Foothills Caring Corps Luncheon Mon., Oct. 12 at Desert Mountain Cochise Geronomo
October 7, 2009
Clubhouse kicks off campaign to raise $200,000 by Dec. 31
CAVE CREEK – Foothills Caring Corps, a life-line for many North Valley home-bound people, is hosting its augural “Foothills Caring Corps Luncheon” on Monday, Oct. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. at Desert Mountain Cochise Geronomo Clubhouse in north Scottsdale. The luncheon kicks off the non-profit agency’s annual campaign with the goal of raising $200,000 by Dec. 31. Dr. Connie Mariano, author of White House Doctor and former physician to President Clinton, President Bush and their families, is keynote speaker. Donations are requested, and reservations are required.
Jill Ford, Foothills Caring Corps president, said the agency has been hit hard by the current economic downturn. Services include medical transportation, friendly visiting, shopping for or shopping with, caregiver relief, handyman services, mobile meals, and social and recreational van transportation.
“We’ve experienced a 21 percent increase in service deliveries this year, primarily in mobile meals and van transportation,” Ford said. “It is projected that demand for our services will increase by another 25 percent this year as a result of the current economic climate and the increase of population within the Foothills.”
Alex Tietz, of Carefree, receives free meal and van transportation services from Foothills Caring Corps. The 69-year-old native of Ohio suffered a stroke four years ago, and said the care he has received has been invaluable.
“I receive lunch Monday through Friday, and I always look forward to it. Their food is excellent,” Tietz said. “Once a month I have to get my blood drawn at a lab on Bell Road, and their volunteers not only drive me, but they stay and wait with me, no matter how long it takes. They also take me to the Library.”
Tietz’s daughter, Laurie Lowe, was an active volunteer with the Foothills Caring Corps for two years, but she had to go back to work to help pay for her father’s bills.
“It’s not easy. My social security check is less than $1,000 a month,” Tietz said. “I’m always very grateful for the services provided by Foothills Caring Corps. The volunteers are truly concerned about the individuals they are helping. I don’t know of any other organization like them. They are miracle makers.”
To reserve a seat at the Oct. 12 luncheon or make a donation, call 480-488-1105. To learn more about the services provided by Foothills Caring Corps or to volunteer, visit www.FoothillsCaringCorps.com.