, to a professionally led nonprofit organization, which is what it has become today. DeWald works almost daily with the board of directors and senior leadership to ensure that the foundation follows best practices and models excellence in the nonprofit community, but his commitment goes beyond his legal expertise. DeWald scans the community for opportunities to help the foundation advance its mission and has transformed the organization in the process.

KEVIN MCHOLLAND PARTNER, EY

McHolland joined the board of directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix (BGCMP) in 2004. In 2017, McHolland was elected chairman of the board of directors, one of the largest boards in the Valley, and helped grow the reach and impact of the organization. Following his first term as Board Chair, the board asked him to stay on as Chair because the BGCMP started discussions with Boys & Girls Clubs of East Valley. Merging two large, successful organizations is not simple and McHolland’s leadership is a lynchpin in this process. His expertise in growing and expanding organizations has been critical to this complex process.

COLONEL SAM YOUNG USAF (RETIRED)

After a long career serving in the United States Air Force, Young continues to support the military community through philanthropy. Young has volunteered with the Veterans Medical Leadership Council for 17 years, and helped developed the robust nonprofit into what it is today. Under Young’s leadership, VMLC raised more than $2.5 million to aid almost 7,000 veterans and families in crisis. In addition to role serving veterans, Young also volunteers at his local St. Mary’s Food Bank, where he packs meals every week for children who are in need. He also co-founded Men of Chapel at Luke AFB, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in February.

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CORPORATE GIVING

Offering a boost

Employer’s matching donations can be a windfall or a lost opportunity for nonprofits

hile corporate matching donations to nonprofits have been on the rise nationally over the last few years by about 15 percent, an estimated $6 billion to $10 billion in matching gift funds go unclaimed every year. Corporate philanthropy, and specifically matching gift programs, represents a major missed opportunity for many nonprofit organizations. Low awareness is the biggest hurdle nonprofits face. A full 65 percent of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs to their employees. More than 18 million people work for companies in the U.S. with corporate matching gift programs, and 84 percent of donors are more likely to donate to a nonprofit if their employers will match it. Matching donations by companies are a wonderful windfall for nonprofits but only if the employee follows the employer’s process, requesting they make a matching gift. Most firms ask employees to fill out a form and to provide proof of their donation for the company to match it. In some cases, the employee can just send in the form with his or her donation to the nonprofit organization and the nonprofit will do the rest. The Arizona Animal Welfare League, the oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter in Arizona, depends on employee giving – and matching funds from their employers – for a significant amount of revenue each year. Over the last two years alone, the shelter has received more than $135,639 in employee giving and almost $60,000 in matching gifts. The shelter has seen an increase in corporate philanthropy by providing a list of local companies that have matching gift programs on its website. If someone is unsure if his or her employer provides this generous benefit, he or she should touch base with the company’s human resources department. This opportunity for fundraising is very valuable and doesn’t require a great deal of effort by anyone and, yet, it does so much good to help nonprofits like AAWL provide services to homeless, sick and injured animals. If everyone who works for a company with this program would follow through with requesting a matching gift, it would make a huge difference. No donation is too small for a program like this. Even a $20 donation becomes $40, which is more than the average gift per individual in many organizations. In addition to much-needed funds, a program like this saves nonprofits money by reducing the number of fundraising letters and materials they send out each year to raise money. n Judith Gardner is president and CEO of the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

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BETTER HOMES. STRONGER COMMUNITIES. UNWAVERING SUPPORT. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to give back to those who serve, and those in need. Want to know more? Call or visit us online. 877.278.4358 | meritagehomes.com

70 YEARS

OF HOPE

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has been a catalyst for blood cancer research that helps patients and their families

By ERIN THORBURN

No one is prepared for cancer.

“Most people who are diagnosed with a blood cancer are caught off guard and are thrown into what can feel like a very isolating and frightening situation without knowing what resources are available,” says Allison Rosenthal, MD, hematologist, internist and oncologist for the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. “Small things can make a very big difference for a patient and his or her family — financial assistance, connections with other blood cancer patients, educational resources and access to someone who can help get answers to some very important questions.” Dr. Rosenthal can empathize on a personal level with the patients she treats. Before she was a hematologist specializing in the care of lymphoma patients, Rosenthal was in medical school pursuing a career as an orthopedic surgeon. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with lymphoma that her career and life plan “turned her world upside.” For those who have been diagnosed with or experienced a family member’s diagnosis with blood cancer, the notion of a world being turned upside down is universal. For more than 70 years, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been there to help cancer patients and their family fight to try to turn their worlds upright.

