Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$2,700.00*

Nominated by Seymour Einstein
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

*Includes  $204 from Mike's Play and Learn, $100 from Baruchs, $200 from Houkoms

Interfaith Community Services

$2,900.00*

 Nominated By Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church Pastor Tom

Everyday, ICS helps many local individuals and families obtain the necessities that they might otherwise be forced to go without. ICS makes the words "faith in action" a reality.

*Includes $228 from Mike's Play & Learn, $100 from Baruchs, $200 from Houkoms, $200 from Plunketts.

Casa Maria 

$3,100.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Casa Maria has been in existence since 1981.  The soup kitchen is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and exists on private donations. They provide meals daily to those in need, as well as helping with different emergency needs of people in the community.

*Includes $279 from Mikes Play & Learn, $200 from Baruchs, $200 from Fontaines, $200 from Fries, and $200 from Houkoms

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$3,030.00*

Nominated by Patsy Fontaine

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

*Includes $160 from Mike's Play & Learn, $200 from Ruth Houkom, $100 from Hurd Baruch, $30 from Mike Smith, $300 from the Fontaines

Youth on Their Own

$1,000.00

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

Ed Dean Obituary.pdf

Note from Ed's Wife:  Thanks for the photos Ruth.  They are a lovely memory to add to my "Ed" folder.  It was a joy to meet you and to experience the incredible energy of the Charity Bridge Club.  Now I understand why Ed so enjoyed it.  Love, Mabel

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$1,200.00*
Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

*Includes $1,000 from TCBC, $100 from Plunketts, $100 from Houkoms

Seymour Einstein Eulogy 5 18 16.pdf

Casa de la Luz Foundation

$3,700.00*

Nominated by Dave Jaskar

The premier organization enhancing the mission of Casa de la Luz Hospice through the acquisition and disposition of funds to help transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well.

*Includes $214.00 from Mike's Play & Learn, $1,000.00 from Judy Farris, $200.00 from Ruth Houkom, $100.00 from Hurd Baruch

St. Luke's Home

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

$3,200.00*

The Mission of St. Luke’s Home is to provide for the care and well-being of elderly women, men, and couples of limited financial means in a caring environment, respectful of the residents’ rights and the regulatory guidelines.

*Includes $357 from Mike's Play & Learn, $500 from Plunketts, $200 from Houkoms, $100 from Baruchs

Emerge!

David Myers standing between his twin daughters, Kate Hiller from Emerge! on the right. 

$2,000.00

The families of both Ted and Mimi chose Emerge! as the charity their parents would want to receive donations in their memory.  (Please read below about what Emerge! does to make Tucson a safer, happier community.)

Ventana Charity Bridge had a Club Championship Game on 4/18 in memory of Ted & Mimi Myers.  They were such loyal, lovely members of our Bridge Club.  We will all  miss them. 

Can you imagine how proud Ted was when he became the Grandpa of twins?  Then Ted became a great-grandpa 4 months ago.  David loved taking pictures of his granddaughter to show Ted during his last days.  He said Ted would always smile when he saw the baby. Mimi also loved having David come.  They shared many hugs and tears.

David came to the ceremony wearing a Ventana Cap with 1984 on it in memory of his dad joining Ventana Golf & Racquet Club in that year.  David remembers when his Dad joined and talked about how important Ventana was to his dad and also to Mimi.  As our brief ceremony ended, one of the twins said, "Now they're in heaven playing bridge!"  What a perfect tribute!

Handi-Dogs of Tucson

$2,400.00*

Nominated by Brian Gersten

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.

* includes $312.50 from Mike's Play and Learn.

EMERGE!

$2,900.00*

Nominated by Sallie Tofel

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.

*Includes $351 from Mike's Play & Learn, $200 from Plunketts, $300 from Mike Smith

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

Nominated by TCBC Board

$3,000.00*

On the Fifth Anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to again recognize Streams because of their generosity to our Club and the Community.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store an enormous amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, to clean up after us, etc. etc. etc.   The Church is a lifeline to many members of the Tucson Community.

