THATCHER — Theresa Campbell said she couldn’t believe it when her name was called as Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year at the Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley Graham-Greenlee Grant Celebration at Eastern Arizona College Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Campbell, who co-organizes the Coty Denogean Memorial Suicide Awareness Walk in Morenci each year as well as directs the Greenlee County Substance Abuse Coalition, said it can be difficult to find time to volunteer, “But once you do put your heart into it. It should come easy at that point.”
Campbell also accepted a grant from ACF of the Gila Valley for the Substance Abuse Coalition.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The Ed and Angie Sawyer Volunteer of the Year was Tim Linden, who volunteers with the Safford Lions Club, Southeastern Arizona Sportsmen Club, Safford Parks Advisory Committee, Graham County Chamber of Commerce among other organizations in Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties.
“We have to be part of the community that we live in, we have to give back,” Linden said. “You hear that from a lot of people, but it is so true. If you have the ability to give back, then take the time and do it.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Graham County Nonprofit Nonprofit of the Year was Gila Valley Samaritan Home, which serves the area’s homeless, and the Greenlee County Nonprofit of the year was Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services, making SEACUS the first two-time Nonprofit of the Year winner, after winning for Graham County in 2022.
“Our staff works hard, day-in and day-out, to ensure the unseen are seen and our active seniors continue to remain engaged. So it’s a true honor,” said Stephanie Nabor, executive director for SEACUS.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
In addition to the awards, $49,600 in grants were presented to 11 nonprofit organizations serving the residents of Graham and Greenlee counties, including:
- Act One — $1,000
- Arizona Science Center — $5,000
- Borderlands Produce Rescue— $5,000
- Easter Seals Blake Foundation— $2,000
- Eastern Arizona Museum and Historical Society— $10,000
- Gila Valley Arts Council— $6,000
- Greenlee County Substance Abuse Coalition— $1,000
- Ronald McDonald House— $7,100
- SEACUS— $2,500
- Tooth BUDDS— $5,000
- Verde Valley Wheel (Fun) — $5,000
Presenters included Graham County Supervisors Paul David and John Howard, Greenlee County Supervisor Ron Campbell, Thatcher Mayor Jenny Howard, Duncan Town Council member Jill Wearne and Safford Assistant City Manager Eric Bejarano.
The event was hosted by Neil Karnes, chair of the ACF of the Gila Valley board of advisers.
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
- 2025 — Tim Linden
Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year
- 2017 — Doug Barlow
- 2018 — Catie Gross
- 2019 — Jesus Garcia
- 2022 — Steve Ahmann
- 2023 — Steve Guzzo
- 2025 — Theresa Campbell
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
- 2025 — Gila Valley Samaritan Home
Greenlee County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
- 2017 — Duncan Pride Society
- 2023 — Greenlee County Tourism Council
- 2024 — Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS)
