Foothills Food Bank
Sometimes we all need a little help
Just a short time ago, seven years to be exact, my wife and I agreed to volunteer in the Cave Creek and Carefree area. With some investigation we found that there was and still are an abundance of opportunities to make a contribution of our time and money right here in the Foothills area. We discovered that a Food Bank was operating right in Cave Creek and had been helping folks in the foot hills area for almost twenty years. It celebrated its 25th this year. We made the decision to volunteer at the Food Bank because we felt it was an opportunity to help many individuals and families directly and immediately.
We started working in a small facility which was about 500 square feet and we were very surprised at the number of folks that needed help in this area. Now seven years later, we are working in a 5000 square foot building along with 400 other volunteers. We help 3200 families from this area and with each passing month the number of families in need grows.
The Food Bank has been very fortunate that it has been able to respond to the growing need and the main reason for that ability to respond is the support that individuals, churches, civic groups and businesses in the foot hills area give to the food bank. All of us that work as volunteers owe a great deal of thanks to everyone who continuously supports our efforts with money and food. Those contributions have enabled the Food Bank to feed folks that are in real need of help.
Over the years the Food Bank has grown from supplying food to helping folks in other ways. Today we have programs that help folks find jobs, we supply some financial support in conjunction with the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul, we help folks with gas vouchers, we have a school weekend lunch program, and we partner to help find folks a place to stay. We are currently preparing to introduce education that addresses other areas that will coach folks on methods that will improve their environment.
With the holidays upon us and with school back in session and with folks returning to this area for the winter, the food bank realizes considerable increases in support from the foot hills community. If you are wondering how to help us, we can use your help as a volunteer, financial contributions help us all throughout the entire year and food is always welcomed, especially non-perishable food.
Thanks so much for supporting all of us in our efforts to help others.
To make monetary donations: Send your check, payable to Foothills Food Bank, to Foothills Food Bank, P.O. Box 715, Carefree, AZ 85377. Or click on Donate at the top of the page at www.foothillsfoodbank.com (your donations may be tax deductible).
Chuck Weirauch
Foothills Food Bank Board President
Dear friend in Art
The Sonoran Arts League occasionally reaches out for support, as the League continues to give to this community by promoting art, artists and art education through leadership and service. The premise of our mission is the belief that artistic awareness is essential to the well-being of life and our community.
For the past 40+ years the Sonoran Arts League, now over 450 members strong, has brought beauty to this community through art experiences like Hidden in the Hills, one of the premier art studio tours in the West, and exhibits at local venues. The League’s members are also involved in bringing art and art awareness to youth and adult classrooms, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to art education and mentoring. As a non-profit organization, the League has been able to accomplish its mission primarily through your gifts and the kindness of the community in support of the Sonoran Arts League Annual Fund.
Did you know that individuals are the largest source of funding for non-profits? This underscores the importance and appreciation of your gifts to the League. We could not do what we do without your support. Here are some highlights, at present, of the League’s outreach to community this past year:
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Mayors from Carefree, Cave Creek, and Scottsdale, at the behest of the Sonoran Arts League, declared “April’s for the Arts” – dedicating April as the official month for the arts;
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100 schoolchildren were presented with incentive bags filled with art supplies, participated in art field trips and installed YouthArt exhibitions at various locations;
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The League collaborated with Education & Community Services in Cave Creek for a Summer Art Institute, including League sponsorship of 35 schoolchildren for funded art classes;
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Field trips for youth artists to Hidden in the Hills art studios and art museums;
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46 host studios, with 166 artists participated in the Hidden in the Hills studio tour and art sale, bringing thousands of people from all over the world to experience art in the foothills of the Sonoran desert;
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Member artists shared their work with the community throughout the year at local business, community center and library establishments;
Past scholarship recipient, Katie Radez, wrote in her visual art scholarship essay: “My hope is to major in marketing and minor in art. I want to channel my creativity into the influential world of marketing…I know that if I’m able to sharpen my skills, my artwork and creativity can be a very effective way of getting a point across and inspire others. I look forward to putting my passion for art into what I do by taking what I learn in my college art classes and making a positive difference through my artwork.”