*Includes $174 from Mike's Play & Learn and $500 from Houkoms

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

$4,600.00*

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.  My husband, Ralph, has volunteered here for 10+ years.  He comes home with AMAZING stories about students whose lives improve substantially because of their time riding horses at TROT.

*Includes $171 from Mike's Play & Learn, $100 from Baruchs, $100 from Fontaines, $2,000 from Houkoms, $200 from Plunketts. $200 from Mike Smith 

$1,000.00

Lea Ann Perkin was passionate about the game of bridge.  She was an avid supporter of our Club and very much enjoyed the aspect of us giving to charity.  Her favorite charity was Wounded Warriors.  We chose the organization in Pinetop who raises money each year to take several Veterans on Fly Fishing Trips to New Mexico.  The veterans and the people who take them all come back changed from the experience.

$1,000.00

Betty was a huge supporter of our bridge club and of art.  She spent many hours dedicated to the Tucson Museum of Art.  Our donation will be used to underwrite some of the expense to create an exhibit at the museum in Betty's memory.  Her family donated a large bronze sculpture to the Museum when she died -- something we all want to see!

Hermitage

Nominated by Bob & Beth Griffin

$2200.00*

We are both an adoption facility and long-term sanctuary for felines considered “adoption-challenged,” including felines who are FIV or FeLV-positive, or have other types of chronic health issues. Bob &
Beth both spend several hours a work volunteering for Hermitage!

*Includes $183. from Mike's Play & Learn, $200. from the Houkoms

Nominated by Sherry Cain

$2,700.00*

Our Program was designed to assist low income children lacking food on the weekends.  The program has grown from assisting 30 children to 100 children at Wheeler Elementary School (400 students, 83% at poverty level) since 2012.

* Includes $237. from Mike's Play & Learn; $330. from Sherry and Doug Cain;  $170. from the Houkoms; $200. from the Plunketts

Nominated by Ruth Ganeles

$2,200.00*

The mission of TSWA is to provide free music education to children from Tucson's low income families.

*Includes $270 from Mike's Play & Learn and $200 from Houkoms

Youth on Their Own

$2300.00*

Nominated by Sandra Millar

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

* Includes $225. from Mike's Play & Learn, $200. from the Houkoms, $100. from the Plunketts

Assistance League of Tucson

$2,400.00*  

Nominated by George Kersels

Assistance League of Tucson is a volunteer philanthropic organization that provides essential goods and services to improve the lives of disadvantaged men, women, and children in the greater Tucson area.

* Includes $147. from Mike's Play and Learn; $300. from the Houkoms; $100. from the Plunketts 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORONADO AREA 

$2,300.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

Mission statement:  The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in sharing gifts skills and friendship with their families other Special Olympic athletes, and the community.Since 1975, the organization has served Tucson and has 2700 athletes from 6 to 77 participating with no expense to them. 
*Includes $252 from Mike's Play & Learn, $102 from Spardames Charity Bridge, $15 from Ace of Hearts Charity Bridge, $200 from Houkoms, $100 from Plunketts.

Our Family Services

$2,310*

Nominated by Sari Gersten

We provide shelter and support to homeless children, youth and families. We promote peace and understanding by helping people talk to each other. We help some of Tucson’s highest-risk children learn to read. We help troubled families cope with addiction and find healing. We help people learn to be better parents, improve their lives and their relationships, and build stronger families. We help older and disabled people live safely and with dignity in their own homes.

*Includes $168. from Mike's  Play and Learn, $141. from Spardames, $84. from Ace of Hearts, $210. from the Houkoms, $100. from the Plunketts

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$3,000.00*

Nominated by TCBC Board

On the fourth anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to recognize Streams because they have contributed a huge amount to the success of our Club.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store a huge amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, etc. etc. etc.   The benefit to the citizens of Tucson will be that the Church will be able to do more for the community and the charities they support.

