Press Release Printed in the Red Rock News on 11/4/2009 

AFP ANNOUNCES NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY AWARD HONOREES

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, an international professional development organization, each year honors philanthropists who have made significant contributions to their communities.
 

The chapter has chosen to honor The Sedona Women, Dames Who Make a Difference, as the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization of the Year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation, Eugene Munger as Volunteer of the Year, and Traci Corey of Yavapai County Community Foundation as Outstanding New Fundraising Executive. 

These organizations and individuals will be honored during a luncheon on November 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., at the Agave Conference Center , Best Western Inn of Sedona.
 

The luncheon will be preceded by a workshop given by fundraising expert, Kayt C. Peck of Flying Pigs Creative Services from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  Her workshop is entitled:  Grandmother Spider and Other Philanthropists. 

The Sedona Women, Dames Who Make a Difference has been in existence for about 10 years and is open to all women who care about Sedona and the Verde Valley .  In addition to providing a wonderful opportunity for women to network and develop life long friendships The Sedona Women have created a culture of community involvement for its membership.   The Sedona Women are connected with the community in two distinct ways; direct financial support as well as hands on personal involvement via volunteerism. 

Some, but certainly not all, of The Sedona Women, Dames Who Make a Difference projects include:

Helen Wolfe Scholarship The Sedona Women awards up to three $2,500 annual scholarships in honor of our founder, Helen Wolfe.  Scholarships are awarded to women who are re-entering students whose education has been interrupted or to students who are planning to resume their education.  Eligibility requirements include acceptance at an accredited vocational or academic institution.

Sedona is Water Wise The Sedona Women took on the project of Water Wise several years ago to raise awareness and move residents and businesses to a much higher level of action to protect this most valuable resource.  Since that time and due to the efforts of The Sedona Women and many others this program has grown beyond our community.

Sedona Winds and Kachina Point Health Care In 2008 and 2009, The Sedona Women created and hosted nine special events at Sedona Winds - Assisted Living and Kachina Point Health Care.

Elderly Christmas Gift Program This program was started by The Sedona Women new Board Member Brenda Cosse, as a way to help elders living in the Verde Valley .  Gift bags containing gift certificates, shampoo, soap, blankets, socks and slippers and cash are distributed.  All the recipients live on their own.  This year’s plan is distribute 532 gift bags, during the holidays, to the Meals on Wheels recipients in Cottonwood and the residents of Verde Valley Manor.

Art Placement in the Roundabouts   The Sedona Women have pledged $10,000 to the City, via the Arts in Public Places Committee, towards the development and placement of art in the roundabouts.

Arizona Department of Transportation  After observing the abuse many of the flag holders, mostly women, were taking from frustrated motorists on the 179 project, last spring The Sedona Women hosted  an ADOT  Workers appreciation day.  The Sedona Women served them breakfast, arranged for the  mayor to make a speech, hung banners, provided recyclable gift bags filled with  goodies from local vendors, home made cookies, bottled water and the community’s heartfelt thanks.

Giving Gardens Giving Gardens   A community service project sponsored by The Sedona Women to assist those in need within our community, including retired seniors, singles, and young families who struggle to afford the basic necessity of groceries. Its’ fundamental vision is to heighten the awareness of need and to increase food donations to the Sedona Community Food Bank (SCFB). 

Verde Valley Sanctuary The Sedona Women repainted, put in new curtains, provided new towels and bedspreads, and updated bathrooms. The goal of this project was to create an atmosphere that was cheery for the residents. 

The Sedona Women Dames Who Make a Difference meet on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May.  All women are welcome. For more information about The Sedona Women, Dames Who Make a Difference, visit thesedonawomen.com.