THATCHER — More than $33,000 is being granted to nonprofit organizations serving Graham and Greenlee counties, courtesy of the Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley.
Grant recipients were announced during the ACF of the Gila Valley’s first awards ceremony in two years Tuesday at Eastern Arizona College.
“I always knew I would be encouraged, but I think that I felt more inspired by seeing the actual people behind the work,” said Colleen Ialucci, regional philanthropic adviser for Arizona Community Foundation.
Grant recipients for 2022 include:
● The American Heart Association, which receives $7,988 for CPR in Schools kits and training for schools in Graham County
● Families Fighting Cancer Together, which receives $7,000 for its Assisting Families with Cancer and Other Illnesses project
● Gila Watershed Partnership, which receives $7,000 for the Increasing Native Plant Nursery Capacity project
● Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, which receives $5,000 for its Sober Wilderness project for House of Hope participants
● The Boys and Girls Club of the Gila Valley, which receives $4,000 from the Thatcher Community Fund for its 2023 Torch Club Summer Youth Program
● Aravaipa Watershed Conservation Alliance, which receives $2,500 to purchase a business printer for maps and handouts
Presenters of the grants included Graham County Supervisor Paul David, Safford City Manager John Cassella and Thatcher Town Manager Heath Brown.
Also presented were the volunteer and nonprofit of the year awards.
Eva Harper, who sits on the boards for both ACF of the Gila Valley and Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services, presented SEACUS Executive Director Stephanie Nabor with the Graham County Nonprofit of the Year Award for its work with Meals on Wheels and serving the senior population.
“I’m grateful for the support of the community, and for everybody that believes in us and allows us to continue to do what we love to do,” Nabor said.
Akos Kovach, vice-chair for the Greenlee County Tourism Council, announced the Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year was Steve Ahmann, who could not attend due to travel for family commitments.
Ted Prina, chair of the board of advisers for ACF of the Gila Valley, presented the Ed and Angie Sawyer Volunteer of the Year award to Chris Gibbs.
“It’s not what you are or who you are, it’s what you leave behind,” Gibbs said. “If you touch one person and create a better soul, that’s fine.”
The award comes with $1,000 that Gibbs has designated for donation to the Safford Lions Club.
Prina closed by telling nonprofit organizations that a grant budget workshop will take place Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the City of Safford Annex. He also asked all in attendance to consider legacy gifts — money left in wills or a portion of life insurance dedicated to support of a favorite cause after one dies.
“Please talk to us,” Prina said. “We can take your passion and turn it into something that will remain in this community that we love forever. That’s pretty incredible.”
Ed and Angie Sawyer Graham County Volunteer of the year
2017 — John Bonafas
2018 — Ruth Powell (posthumous)
2019 — Paulette LeBlanc
2022 — Chris Gibbs
Greenlee County Volunteer of the Year
2017 — Doug Barlow
2018 — Catie Gross
2019 — Jesus Garcia
2022 — Steve Ahmann
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)
Greenlee County Nonprofit Organization of the Year
2017 — Duncan Pride Society