* Includes $506. from Mike's Play and Learn, $201. from Spardames, $102. from Ace of Hearts, $200. from the Houkoms, $100. from the Plunketts

St. Luke's Home

$3,100.00*

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

The Mission of St. Luke’s Home is to provide for the care and well-being of elderly women, men, and couples of limited financial means in a caring environment, respectful of the residents’ rights and the regulatory guidelines.

*Includes $399. from Mike's Play and Learn; $162. from Spardames Charity Bridge; $117. from Ace of Hearts Charity Bridge; $200. from the Houkoms; $550. from the Plunketts; & $100. from the Fries; $100. from the Baruchs.

Gabriel's Angels

$1900.00*

Nominated By Nelda Clark

To deliver healing pet therapy to at-risk children, nurturing their emotional development and enhancing the quality of their lives forever.

*Includes $192 from Mike's Play and Learn Charity Bridge, $204 from Spardame's Charity Bridge, $100 from the Plunketts

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$2,000.00*

Nominated by Patsy Fontaine

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

*Includes $111 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge, $150 from Spardame Charity Bridge, $200 from Fontaines, and $100 from Plunketts.

SEND A KID TO CAMP

sponsored by the Arizona Daily Star's Sportsmen's Fund

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

$ 1,700.00*

The Arizona Daily Star's Sportsmen's Fund raises money so children from low income households and military families can attend overnight YMCA, Boy Scout and Girl Scout camps.  The Sportsmen's Fund, founded in 1947, is one of Southern Arizona's oldest 501C charities.  Since its inception 36,548 children have attended camp.  The goal is to have 700 children camp in 2014.  Since 1947, $2,000,000, has been raised, with 98% of the funds used to send  children to camp.

*Includes $93 from Mike Smith, $117 from Ann Hinge and $100 each from Plunketts and Houkoms

St. Elizabeth's Health Center

$2,400.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

We are a Community Health Center dedicated to serving those who are uninsured and underserved.  Volunteer Health Professionals partner with our dedicated staff for a dynamic continium of service.

*Includes $214 from Mike Smith, $174 from Ann Hinge, $100 each from Baruchs, Fontaines, Fries, Houkoms, Plunketts,

Handi-Dogs of Tucson
$2,000*

Nominated by Brian Gersten

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.
*Includes $169 from Mike Smith and $200 from Houkoms

EMERGE!

$2,500.00*

Nominated by Sallie Tofel

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.

*Includes $416 from Mike Smith and $100 from Plunketts

$4,400.00*

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.  My husband, Ralph, has volunteered here for 8 years.  He comes home with AMAZING stories about students whose lives improve substantially because of their time riding horses at TROT.

*Includes $2,100.00 from Houkoms, $204.00 from Mike Smith, $100.00 from Baruchs, $100.00 from Plunketts

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$2,200.00*

Nominated by TCBC Board

On the third anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to recognize Streams because they have contributed a huge amount to the success of our Club.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store a huge amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, etc. etc. etc.   The benefit to the citizens of Tucson will be that the Church will be able to do more for the community and the charities they support.

*Includes $371.00 from Mike Smith

Youth on Their Own

$2,100.00*

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

*Includes $178 from Mike Smith and $250 from Friends of Mitzi.

Ronald McDonald House of Tucson

$1,100.00*

Nominated by Donna Moser

The Ronald McDonald House, provides a “Home Away from Home” for families who must travel to Tucson for medical care. Our families are from all walks of life, seeking treatment for illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, pre-maturity and life-threatening trauma.

*Includes $111 from Mike Smith

*Includes $60 charity donation resulting from "Cats" Basketball tickets donated by Ruthie Zales & Ken Greenfield, purchased by Plunketts.

Beads of Courage

$3,000.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope. Since March 2005, we have been working diligently to transform the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life threatening illness through our arts-in-medicine programs.

