Carefree Mayor John Crane was introduced by Kiwanis Program Manager, Ms. Darlene Carter at the June 14th Kiwanis Luncheon.
Mayor Crane made a special point of reciting some of the past major donations that Kiwanis has provided for Carefree over the 50 years since Kiwanis was established in this community.
He made reference to the landmark Carefree Sundial construction as well as the refurbishing project years later.
Of course, Kiwanis would not be where we are today with our Marketplace without our start with the construction of the Kiwanis Warehouse in Carefree. This building served as the launching point and a frequent gathering place for donations and sales of a very wide range of furniture, clothes, sporting goods, jewelry and tools. And now for nearly a decade we have the Marketplace which generates funds to support a wide range of grants and projects as well as our yearly Scholarship Awards Event.
Mayor Crane made special mention of the Kiwanis Splash Pad. But this relationship has never been a one way street; as Carefree has supported many Kiwanis Events including the Pancake Breakfast which was attended by over 650 people this past year. Carefree has shared their Sanderson Center with Kiwanis and last year we gave away over 50 bicycles to all ages of “Kiwanis Kids”.
Further, in recognition of Kiwanis’s commitment to civic duty, he pointed out the donation to the newly installed Veteran’s Memorial.
Mayor Crane also recapped many of the significant projects going on within Carefree to include the Water Integration Projects, the Village Center Redevelopment Plan, as well as several Economic Development Plans and Revitalization Projects.
“Both Kiwanis and Carefree can be very proud of our long standing history of working together!”
Purse-Impressions Charity Receives $7,000 Grant
Purse-Impressions, a 501(c)3 Charity has been awarded a $7,000 grant from Carefree Kiwanis Club Benefit Foundation to assist in the development of their newly founded children’s program.
The charity celebrates the accomplishments and milestones of individuals recovering from alcohol and substance abuse with a ‘fresh start’ purse or backpack. Purse-Impressions has gifted over 4,500 bags in just over 3 years. The goal of the program is to encourage individuals to begin recovery with dignity, strength and the knowledge that someone cares about them.
The charity started after the tragic passing of founder Patricia Brusha’s 28 year old daughter Courtney to stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver. Patricia then began her mission, which was her daughter’s idea, to de-stigmatize the way people in recovery are judged by others.
Knowing that women and men in treatment are often a forgotten demographic Patricia stumbled upon another important group that is overlooked…the children living with a parent who resides in sober living housing.
Of the 16 campus facilities that Purse-Impressions works with, 8 facilities are sober living moms with infants, children and teens residing in these homes with them. Starting 2 years ago with a holiday toy and book drive for the kids, Patricia knew she wanted to do more and she knew exactly who to turn to for help.
“These children need more than just toys, they require backpacks, school supplies, diaper bags and basic hygiene,” Patricia stated, “I just knew Kiwanis Club of Carefree was the first place to turn to as their focus is on helping children.”
When approached about the project Kiwanis was enthusiastic about supporting the children living in a rehab environment. The timing is perfect because school supplies are needed. There will also be a holiday donation later this year. Funds will be used to support children residing in Community Bridges Inc, Arizona Women’s Recovery Center and Hushabye Nursery.
Purse- Impressions is extremely grateful for the generosity of Carefree Kiwanis Club Benefit Foundation and looks forward to working together on this and future children’s programs.
About Purse-Impressions: Purse-Impression’s strategy is to share Courtney’s story with others struggling with addiction and to help them improve their mental outlook by recognizing their accomplishments, promote self-confidence and support overall wellness.
For more information regarding either the Fresh Start or Children’s Program visit www.purse-impressions.com or contact [email protected] or 602-814-6679. Donations are accepted at the Charity Boutique at 7171 E Cave Creek Rd, Cave Creek AZ 85331
About the Kiwanis Club of Carefree :Our focus is on helping children recognize and develop their potential. We support post-secondary scholarships, summer art programs, special needs support, youth service organizations and more. For more information, please visit their website https://kiwaniscarefree.org/