A student from this year’s Hidden in the Hills art studio field trip wrote: “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to go on this field trip and see all of the artist’s work. This is my third year …every year it gives me new inspiration! Seeing the different techniques and styles always give me new ideas to try out…”
As we move into the FUTURE, you play a key role in inspiration, innovation and interest. We ask for your generous donation to the Sonoran Arts League Annual Fund. Your support allows the League to honor its commitment and vision to be the premier art organization supporting and serving our community by nurturing a culture of creativity through education, events, and activities forging the human spirit to art.
Please support the Sonoran Arts League mission to advance art, artists and art by giving to the Annual Fund Drive. Please send your check to PO Box 1589, Cave Creek, AZ 85327, call 480-575-6624 to donate by credit card number or donate online at www.sonoranartsleague.org.
The three letter word that is our mission: ART! The three letter word that is our support: YOU!
Thank you!
Natalie Nai-che, President
Sonoran Arts League
Happy Holidays from Triple R Horse Rescue
Our ability to assist horses in need has been a direct result of the support that we receive throughout the year from you.
Through your kind donations, time, and support, you share a lifeline to the horses, and for that we extend our deepest appreciation.
Horses give back through companionship and unconditional love, and with your help and support we are able to give the horses in our care a second chance at a happy and healthy future.
We thank each and every one of you who in one way or another help to make a difference in the lives of these beautiful creatures.
Wishing you and your loved ones health and happiness this holiday season, and much prosperity in the new year.
May you find your heart’s desire under your Christmas tree.
DON'T FORGET...........There Is Still Time To Help The Horses Before Year End!
As you contemplate the kind of year it has been and your charitable plans for the future, please consider making an end of year contribution to Triple R Horse Rescue.
You can make your donation with confidence knowing that Triple R is a 501(c)3 organization and 100 percent of the funds donated will go directly towards rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing horses in need.
A year end gift to Triple R Horse Rescue demonstrates your belief in our mission and provides you with tax benefits. Why give Uncle Sam money when you could instead give some of that money to a charity that helps a cause of your choice?
An end of year donation will yield you tax savings, and help the growing deficit of our organization.
The availability of the income tax deduction helps a charitable person be even more charitable. We know that if you support us, it's because you believe these magnificent animals deserve a second chance at a loving forever home, and for that, we thank you!
To donate online visit www.formstack.com/forms/?1236398-SNFY6qkAtU. Mail donations to Triple R Horse Rescue, PO Box 4925, Cave Creek, AZ 85327. Call 602-317-6176 or visit www.triplerhorserescueaz.com for more information.
Triple R Horse Rescue
Cave Creek
Dear friends of Foothills Animal Rescue,
This year we have hugged, walked, petted and loved 569 homeless cats and dogs. That is how many animals that have been rescued, sheltered and cared for at Foothills Animal Rescue by our dedicated staff and volunteers. With your help we have found life-long, loving homes for almost 500 of our orphaned pets at either weekly off-site adoption events, seasonal community events or at our shelter facility.
Our wonderful volunteers have contributed to the adoptions of our longer term cats like: Mikey recently adopted by Kimberly and David Henlin, Venus adopted by Pat and Tony Rhymer, Addison adopted by Mary Jordan and Montana adopted by Ronda Creemens. We fondly remember Foxy Roxy, Grandpa Munster, Courtney, Payson, Marley, Seraphina, Bikini, Cole and Deliah 2, who all found homes this year. We are truly blessed that with our volunteers help we have adopted over 170 cats and kittens.
We have been successful in re-homing more than 325 dogs with the help of our volunteer adoption team and staff who work so hard to make sure that they are placed in the right home. Our intake team have the toughest job of choosing the best dogs for our facility, we thank them every day as we walk, play or love on the new dogs that we get weekly. A few of our favorites are: Sage, Monty, Lucky and Patches, Pickles, Katrina, Duchess and Honey along with many others.
This year we have been supported by grants from IBM, EBay Foundation, Barney's Friends, Ryan Newman Foundation, Bernice Barbour, and private donors that believe in our mission of saving lives through rescue, care and adoption of homeless cats and dogs. With their support we have been able to provide critical medical care for eight of our dogs including: Melanie with diaphragmatic hernia, Cabella with bladder stones, Peppermint who had heartworm and many others that are now healthy and happy in loving homes. Ten of our adult cats received dental care from our new preventative dental care program helping to ensure the overall health and well-being of our cats. Other areas that have benefited from our grants have been spay/neuter and preventative vaccination programs, new website soon to be revealed in the new year and general medical care for our animals.