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LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

BY THE NUMBERS INVESTMENT

Jim Brewer

Melina Herrera

FAMILY CRISIS “When a parent is given this sort of diagnosis, the moment just freezes and it truly feels like your whole world has been flipped upside down,” says Melina Herrera whose son Julian was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age six. “Everyone should be involved with such a wonderful community such as LLS. Since getting involved, I have seen the wonderful evolution of five or six medications being approved in a year, to now seeing more than 10 medications being approved — all because of the wonderful people that have joined LLS to make a difference.” As the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society celebrates its 70th year, the organization continues to aggressively research, advocate and provide for families who must face what was once considered a “hopeless condition.” “LLS was founded in 1949 by a family mourning the loss of their 16-year-old son to leukemia,” explains Jim Brewer, executive director for LLS in Arizona. “In the 70 years since, thanks to investment in research, the survival rates for pediatric blood cancers have gotten much better — from just five percent when the organization was founded 70 years ago, to more than 90 percent today in some cases.” Despite the improved outlook for pediatric blood cancers since 1949, Brewer adds a reminder that survival rates are not yet 100 percent and the treatments themselves are still chemotherapy based. This means long treatment regimens with toxic chemicals that often produce longterm side effects. “All of that is just not good enough,” Brewer says. “So we’re going to do something about it — and not just for pediatric blood cancer patients — but for all pediatric cancer patients.”

4,100: Number of research projects that have been supported by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since 1949. $1.3 billion: LLS has invested nearly $1.3 billion in cancer research since 1949.

John Gray

Allison Rosenthal, MD

treatments are harsh and outdated. While many people are aware of the side effects that treatment such as chemotherapy can create during treatment, such as hair INNOVATION loss, loss of appetite, etc., it’s important 100: to understand how these drugs can affect LLS is currently funding people — children in particular — in the research at nearly 100 medical long term. institutions across the globe. According to the American Cancer Society, longer-term side effects of $250 million: chemotherapy drugs include a range of LLS continues to raise the bar potential problems related to lower blood for peer-to-peer fundraising. cell counts: increased risks of infections, Participants across all of LLS’ bruising, bleeding and fatigue, to name a campaigns helped raise a few. Nerve damage, increased risk of blood record-breaking total of more clots, infertility issues, as well as growth than $250 million in 2018. and development problems are additional risks of chemotherapy. IMPACT While improving quality of life by 56: finding new and better treatment for Number of LLS local chapters. pediatric blood cancer is certainly a 100,000: priority of LLS moving forward, there is a More than 100,000 volunteer much bigger story here. advocates are effecting “In 2018, LLS helped advance 19 of change by advocating for policy the 21 blood cancer treatments approved changes at the state and federal by the FDA,” Dr. Rosenthal says. “One of levels. these therapies is a transformative therapy known as CAR-T cell therapy, a treatment 20,000: now approved for both pediatric and young Approximately 20,000 inquiries adults and all adults with aggressive B cell warmed last year to LLS’ non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.” information specialists, who Additionally, LLS is funding a large provide one-on-one support and precision-based study for newly diagnosed education services, including acute myeloid leukemia patients aimed at clinical trial navigation. making the treatment more personalized, based on genetic drivers. There are now early therapeutic trials looking at bringing age two, and who also serves on the LLS cellular therapy technology (like CAR-T) Arizona Chapter Board of Trustees. into the solid tumor space to treat many “The reason our family got involved is types of cancer-based proteins expressed that we’ve seen what blood cancer and by the tumor cells, according to Dr. cancer, in general, can do,” adds Gray, an attorney at Perkins Coie, “and we see what Rosenthal. Blood cancer research has a tremendous it does to little bodies that aren’t built for impact and is revolutionary because of its hundreds of shots and drugs that they’re potential to aid in developing treatment not able to handle.” A BETTER WAY approaches for a number of cancers and While many children survive acute “We owe it to the world to find better medicine,” adds John Gray, whose daughter lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common diseases — not just blood cancer. Today, blood cancer approaches are being tested type of pediatric blood cancer, the Lily was diagnosed with Leukemia at 56 | AzBusiness Angels

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

70-YEAR LEGACY OF FIGHTING FOR FAMILIES 1949

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded by the de Villiers family, who lost their 16-year-old son to leukemia in 1944. Awarded one of the first LLS grants to James Holland, MD, a pioneer in combination chemotherapy. His discovery helped establish a standard of care in children with leukemia.

1955

1956

1968 19881999

Canisters are placed in restaurants and stores to collect spare change in New York City, becoming a precursor to today’s coin boards. LLS established official patient-aid program to support blood cancer patients with challenges related to medications, lab fees and service charges and transportation. LLS launched five innovative fundraising campaigns — The Leukemia Cup Regatta, Team In Training, Man & Woman of the Year, Pennies for Patients and Light The Night. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Gleevec for CML, opening the door to the targeted therapy revolution.