* includes $1500.00 from Hurd Baruch

* includes $66.00 from Mike Smith

Our Family Services

$1,150.00*

Nominated by Sari Gersten

We provide shelter and support to homeless children, youth and families. We promote peace and understanding by helping people talk to each other. We help some of Tucson’s highest-risk children learn to read. We help troubled families cope with addiction and find healing. We help people learn to be better parents, improve their lives and their relationships, and build stronger families. We help older and disabled people live safely and with dignity in their own homes.

* includes $114.00 from Mike Smith

* includes $56.00 from Rose Fries

Beacon Group

$1,100.00*

Nominated by Nelda Clark

Since our beginnings in 1952, Beacon Group has been committed to providing employment related opportunities to people with disabilities. We provide training, development and access to real work for a segment of our community that traditionally bears a 70% unemployment rate. We help people go from tax-supported to tax-payers.

*Includes $159 from Mike's Play & Learn Bridge and $100 from Faith Alster

Literacy Connects Coalition

$1,250.00*

Nominated by Louise Geare

Literacy is not just the ability to read and write — it is the bedrock upon which each of us builds our lives.  Today and in the future, learners must develop a range of literacy skills and strategies to be able to acquire, create, and communicate information. Literacy Connects is committed to offering learning opportunities for a wide-range of individuals in our community, from birth through adulthood, reading to computer skills, English acquisition to artistic self-expression.

*Includes $140 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge

St. Luke's Home

$2,000.00*

Nominated by Paul Plunkett

The Mission of St. Luke’s Home is to provide for the care and well-being of elderly women, men, and couples of limited financial means in a caring environment, respectful of the residents’ rights and the regulatory guidelines.

*Includes $500 from Paul Plunketts and $113 from Mike Smith.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson

$1,800.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

Our Mission is to create and support one-to-one adult-to-child mentor relationships guiding youth from a position of risk to one of achieving their highest potential.

*Includes $435 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge and $300 from anonymous members!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson

$1,800.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

Our Mission is to create and support one-to-one adult-to-child mentor relationships guiding youth from a position of risk to one of achieving their highest potential.

*Includes $435 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge and $300 from anonymous members!

Tee Up for Tots

$1,500.00*

Nominated by DiAnn Plunkett

We have a dedicated corps of volunteers who work directly with pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tee Up For Tots will give IMMEDIATE grants for family travel expenses, groceries and other emergency needs.

*Includes $407 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge

CASA Support Council

$1,950.00*

Nominated By TCBC Board in Memory of Allen Baron 

CSCPC is an all volunteer charity established in 1995. There is no paid staff and more than 93% of contributions are directed for the unmet needs of CASA children and for funding the recruiting and training of CASA volunteers. Each CASA is assigned by a judge to mentor and advocate for a neglected or abused child in the care of the Juvenile Court system. Last year, 175 CASAs donated more than 18,000 hours of time, drove more than 120,000 miles and spent untold personal dollars for their children.

*Includes $200 from a Board Member and $130 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge

Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

$1,800.00

Nominated by TCBC, Inc. Board of Directors

On the second anniversary of our existence, our Board decided to recognize Streams because they have contributed a huge amount to the success of our Club.  They have charged us minimal rent to use "our room", to store a huge amount of equipment in their closet, to use their kitchens, etc. etc. etc.

Streams has plans to install solar panels in their parking lot which will serve as covered parking and also cut their electric bill by $3-4,000 annually.  When that construction is completed, they will need to do work on the parking lot -- our donation will be earmarked for that project.  The benefit to the citizens of Tucson will be that the Church will be able to do more for the community and the charities they support.

Gabriel's Angels

$915.00

Nominated By Nelda Clark

To deliver healing pet therapy to at-risk children, nurturing their emotional development and enhancing the quality of their lives forever.

St. Elizabeth's Health Center

$1,470.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

We are a Community Health Center dedicated to serving those who are uninsured and underserved.  Volunteer Health Professionals partner with our dedicated staff for a dynamic continium of service.

