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Good Deeds
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Girl Scouts: Here's a Sure Sale for Your Cookies!
Posted By Tucson Weekly Staff on Tue, Feb 5, 2019 at 4:23 PM
One Tucson company is celebrating the 2019 Girl Scouts cookie season with a big promise: They will buy cookies from every girl who visits them this Thursday, Feb. 7.
For the fourth year in a row, Trusting Connections nanny agency and sitter service co-founders Rosalind Prather and Caroline Wesnitzer are vowing to purchase cookies from every scout that visits between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. while they set up shop at the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona headquarters (4300 E. Broadway Blvd.)
The cookie sales don't just help fund Girl Scout programming. Young women also learn entrepreneurial skills and self confidence.
From the Girl Scouts website: “It's about the experience of running her very own cookie sale, working with others, and building a lifetime of confidence as she learns five skills (goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics) essential to leadership, success, and life.”
In the spirit of the programs’ educational goals, girls will be asked to give either individual or group sales pitches to Prather and Wesnitzer. The scouts will then draw from a jar with notes indicating how many boxes the company will purchase—between one and 25.
Signs, posters and other sales props are welcomed.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Furlough Freebies Extend Beyond Food
Posted By Tirion Morris on Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 12:43 PM
Local restaurants have been providing free meals to government workers affected by the shutdown, but now other local business are stepping in to help out.
Tucson's Unscrewed Theater announced a program called "Furlough Freebies, Taking the Money Out of Funny." Starting Jan. 18 all federal employees with federal ID's can see any show for free.
Unscrewed Theater's executive director Chris Seidman said that the free shows were inspired by a member of Unscrewed Theater, making the government shutdown hit home.
“Unscrewed Theater’s very own volunteer Gayla Gongwer is a federal employee who has been hit by this unfortunate shutdown" Seidman said in a release.
The theater is working to alleviate some of the stress on federal workers through comedy. The non-profit improv theater released a statement:
Some restaurants around town that are offering free food specials are breakfast at Hotel McCoy, burgers and mac and cheese at Pastiche and a buffet at Saffron Indian Bistro.
Tucson's Unscrewed Theater announced a program called "Furlough Freebies, Taking the Money Out of Funny." Starting Jan. 18 all federal employees with federal ID's can see any show for free.
Unscrewed Theater's executive director Chris Seidman said that the free shows were inspired by a member of Unscrewed Theater, making the government shutdown hit home.
“Unscrewed Theater’s very own volunteer Gayla Gongwer is a federal employee who has been hit by this unfortunate shutdown" Seidman said in a release.
The theater is working to alleviate some of the stress on federal workers through comedy. The non-profit improv theater released a statement:
“Unscrewed Theater” wants to remind all of the federal workers in our community that they are not facing this very difficult time alone.Another local business is getting in on the giving with a promotion on alignment. KS Mission Automotive is giving away free alignments for government employees during the shutdown. For more information visit ksmission.com.
Some restaurants around town that are offering free food specials are breakfast at Hotel McCoy, burgers and mac and cheese at Pastiche and a buffet at Saffron Indian Bistro.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Saffron and Pastiche Offer Free Meals to Federal Workers
Posted By Christopher Boan on Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 1:38 PM
Several Tucson eateries are offering free meals to those affected by the federal government's shutdown, including Saffron Indian Bistro and Pastiche Modern Eatery.
Saffron, which is located at 7607 N. Oracle Road, will continue its free lunch buffet offer that they originally offered on Jan. 11 indefinitely, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.
"We know there is a great need to help and there are many people out there still," the post, which went up on Sunday, states. "Thank you to all who have posted their kind comments and have come in to enjoy a meal. We loved meeting with you. We appreciate each and every person. We just want to spread love, compassion and bring a smile. Thank you again."
Pastiche, which is located on 3025 N. Campbell Avenue, is offering free Pastiche burgers or baked mac n' cheese plates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to all government employees affected by the shutdown.
The midtown kitchen is also offering free non-alcoholic beverages to those affected, stating their desire to help all affected in uncertain economic times.
Saffron, which is located at 7607 N. Oracle Road, will continue its free lunch buffet offer that they originally offered on Jan. 11 indefinitely, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.
"We know there is a great need to help and there are many people out there still," the post, which went up on Sunday, states. "Thank you to all who have posted their kind comments and have come in to enjoy a meal. We loved meeting with you. We appreciate each and every person. We just want to spread love, compassion and bring a smile. Thank you again."