The Resale Boutique continues to grow with the Furniture Barn and is becoming a great service to the community. The boutique volunteers and staff are an amazing group of people that not only take care of their customers, they make sure that everyone knows that 100 percent of the sales goes to the care of our cats and dogs.
We are greatly supported by private donors and our fundraising efforts. Thank you to all the people who attended Pasta for Paws, Rock and Roll Rescue, Whiskers & Wine and Pins for Paws. These events mean so much to us not only for fundraising but to connect with our neighbors and community. We see ourselves as a neighborhood Shelter and Adoption Center for North Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek.
So on behalf of the animals in our care, Thank you. Our hope this holiday season is for every cat and dog we rescue to have a life-long, happy and loving home.
If you can help support our efforts, please visit us at 23030 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, Call 480-488-9890 or www.foothillsanimal.org
Happy Holidays and looking forward to an amazing New Year,
Marlene Miles
Executive Director
Charitable giving 2013
Did you know you can reduce your taxable income for the year 2013 and help the Library at the same time?
Here are two things you can do:
1. Donate appreciated assets to the Library. Within limits, you can deduct the fair market value of the gift and skip paying capital gains tax on the appreciation. For example, you purchased stock several years ago at a cost of $2,000. Today, the stock has a value of $5,000. Make a donation of the stock to the Library and take a charitable donation of $5,000 and pay no tax on the gain of $3,000.
2. IRA contributions: If you have reached the age of 70 1/2, you can make contributions up to $100,000 from your IRA to 501 (c) 3s. Your contribution reduces your required minimum distribution (RMD). You cannot take the contribution as a deduction on your tax return, but you do not pay any taxes on the amount contributed. Your contribution can be made to more than one 501 (c) 3.
Before you consider any of these options, please check with your tax advisor.
Thank your so much for considering the Library. Your support makes the Library a very special place, "at the heart of the community."
If you can help visit www.dfla.org or mail donations directly to Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, P.O. Box 4070, Cave Creek, AZ 85327.
Sincerely,
David Court
Desert Foothills Library
Neighbors helping Neighbors
I believe in the Foothills Caring Corps because it provides a wide variety of services that help Seniors in our area enjoy a fuller life and continue to live in their own homes or apartments. While all of the services provided by the Caring Corps are important and valuable, the one that resonates the most with me is transportation. There are many people in our area who, for a variety of reasons, can no longer drive a car. In other places they would rely on public transportation to get to their doctors’ appointments, shopping locations or entertainment activities.
In our area there is no public transportation. There are no busses or taxis or trains to get people to the places they need to be. This is a huge issue for people who may be recovering from an operation, suffering from a debilitating illness such as macular degeneration, widowed or they are no longer able to become licensed to drive. This is where the Foothills Caring Corps steps in.
Medical transportation is a very important service offered by the Caring Corps. Many of our citizens need to get to medical appointments, but have no means of transportation. Some examples of people who use this service are people who need renal care, people who need to go to the Veterans Administration Hospital, people who have post-operative appointments and are temporarily unable to drive and people who just need to see their doctor for regular appointments.
When people like this need transportation they call the Caring Corps office and a staff person links them up with a volunteer who uses his or her own car to take them to their doctor and then returns them to their home. The Caring Corps maintains a list of volunteers who have indicated they are available to provide this service. This is a great example of the Caring Corps motto of “Neighbors helping Neighbors”.
The Caring Corps also uses six vans, all of which are operated by trained volunteer drivers and assistants, which are available to take people to scheduled activities. These vans make 50 to 60 trips per month to shopping locations such as Target or Safeway, to entertainment like movies or plays or fun get-a-ways like a picnic at the lake or bingo night at a church. These vans, often called “Party Vans” by those who use them, are the life blood of people who can no longer drive themselves but still hunger for social interaction and need to get out of the house. They will tell you they could not exist without the help of transportation provided by the Caring Corps.
While I have emphasized transportation, I do not mean to minimize the other services provided by the Caring Corps, such as Mobile Meals, caregiver relief, minor home repairs, weekly visits, etc. All of these are terribly important and very much needed by the people who use them. For the most part all of these services are offered to our neighbors free of charge. However, if someone wishes to make a contribution, it is gladly accepted regardless of the size. The important thing to me is that all of these services are provided by volunteers who dedicate their time to taking care of their neighbors. Your neighbor may be the person next door or someone miles away. The Foothills Caring Corps is the element that connects neighbors who have a need with neighbors who are willing to help. Try to imagine where we would be if we did not have the Foothills Caring Corps right here in our neighborhood.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank all of the supporters of the Caring Corps. Thank you to the volunteers who continue to share their time and talents and our financial supporters and our partners who keep the Caring Corps thriving. We need you just as the community needs us!
