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Good Deeds
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Local Nonprofit Hosting Fundraiser at Boxyard Friday Night
Posted By Staff report on Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 2:45 PM
A Tucson nonprofit providing character development for children through outdoor and group activities is hosting a benefit party on Fourth Avenue this Friday, and the whole town’s invited.
The Engage Foundation, which teaches youth how to “engage in life” through free events designed to build character, teamwork and sportsmanship, is throwing a fundraiser Sept. 13 at The Boxyard. The venue, located at 238 N. Fourth Ave., hosts four on-site food vendors and will offer $1 Firestone 805 beers for the event.
Other activities include a raffle, jersey grab, music and a poker tournament. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m.
The foundation provides several programs, primarily its yearly youth co-ed touch rugby team for anyone ages 6 to 18. Participants receive coaching, participate in league matches and receive rugby gear and a jersey all at no cost to the families.
The youth rugby league launches Sept. 29 at Rillito Regional Park, 4502 N. First Ave., and takes place Sunday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. Register for the league and RSVP online at engagearizona.com by Sept. 20.
While much of the year is spent having fun on the field and donating balls to groups like the Boys and Girls Club, Engage Foundation Board Member Matt Stamp said this Friday’s fundraiser is integral to the success of the group’s mission.
“Our goal is to give as many children as possible the opportunity to participate in fun activities that they might not have the chance to otherwise,” Stamp said. “We are grateful for the community support and look forward to a great event and impactful season ahead.”
A $20 ticket to the event comes with a dinner, custom pint glass and $1 beers. A $40 ticket includes a seat at the speed poker tournament—where the best prizes are up for grabs. All proceeds from the events go directly to Engage. Buy tickets online here.
Those who can’t attend the event but would like to contribute to Engage’s mission may do so online here.
Engage is officially recognized and supported by USA Rugby, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tucson and the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson.
The Engage Foundation, which teaches youth how to “engage in life” through free events designed to build character, teamwork and sportsmanship, is throwing a fundraiser Sept. 13 at The Boxyard. The venue, located at 238 N. Fourth Ave., hosts four on-site food vendors and will offer $1 Firestone 805 beers for the event.
Other activities include a raffle, jersey grab, music and a poker tournament. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m.
The foundation provides several programs, primarily its yearly youth co-ed touch rugby team for anyone ages 6 to 18. Participants receive coaching, participate in league matches and receive rugby gear and a jersey all at no cost to the families.
The youth rugby league launches Sept. 29 at Rillito Regional Park, 4502 N. First Ave., and takes place Sunday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. Register for the league and RSVP online at engagearizona.com by Sept. 20.
While much of the year is spent having fun on the field and donating balls to groups like the Boys and Girls Club, Engage Foundation Board Member Matt Stamp said this Friday’s fundraiser is integral to the success of the group’s mission.
“Our goal is to give as many children as possible the opportunity to participate in fun activities that they might not have the chance to otherwise,” Stamp said. “We are grateful for the community support and look forward to a great event and impactful season ahead.”
A $20 ticket to the event comes with a dinner, custom pint glass and $1 beers. A $40 ticket includes a seat at the speed poker tournament—where the best prizes are up for grabs. All proceeds from the events go directly to Engage. Buy tickets online here.
Those who can’t attend the event but would like to contribute to Engage’s mission may do so online here.
Engage is officially recognized and supported by USA Rugby, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tucson and the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
City High Student Raises $1,600 for Local Charity
Posted By Jeff Gardner on Wed, May 22, 2019 at 4:08 PM
For her 16th birthday, Tucson City High School student Isabella Parisi did not ask for presents. Instead, she said any money that would be spent on her should instead be given to children in need.
Parisi and her family worked with Pay It Forward Tucson, a local nonprofit, to host an event to benefit children in need. In total, the May 18 event raised $1675.81 for Raising Special Kids, an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to helping children with disabilities. The fundraiser included an art show from multiple local painters, performances by folk musician Peter Dalton Ronstadt, and more.
“Since she was young she has given back to the community, however, this year was one of the most special events,” said Isabella’s mother Rebecca.
Friday, April 12, 2019
Community Info / Do This! / Good Deeds / News
Give the Gift of Food and Lower Your Library Fines
Posted By Pima County Public Library on Fri, Apr 12, 2019 at 4:03 PM
Give the gift of food and lower your library fines! From April 15 to April 30, library customers can pay overdue fines and help support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. During Food for Fines, one dollar in overdue fines will be waived for each non-perishable food item donated at any library.
What fines can be waived?
- Only overdue fines will be waived. No lost material, damaged fees, collection agency fees, or other fees will be waived during this event.
- Nonperishable items such as canned vegetables, peanut butter, cans of tuna and cereal are all welcome.
- Perishable food
- Expired food
- Opened, dented, or damaged food
- Homemade food
- Food in glass containers
- All donations are sent to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, so your donation goes directly to your community.
- You can still participate!!! Your donations will be sent along with the rest of the food.
Monday, April 8, 2019
Local Nonprofit Collecting Medical Supplies at Donation Drive
Posted By Tucson Weekly Staff on Mon, Apr 8, 2019 at 12:23 PM
Help those in need by donating your extra health and medical supplies. World Care, a local nonprofit that works to provide basic necessities to those in need, is hosting a Medical Equipment and Supplies Donation Drive this weekend.
Since its founding in 1993, World Care has expanded its programing to include Tools for Education, Tools for Health, Tools for the Environment, Tools for Technology and Tools for Emergency Relief.
World Care works to create sustainable communities by refurbishing, reusing, recycling and redistributing goods and putting them to work helping people rather than ending up in a landfill.
In Tucson, World Care has just moved to a new location and is collecting supplies for their Medical Equipment Bank. At the bank, Tucsonans can loan out wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and other medical necessities for free as well as collecting free hygiene supplies.
To continue providing medical supplies to Tucsonans at no cost, World Care is calling for donations.
The Medical Equipment/Supplies Donation Drive will be held April 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3029 N Stone Avenue.
World Care is asking for donations of adult diapers, hygiene supplies, wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, toilet raisers, toilet extensions, shower stairs, tub transfer benches, knee scooters and more.
Since its founding in 1993, World Care has expanded its programing to include Tools for Education, Tools for Health, Tools for the Environment, Tools for Technology and Tools for Emergency Relief.
World Care works to create sustainable communities by refurbishing, reusing, recycling and redistributing goods and putting them to work helping people rather than ending up in a landfill.
In Tucson, World Care has just moved to a new location and is collecting supplies for their Medical Equipment Bank. At the bank, Tucsonans can loan out wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and other medical necessities for free as well as collecting free hygiene supplies.
To continue providing medical supplies to Tucsonans at no cost, World Care is calling for donations.
The Medical Equipment/Supplies Donation Drive will be held April 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3029 N Stone Avenue.
World Care is asking for donations of adult diapers, hygiene supplies, wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes, toilet raisers, toilet extensions, shower stairs, tub transfer benches, knee scooters and more.
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
Staff Pick
2019 Chasing Rainbows Gala featuring LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is an internationally multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter.… More
@ Fox Tucson Theatre
Sun., Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
17 W. Congress St.