Pastiche, which is located on 3025 N. Campbell Avenue, is offering free Pastiche burgers or baked mac n' cheese plates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday to all government employees affected by the shutdown.
The midtown kitchen is also offering free non-alcoholic beverages to those affected, stating their desire to help all affected in uncertain economic times.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Ultra-Marathoner Running to Support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Posted By Jeff Gardner on Thu, Jan 10, 2019 at 11:36 AM
Dan Heston runs absurdly long distances, but he does it for more than just the burn. For the past five years, Heston has teamed up with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to raise funds against food insecurity in a unique way—he gathers donations for every mile. This year is Heston’s sixth fundraising event for the food bank, and he plans to run 100 kilometers at once – just over 62 miles.
“He’s just our hero,” said Norma Cable, who manages public relations for the food bank. “It’s amazing to watch athletes at work. We’re all captivated by what the body can do.”
“Dan's 100 Hunger Run and Wellness Fair” gives the community an opportunity to join in on Heston’s efforts by taking the challenge to run alongside him during the event, and at the same time, donate money to fight hunger in the local community.
But, why would someone volunteer to run 100 kilometers in 12 consecutive hours? For Heston, the answer is actually quite simple.
“It’s not as hard to answer as anyone might think,” Heston said. “I enjoy the solitude and the difficult nature of pushing your body beyond what most people can understand. I enjoy getting out there. The worries go away when you’re out there on your own.”
Heston started running marathons in 2009, but his toils took on a new meaning when he added charity to the runs. He first had the idea to run an ultra-marathon and to gather donations per mile as he ran. The first year turned out to be a hit, and he gathered roughly $1,300 from the community. Unprompted, he took the money into the food bank, and a bond immediately formed.
“I saw the sparkle, the genuine happiness in their eyes that someone would do that,” Heston said.
The following year was even more of a success, garnering four times as many funds. Every year’s marathon since the beginning has steadily increased in funds, with last year’s run earning some $22,000. In total, Heston estimates his five years of running have earned the food bank $45,000 to fight food insecurity. They’re hoping to break $20,000 in donations again this year.
“The more awareness we can raise about hunger, the better the community can be,” Heston said.
The community food bank is a nonprofit charity dedicated to getting in-need Arizonans access to healthy food. They estimate 1.6 million Arizonans do not have reliable access to adequate food. In turn, they offer community programs such as after-school snacks, community meals, community garden plots and farmers markets, and education programs.
This year, the hunger run will take place Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mountain View High School track, the smallest track people have been able to run alongside Heston on.
“With the new year, we all challenge ourselves to take better care of our bodies,” Cable said. “He’s a very practical and humble athlete. It really is inspiring to the rest of us, to set the bar that high.”
Of course, the public isn't expected to run the full distance alongside Heston. Anyone can participate in a mile, a lap, or just to cheer the runners on. According to CFBSA, “Dan’s Challenge is about getting on your feet and making a difference.”
For the previous fundraiser, Heston ran the 106-mile route of El Tour de Tucson. This year, on an enclosed track, will be more accessible for the public to join in.
“He cut it down this year from last year,” Cable said. “Now he’s only—only—running for 12 hours.”
For more information, visit communityfoodbank.org
Thursday, December 20, 2018
TMC and Mobile Meals Delivering Christmas Meals to Homebound Clients
Posted By Tucson Weekly Staff on Thu, Dec 20, 2018 at 12:02 PM
Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona announced that its clients will receive a special meal delivery this Christmas, thanks to a partnership with Tucson Medical Center.
According to a press release issued by Mobile Meals, TMC offered to prepare holiday meals for Mobile Meals’ clients after learning the Salvation Army was not doing so this year. Mobile Meals’ volunteers will deliver meals to clients across Tucson on Christmas day.
“We are very grateful to TMC for their generosity not just this Christmas, but really throughout the year,” said Mobile Meals’ Executive Director Tamara McKinney. “They have been a tremendous partner for Mobile Meals since the program began in 1970, and truly go above and beyond to help the community.”
Mobile Meals’ volunteers deliver nearly 100,000 meals each year to homebound adults throughout Pima County. Learn more at MobileMealsSoAZ.org.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Santa on Wheels: Red Sleigh Toy Run Revs up on Saturday
Posted By Kara Lipson on Thu, Nov 29, 2018 at 12:29 PM
Start your engines because the 11th annual Red Sleigh Toy Run will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.