If you can help support Foothills Caring Corps with a donation, please mail to Foothills Caring Corps, Inc., P.O. Box 831, Carefree, 85377, visit www.foothillscaringcorps.com to donate through PayPal or call 480-488-1105.
Clyde Wyant
Board Member Foothills Caring Corps
2013 tax credit drive for The Helping Hands of Maricopa County!
Reduce your Arizona state taxes up to $400 and support THHMC, a local non-profit education program; with this dollar-for-dollar tax credit ($400 for married couples filing jointly, for individual tax payers, the limit is $200). The Helping Hands of Maricopa County (THHMC) is a public tax exempt 501(3)(c) charity. Donation receipts will be supplied. To find out more about our organization please visit http://www.thehelpinghandsofmaricopacounty.org
A tax credit is different than a tax deduction because it is an actual credit against the income tax imposed upon an individual. It’s simple! Redirect your tax dollars! Receive a dollar for dollar tax credit for your contribution to THHMC!
Tax donations to support The Helping Hands of Maricopa County are vital to our continued growth. For many years, the Heart Awakening students and programs have been supported by the generous donations of people who wish to see the work prosper.
Donations at any level are a blessing and are greatly appreciated. At present donations may be mailed to The Helping Hands of Maricopa County, P.O. Box 4195, Cave Creek, AZ 85327. Credit card donations are accepted via PayPal or phone. If you wish to donate by credit card today please click on the DONATE button in this link http://www.thehelpinghandsofmaricopacounty.org/donate-volunteer/ or call 480-488-1731. If you wish to be contacted regarding donations, please email [email protected].
Drop off deadline December 30, 2013
Envelopes sent via USPS must be postmarked by December 31, 2013.
THHMC Staff
Cave Creek
The Pet Chapel at Guardian Ranch is coming in 2014
A unique community resource: one of only a handful in the world.
The heart knows no difference between losing an animal companion, and losing a human companion. We hurt deeply because we love deeply. The process of grieving for a pet should be no different than mourning the death of a human being. The difference lies in the value that is placed on a pet by family, and by society as a whole. The Pet Chapel will offer animal lovers sanctuary. A place of peace; where comfort, and support can be found throughout the grieving process, and beyond. A place where loved ones will never be forgotten because every life matters.
The Pet Chapel will be located on-site at Guardian Ranch. The Pet Chapel will be accessible 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. A small and secluded garden will surround the Pet Chapel. Within the garden will be a Tribute Walkway, and peaceful water feature. The quaint Pet Chapel building will offer a pew, and open up to the garden. Stained glass windows will filter in a rainbow of colors, and remind us of the bridge our beloved pets cross when they pass. The Pet Chapel will be non-denominational. The only requirement is love, and respect for animals.
Special offerings will include:
Canine Companions - Resident therapy animals available for those in need of companionship.
Blessing Vessel - A sealed ceramic vessel with a single slot to place dog tags or special notes.
Book of Remembrance - A special place to honor your pet by sharing their story.
Amazing Grace Memorial - Honoring all the neglected, abused, and unwanted animals that leave this life anonymously never knowing love or compassion.
The Pet Chapel will also be available for animal blessings, naming ceremonies and celebration of life ceremonies.
Please consider becoming a Pet Chapel sponsor or volunteer. We need artisans and skilled tradesmen in addition to monetary donations. For more information please contact us at [email protected] or 623-780-1604.
Carrie Singer, Founder
Animal Guardian Network
Give a rescue pet healthy teeth and great nutrition
Sponsor a bag of Hills® Prescription Diet® t/d today!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Giving. A simple but very powerful act. There is no other time of year that we are reminded of giving more than the holiday season. We give gifts out of love, out of compassion and out of need. We give these gifts to relatives, friends, loved ones, pets and people we do not even know. Animal Health Services has chosen to give the gift of food to the many pets that do not have a home this holiday season.
Many of these pets make it through our doors by way of rescue organizations. The most common problem found in these pets is tooth or gum disease. We also see many of them that are malnourished. This is why we decided to donate the best food available to help with both of these problems. The food is Hills® Prescription Diet® t/d. This is the most nutritious food available and it is unrivaled when it comes to treating and preventing dental disease. Good nutrition may not find these pets a home but it will help keep them healthy while they await their own Christmas Miracle.