2001 2004

2007 2016 2004

20172018

2018 58 | AzBusiness Angels

The Leukemia Research Fund of Canada becomes an affiliate of LLS and changes its name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. LLS establishes two new groundbreaking programs, copay assistance, to help patients afford their prescriptions, and Therapy Acceleration Program, to speed the pace of drug development. LLS enrolled its first patient in the Beat AML Master Clinical Trial, a paradigm-changing collaborative precision medicine trial. A new innovative fundraising campaign, “Students of the Year,” launches nationally. FDA approves a historic 39 blood cancer treatments, 34 of which LLS-funded research helped advance, including the revolutionary chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy, which ushers in a new era in cancer treatment. LLS advocates help pass into law The Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act, the most comprehensive federal funding for childhood cancer research.

in clinical trials for bone, breast, brain, kidney, ovarian, liver, pancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancers; multiple sclerosis; rheumatoid arthritis; melanoma; diabetes; and lupus nephritis. CHALLENGES REMAIN Yet despite the possibilities of what new approaches in blood cancer research and treatment can yield, there remains what Brewer says are systematic challenges to pediatric cancer drug approvals. “We are going to work to solve these challenges by conducting a master trial that will bring together the critical mass of patients in this relatively small patient population so that we can demonstrate the safety, efficacy and economy of proving these therapies will work for children and in what doses,” Brewer says. “The drugs are there, we just need to work through the system to make them available for pediatric patients.” In addition to the ultimate hope that one day all challenges associated with blood cancer pediatric treatment will be removed, there is an even greater dream for those who have been affected by blood cancers. “In an ideal world, we won’t even need organizations like LLS anymore,” says Gray. “You’ll be able to go to the doctor and receive treatment as you would for any other issue. It would make these organizations unnecessary because we simply won’t have children’s cancer anymore.” Until then, LLS remains faithfully and steadfastly committed to moving the needle forward toward viable, accessible treatment solutions. The organization announced that it is more than doubling its investment in pediatric research with the launch of the LLS Children’s Initiative, a $50 million multi-year endeavor. LLS is pioneering an unprecedented collaborative clinical trial to fundamentally change the way pediatric blood cancers are treated, while expanding the services and support it provides for children and families. “Most, if not all, of the major advancements in cancer treatment were originally generated with blood cancer research,” Brewer says. “We are very confident that this will be the case with pediatric research. In fact, we have pediatric oncologists who specialize in other types of cancer who have signed on to be a part of our coalition in moving the Children’s Initiative forward because they recognize the promise of what we are doing — not just pediatric blood cancer patients, but for all pediatric cancer patients.” n

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

THE LIFEBLOOD OF I CANCER RESEARCH

By ERIN THORBURN

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fund-raising events support the quest for innovative treatment solutions and resources for patients and families 60 | AzBusiness Angels

magine a sea of colored lanterns in yellow, red and white â&#x20AC;&#x201D; each color representative of survivors of blood cancer, those navigating a diagnosis and those in remembrance. In addition to honoring those who have fought, are still fighting and have lost the fight, Light The Night is as productive as it is powerful. This event and others hosted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)

Greater Phoenix Light The Night Greater Phoenix Light The Night is the largest event held by the Arizona Chapter of LLS. The evening event boasts upwards of 8,000 attendees to celebrate advancements in blood cancer research. “It’s really quite moving to see the number of people that come out to walk with or honor loved ones who are survivors, patients, or those they’ve lost,” says Dr. Allison Rosenthal, hematologist, internist and oncologist for the Mayo Clinic, who was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia — an aggressive type of acute myeloid leukemia — in 2006. “The money and awareness raised with an event like Light The Night make it clear that LLS won’t stop until we live in a world without blood cancer.” The family-focused event is on track to raise upwards of $1 million in 2019, according to Jim Brewer, executive director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Arizona. “It takes a lot of volunteer leadership, corporate support and friends and family teams (usually centered around a patient),” says Brewer, “all raising money and connecting in the community to spread the word about how amazing Light The Night is.” LET THERE BE LIGHT:

Man & Woman of the Year Man & Woman of the Year demonstrates how a group of community leaders can make a huge impact on the fight against cancer. About 25 male and female community leaders commit to a 10-week campaign each year to raise as much money as they can for LLS. Each dollar raised counts as one vote. “From doctors, lawyers and real estate agents to chefs, nurses and teachers, individuals from all walks of life reach yield millions of dollars to fund invaluable cancer deaths in the U.S., and shows that out to their network to see who can raise breakthroughs in blood cancer research are research and resources. the most money,” says John Gray, who now saving lives and being tested in clinical serves on the LLS Arizona Chapter’s Board LLS has more than 56 chapters with trials for other cancers and diseases, such more than 100,000 volunteer advocates. of Trustees. “We’re all on the same team Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns helped as brain, breast, kidney, liver, lung, ovarian, working toward the goal of raising money pancreatic and prostate cancer, as well as secure $250 million in 2018 alone. for treatment.” arthritis and diabetes. In 2018, LLS, the largest nonprofit At the end of the 10 weeks, LLS hosts a In the fight for blood cancer research and large gala to celebrate the culmination of dedicated to fighting blood cancers, unveiled a brand platform showcasing its work in the patient support and advocacy resources, the campaign — and to raise even more LLS events and fundraising campaigns fight to cure cancers. “Beating Cancer Is In money. At the end of that night, the votes are the lifeblood of continued success in Our Blood” highlights LLS’s resolve to end are counted and the Man and Woman of fulfilling LLS mission directives. blood cancers, the third leading cause of the Year are announced. This has been the Greater Phoenix Light The Night is the largest event held by the Arizona Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, attracting upwards of 8,000 attendees to celebrate advancements in blood cancer research.

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“If people are looking for ways to help patients and families with blood cancer, LLS is a fabulous way to get involved” — Andy Gordon.

fastest-growing LLS campaign, raising more than $1.1 million each of the past two years. Students of the Year As LLS’s newest signature campaign, Students of the Year is a service-learning scholarship program that engages high school students from across the state. Students work together in a seven-week effort to raise money to advance the LLS mission. The students can run in teams of up to three and are mentored by past students, adult board members and Man & Woman of the Year candidates. “Student of the Year is essentially the same as Man & Woman of the Year, in that it acknowledges excellence in fund raising,” Gray says. “It’s one of my favorite events. These are high school kids. They’re young, but they’re eager to change the world.” During their participation, students are provided with well-rounded leadership training and an opportunity to make a unique impact as a young emerging leader. The seven weeks culminates in a grand finale celebration at which the student(s) who raise the most money are named Student(s) of the Year and receive a college scholarship. Pennies for Patients As a school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and fundraising initiative, Pennies for Patients works with approximately 600 schools across Arizona. Students are encouraged to join the “Hero Squad” to help kids just like them who are dealing with cancer. The Hero Squad is comprised of teachers, parents, doctors, scientists, and, of course, patients. Students can join the Hero Squad by being kind to anyone who is on a cancer journey and by raising money to help find cures and provide support. The program is kicked off with an 62 | AzBusiness Angels

energetic assembly for the kids, where they learn how they can make a big impact on kids with cancer by taking individual action. Schools are also provided with a standards-based STEM curriculum to use during the program.

LET IT RIDE: “My first introduction to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was after my first stem-cell transplant in 2010,” says Andy Gordon, an attorney with Coppersmith Brockelman who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009. “I had a friend ask if I wanted to get involved with a 100-mile bike around Lake Tahoe as part of Team In Training. It was my first big event with LLS, and the supportive response from people was overwhelming.”

MONEY MATTERS: The 2019 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Greater Phoenix Man and Woman of the Year campaign crowned Forest Melton, right, and Genevra Richardson as Phoenix Man and Woman of the Year. (Photo by Marion Rhoades Photography)

Team In Training Team In Training was started in 1988 by a father who gathered several of his friends to run the New York City Marathon. The objective: To raise money in support of his daughter, who had just been diagnosed with blood cancer. Thirty-plus years and millions of dollars later, Team In Training remains the original charity endurance training initiative, helping people get to the finish line while also making a sizable, memorable contribution in the fight against cancer. Participants can do any event of their choosing, from running and cycling to hiking and triathlons, and everything in between. “My first introduction to LLS was after my first stem-cell transplant in 2010,” says Andy Gordon, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009. “I had a friend ask if I wanted to get involved with a 100mile bike around Lake Tahoe as part of Team In Training. It was my first big event with LLS, and the supportive response from people was overwhelming.” LLS provides a personalized training program and the opportunity to participate in endurance events with other people from across the country who have joined Team In Training. “If people are looking for ways to help patients and families with blood cancer, LLS is a fabulous way to get involved,” Gordon says. “There are lots of ways to help — walks, community training, volunteering, and many more access points.” To get involved with any of LLS fundraising events, visit lls.org/arizona.

“I wish I could tell my donor how grateful I am for your selfless act. You may have wondered what became of your donation. Well, it saved my life. ” – Ann

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