The run, which thankfully doesn't involve any actual running, will take place at S & S Motorsports and registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
At the end of the run, lunch will be served at Lindy’s where winners will be drawn for the 50/50 raffle and other prizes.
The ride costs $25 per rider and $5 per passenger including lunch. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the sled.
For over a decade, the Red Sleigh Toy Run has teamed up with local businesses, school districts, community members and bikers to bring Christmas to Tucson children in their time of need. They are a non-profit 501c3 organization that delivers toys and other essentials to the doors of children and their families on motorcycles. Bike riders of all ages are welcome to join and change a life this holiday season.
One Dec. 15, they will be hosting another Toy Run to the children of Patagonia. Bring an unwrapped toy and the ride is free.
Sponsors include S & S Motorsports, Lindy’s, Saguaro Desert Landscaping LLC., Arizona Awards and Engraving, American Legion, Tucson Rough Riders and Lawler Team NOVA Home Loans.
The gifts collected will be distributed to more than 1,000 children in Tucson.
The run, which thankfully doesn't involve any actual running, will take place at S & S Motorsports and registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
At the end of the run, lunch will be served at Lindy’s where winners will be drawn for the 50/50 raffle and other prizes.
The ride costs $25 per rider and $5 per passenger including lunch. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the sled.
For over a decade, the Red Sleigh Toy Run has teamed up with local businesses, school districts, community members and bikers to bring Christmas to Tucson children in their time of need. They are a non-profit 501c3 organization that delivers toys and other essentials to the doors of children and their families on motorcycles. Bike riders of all ages are welcome to join and change a life this holiday season.
One Dec. 15, they will be hosting another Toy Run to the children of Patagonia. Bring an unwrapped toy and the ride is free.
Sponsors include S & S Motorsports, Lindy’s, Saguaro Desert Landscaping LLC., Arizona Awards and Engraving, American Legion, Tucson Rough Riders and Lawler Team NOVA Home Loans.
The gifts collected will be distributed to more than 1,000 children in Tucson.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
UA Ranked No. 92 for America's Favorite Charity
Posted By Kara Lipson on Wed, Nov 28, 2018 at 3:52 PM
The Chronicle of Philanthropy that identifies the top 100 organizations that Americans are most willing to support named the University of Arizona number 92.
UA was among only 41 universities and was the only university in Arizona on the list released Oct. 30.
The Chronicle calculated $215.6 million on cash support, money and stock received as gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations at UA in 2017.
The UA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that manages UA fundraising, has helped produce more than $3 billion in private funding since it began 60 years ago.
UA is one of 20 public colleges to appear on the list and twenty-one private colleges have made the Chronicle’s list including Harvard at No. 4 and Stanford University and Cornell University in the top 10 as well.
Top 10 for Cash Support:
United Way Worldwide: $3,260,274,867
Salvation Army: $1,467,750,000
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Hospital: $1,314,189,700
Harvard: $1,283,739,766
Mayo Clinic: $1,140,619,378
Stanford: $1,110,664,853
Boys & Girls Clubs of America: $909,035,450
Compassion International: $819,417,089
Cornell: $743,502,739
Lutheran Services in America: $731,566,533
Data retrieved here.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Operation Hat Trick and UA Campus Team Up for Veterans
Posted By Brianna Lewis on Fri, Nov 16, 2018 at 2:12 PM
The University of Arizona and Operation Hat Trick have teamed up to help support wounded service members and veterans.
Operation Hat Trick is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2008 by Dot Sheehan in New Hampshire. It became a national nonprofit organization in 2012. The organization's mission is to help support and create awareness for wounded services members and veterans. The organization raises money by selling Operation Hat Trick merchandise.
A portion of all proceeds go to organizations that meet the standards of OHT. UA is now selling OHT merchandise on campus. According to the press release, proceeds from Arizona OHT stay in Tucson to help support the local military community.
Last Friday, the founder, Dot Sheehan, attended the UA football game for military appreciation night. He donated $3,500 to the Fisher House, a "home away from home" for the loved ones of active duty or veterans receiving care from Tucson VA.
UA has also been nominated for the OHT Excellence in Service Award, which could provide an additional donation between $3,500 and $10,000 in May 2019.
To learn more about OHT, click here.
Staff Pick
Carnival of Illusion: Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La!
This top-rated illusion show is "Revitalizing Magic" by blending an international travel theme with all the charms… More
@ Scottish Rite Grand Parlour
Saturdays, 7:30-9 p.m. Continues through April 27
160 South Scott Ave