If you would like to sponsor a bag of Hills® Prescription Diet® t/d please stop by Animal Health Services 37555 N. Cave Creek Rd. or call us for more information at 480-488-6181. Sponsored food will be distributed to local rescues.
Animal Health Services Staff
Cave Creek
Happy endings because of you, dear friends of Southwest Wildlife
Since 1994, thousands of wild animals have come through Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. We have raised orphans, healed the sick and repaired the broken bones of the injured. For most of our wild guests, their inherent right to freedom has been restored.
Those few who cannot be released back into the wild will live out their lives in our sanctuary where they will know compassion instead of fear, pain or hunger.
SWCC received a call late one evening from an area homeowner. A bobcat kitten was discovered in their backyard with cactus spines all over his face and body. SWCC carefully captured the kitten and returned to the center. After removing the spines and treating the kitten with antibiotics, he was fed a formula specifically developed for bobcat kittens. With the kitten in a carrier and crying in vain for his mom, SWCC staff returned to the yard where he was found.
Finally, after several tries-success! The mother bobcat heard her kitten's cries and took him from the carrier. A family reunited. Thanks to you we were there for them. What would his fate have been if SWCC had not been there for him?
On cold winter days, members of a javelina herd will lie down together in a sunny spot for warmth. After they settle into a heap, the adult javelinas will lie quietly and with much patience and tolerance, allow the youngsters to walk on and over them, looking for just the right warm and comfy spot to snuggle in and spend the afternoon.
Recently, a number of javelina were killed trying to cross a busy, 6 lane road. It appeared every member of the herd had been killed, but there were two survivors of this tragedy. Two babies had escaped the carnage. The only source of safety, security and comfort they had ever known was from their herd. So, having no other option, they snuggled in and hid among the bodies of their dead herd mates. When city workers came to clean up the slaughter, they discovered two surviving babies and called Southwest Wildlife. Javelina must live in a herd to survive. Forming a new javelina herd is tricky business, something SWCC has perfected over the years. It is the fate of these two babies that once they are old enough they will be introduced to a herd at SWCC and eventually be released back into the freedom of the wild, far away from cars and development. This story begs the question: What would have been their fate if SWCC had not been there for them?
The fate of each of these animals (and so very many more) was dramatically changed for the better, because thanks to you, SWCC has been there for them. We are the only rehabilitation facility and sanctuary in the southwest capable of handling medium and large mammals. If we did not exist, the outcome of these incidents would have been very different. SWCC depends on you, we receive no federal or state funding. We are a 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax deductible. You, the donors, enable us to change the fate of each of these animals. THANK YOU for helping us be there for them.
Please donate today at www.southwestwildlife.org or send you donations to Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 8711 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., PMB 115, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 to ensure we can continue to be there for them!
Warmest regards,
Southwest Wildlife
Wildlife Clinic/ Emergencies: 480-471-9109
Wildlife Education/ Tours: 480-471-3621
Don't make the Sugar Plum Fairy dance barefoot!
Support Ballet Arizona
Each pair of pointe shoes worn by our female dancers costs $90. Keep a dancer on her toes for a week of rehearsals by giving $450 today.
Click here to purchase some shoes.
The sound of music isn't just a Rogers and Hammerstein musical...and it costs money.
Keep live music beautifully performed by The Phoenix Symphony a part of every Ballet Arizona performance with a contribution of $99.
Keep the music alive...Click Here.
You really wanted to support Angel Night but just forgot to mail the check.
Make a gift now for $300 and 10 kids-in-need will be able to attend La Bayadere in February for free thanks to you.
Be an Angel and support these kids. Click Here.
Wake up happy on January 1 knowing that you found a way to give generously and save money!
The IRA Charitable Rollover is set to expire on December 31, 2013. If you are aged 70½ and older, you may donate up to $100,000 from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to Ballet Arizona without having to count the distributions as taxable income.
Click Here to make your charitable donation before December 31, 2013.
Give now...Pay Later!
Credit card charges made before the end of 2013 are deductible even if the credit card bill isn't paid until 2014. Checks that are written and mailed by December 31 will be deductible for 2013 even if they aren't cashed until 2014.
Click Here to give now and pay later.
Board of Directors
Ballet Arizona
