OV Chamber Foundation gives 17 grants to groups
The Oro Valley Chamber Foundation has awarded $2,000 grants to 17 nonprofit organizations serving the community.
Checks were presented on Thursday, Feb. 5, when Splendido at Rancho Vistoso put on a breakfast for 50 guests.
This year’s grant recipients are I Am You 360, the Arizona Heroes Memorial, Hearts of Gold Police Family Outreach Foundation, Saguaro City Music Theater, More Than a Bed, the Amphi Foundation, Team Lizzie Bell, American Legion Oro Valley Post 132, San Miguel High School, the Oro Valley Rotary Club, Rockin’ 4 Heroes, El Grupo Youth Cycling, Unscrewed Theater, Tohono Chul Park, Make-A-Wish Arizona, the Catalina Council of Scouting America, and We Care Tucson.
At the breakfast, representatives of each organization told their stories of service to young people, those in need, education, and the arts, all consistent with the Foundation’s mission to help Greater Oro Valley and its citizens reach their greatest potential.
They were chosen from among more than 30 applicants who requested more than $250,000 in grants.
“We wish we could fulfill every request,” said Dave Perry, chair of the Foundation board. “We’re not there … yet. But the heartfelt expressions of thanks and service are a motivation for the Foundation to grow its ability to give.”
The Oro Valley Chamber Foundation is a 501c6 organization independent of the Chamber.
In 2024, the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation awarded $26,850 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations under the Foundation’s new Community Grant process.
The awards are:
- Oro Valley Historical Society, $3,600 for signage at Steam Pump Ranch;
- Interfaith Community Services, $5,000 for its aging in place program aiding Oro Valley senior citizens;
- Life Beyond the Books, $3,750 to buy take-home items for eighth-grade students, and to expand communications;
- More than a Bed, $2,500 for diapers and underwear benefitting foster children;
- PMHDC Southwest Medical Aid, $3,000 for its wheelchair repair project;
- Sol Dog Lodge, $2,250 to train and certify a pet technician in first aid and pet CPR;
- The Haven, $3,500 to provide basic necessities for women seeking treatment;
- Treasures 4 Teachers Tucson, $3,250 to provide memberships and materials for classroom teachers.
You can direct your funds, or endowment, to support worthy non-profits in the community.
Life Beyond the Books
Trindy LeForge of Life Beyond the Books stood with Kristen Sharp, Oro Valley Chamber president / CEO and a member of the Chamber Foundation Board.
Interfaith Community Services
Tom McKinney, center, of Interfaith Community Services posed with Lisa Hopper and Kay Williams from the Chamber Foundation Board.
Sol Dog Lodge
Shelley Harris of Sol Dog Lodge stood with Leo, Lisa Hopper and Kristen Sharp.
The Haven
Emilia Honkasaari of The Haven, second from left, was surrounded by Lisa Hopper, Kay Williams and Alan Dankwerth of the Chamber Foundation board.
More Than A Bed
Otton Suarez of the Chamber Foundation stood with Grace Stockdale, executive director of More Than A Bed.
Oro Valley Historical Society
The Oro Valley Historical Society was represented by Bob Kellar, Lynn Zoyiopoulos, Pat Spoerl, and OVHS president Denzil Walker. They were joined by Otton Suarez of the Chamber Foundation board.
Treasures 4 Teachers
Adrienne Ledford of Treasures 4 Teachers Tucson beamed with her check from the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation. She was joined by Chamber Foundation board members Otton Suarez, Dave Perry and Alan Dankwerth.
We’re honored and humbled to assist these nonprofits, all of them providing valuable services to our community. All applicants are deserving. Our aim is to increase annual giving by the Foundation.
You can help.
The Chamber Foundation is an independent 501c3 nonprofit corporation. We receive administrative and other support from the Oro Valley Chamber. To learn more about gifts and opportunities, call the Oro Valley Chamber office at 520-297-2191.