Honorees will be recognized at Graham Greenlee Grant Celebration September 16
SAFFORD—The Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley invites the public to the Graham Greenlee Grant Celebration on Tuesday, September 16, at 4:00 p.m. at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. This annual event honors the outstanding contributions of local nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and philanthropists who are making a difference in the community.
During the celebration, Volunteer and Nonprofit of the Year awardees will be announced. In recognition of their contributions, the nonprofit selected may receive a grant to support their ongoing work.
Nominations are open through Friday, August 29, in one of the following categories:
- Graham County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- Greenlee County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- Ed and Angie Sawyer Volunteer of the Year (Graham County)
- Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year
Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals and organizations–or even nominate themselves or groups they are affiliated with.
Join us in shining a light on those who uplift our region. Submit your nominations today and celebrate the power of community!
Visit www.azfoundation.org/GilaValley to complete a nomination form. For more information about the event or nomination process, please contact Regional Philanthropic Advisor Selena Valencia Salazar at ssalazar@azfoundation.org or call 520.895.6444.
The Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley was founded in 1997 as a permanent philanthropic endowment for the enduring benefit of Graham and Greenlee counties. This regional office of the Arizona Community Foundation cultivates and stewards charitable funds established by donors, with guidance from a local Board of Advisors.
The Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide philanthropic organization dedicated to bringing donors together to build an Arizona where everyone can thrive. With five regional offices serving communities across Arizona, ACF is among the top 25 community foundations in the nation with more than $1.4 billion in trust and endowment assets and is certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Since inception, ACF has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants, scholarships, and loans to nonprofit organizations, schools, tribal entities, and government agencies. More information is available at azfoundation.org.
Ed and Angie Sawyer Graham County Volunteer of the year
- 2017 — John Bonafas
- 2018 — Ruth Powell (posthumous)
- 2019 — Paulette LeBlanc
- 2022 — Chris Gibbs
- 2023 — Linda Lopez
- 2024 — Ted Prina
Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year
- 2017 — Doug Barlow
- 2018 — Catie Gross
- 2019 — Jesus Garcia
- 2022 — Steve Ahmann
- 2023 — Steve Guzzo
Graham County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- 2017 — Safford Lions Club
- 2018 — Mt. Graham Safe House
- 2019 — Our Neighbor’s Farm and Pantry
- 2022 — Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS)
- 2023 — Gila Valley Arts Council
- 2024 — Secret Soldiers
Greenlee County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- 2017 — Duncan Pride Society
- 2023 — Greenlee County Tourism Council
