Prina, Secret Soldiers honored at ACF of the Gila Valley annual Grant Celebration

THATCHER — The man who has been the face of Arizona Community Foundation in the Gila Valley for more than a decade has been named the area’s top volunteer.

During the Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley’s annual Grant Celebration on Tuesday, Ted Prina was named the 2024 Ed and Angie Sawyer Volunteer of the Year for Graham County.

Prina recently stepped down as chair of ACF of the Gila Valley, but during his thank-you speech he continued to preach about the value of planned giving.

“The Community Foundation has ways for everyone to give,” Prina said. “Most of our funds are set up as endowments, which means your gift keeps giving.”

In addition to the award, Prina received $1,000 from the Sawyer family to donate to a charitable organization of his choosing.

Prina started the Prina Family Scholarships, which helps area students attend college or university, he was part of the group that organized Cash For College, which matches students with scholarship opportunities, and he helped for the Tax Credit Coalition, which promotes donations to area nonprofit organizations through the Arizona Tax Credit program.

Nicole Bratlee, founder of Secret Soldiers, said she was surprised her passion project was named 2024 Graham County Nonprofit Organization of the Year.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

The 2024 Graham County Nonprofit Organization of the Year was Secret Soldiers.

Secret Soldiers, created by 20-year Air Force veteran Nicole Bratlee, sends items free to military members on deployment, both personal grooming items and other material that lets the military members know they haven’t been forgotten.

Bratlee said the award will help with her mission.

“It will actually help us start reaching out more to the community, and to let more people know the community behind me, also,” Bratlee said.

Bratlee said a new round of collection drives for items needed by active-duty service members is getting ready to begin this fall, and those interested in helping can contact her through American Legion Swift-Murphy Post No. 32.

In addition to recognizing individuals and organizations, Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley handed out more than $47,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving the area.

Grant recipients for 2024 include:

Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, which received $8,000 for its Healthier Lifestyle Project for teens
Borderlands Produce Rescue, which receives $7,500 for the Produce Voucher Program administered locally by Graham County Health Department and the Safford Lions Club
Fort Thomas School District, which receives $6,250 for the Mr. G Apache Language Preservation project
Gila Valley Arts Council, which receives $5,000 for its educational programs partnering artists with students
Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS), which received $5,000 for Senior Center operations
Tooth B.U.D.D.S., which received $5,000 for its ongoing project of free teeth cleanings of Graham County elementary school children
Ronald McDonald House, which received $5,000 to house area families when a child has been hospitalized in Tucson or Phoenix
Desert Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, which receives $3,000 for spay and neuter vouchers
Sun Sounds Foundation, which received $2,400 for its program that provides audio access for people who cannot read or hold printed materials due to a disability

There were no nominees submitted for Greenlee County Volunteer or Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

Ed and Angie Sawyer Graham County Volunteer of the year