*Includes $100 from Mike's Play & Learn Charity Bridge and $20 from Sunday Social Bridge Group.

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$2600.00*

Nominated by Seymour Einstein

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

*  Includes $150. from Mike's Learn & Play, $162. from Spardame Charity Bridge, $700. from Seymour Einstein, $200. from the Houkoms and $100. from the Plunketts

Make Way for Books

$590.00

Nominated By Marlee Millman

MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS promotes early literacy, especially in limited-resource areas in Tucson and southern Arizona. We provide a full continuum of services that give young children (birth through age 5) the opportunity to fall in love with books and reading.

Arizona's Children Association

$945.00*

Nominated by Hurd Baruch

Our mission is simple: Protecting Children. Preserving Families. Our vision is that every family creates and sustains a healthy home environment.

*Includes $100 from Adobe Bridge Club given in appreciation of our dealing boards for their Club.

Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation

$770.00

Nominated By Nelda Clark

Arizona Blind & Deaf Children’s Foundation invests in the future of Arizona’s blind and deaf children. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that all of the 4,000-plus blind, deaf, low-vision, and hard-of-hearing children throughout the state have access to experiential learning in key areas that encompass, and expand upon traditional education. By focusing on these areas, the Foundation aims to prepare the young people it serves to be self-sufficient, contributing members of society.

Casa Support Council of Pima County

$570.00

Nominated By Caron Weinstein 

CSCPC is an all volunteer charity established in 1995. There is no paid staff and more than 93% of contributions are directed for the unmet needs of CASA children and for funding the recruiting and training of CASA volunteers. Each CASA is assigned by a judge to mentor and advocate for a neglected or abused child in the care of the Juvenile Court system. Last year, 175 CASAs donated more than 18,000 hours of time, drove more than 120,000 miles and spent untold personal dollars for their children.

Youth on Their Own

$695.00

Nominated by Sandra Millar

Youth on Their Own is a local non-profit agency, dedicated to support the high school graduation and continued success of homeless (Not living with a Mother and Father) youths by providing financial assistance, basic human needs and guidance. These youths are usually housed in group homes supported by government and/or charities.

From Teresa Baker, Executive Director: YOTO is successful because of you and people like you that believe in education,giving disadvantaged kids a chance, and changing lives for the better.

SAVAHCS Hospice

$870.00*

Nominated by Marjorie Crook

In loving memory of Jim Withey, his family requested that we make donations to SAVAHCS Hospice which is an“Auxiliary Program” affiliated with the VA Hospital in Tucson where Jim spent the last few weeks of his life. All funds are used to bring comfort and special care to Veterans which are not covered under the government programs. Our donation will go specifically to the Hospice Program where Jim spent his final days.

Deborah M. Brookshire, M.Ed., CAVS Chief, Voluntary Service:

"Rest assured, the memoriam in honor of JIM WHITHEY will benefit America's heroes. We appreciate your support of our Tucson-Southern AZ VA HCS hospitalized veterans"

Assistance League of Tucson

$880.00

Nominated by George Kersels

Assistance League of Tucson is a volunteer philanthropic organization that provides essential goods and services to improve the lives of disadvantaged men, women, and children in the greater Tucson area.

Read this heartwarming note from a child who benefitted from our donation to Assistance League.

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

$850.00

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Enriching the lives of people with special needs by using therapeutic, equine programs.

From Marcie Fritz-Reichenbacher - Development Director: "We are honored to be a recipient of your club's fundraising efforts. Please extend our thanks to all the members."

Emerge!

$960.00

Nominated by Ruth Panelley

Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse provides domestic abuse crisis intervention and housing, prevention and education, and support and advocacy services to women and children.

From Kimberly Thompson - VP of Philanthropy: "Our gratitude to your club for this generous support."

Literacy Volunteers of Tucson

$755.00

Nominated by H. Louise Geare

Literacy Volunteers of Tucson transforms lives and enriches our community by teaching adults to read, write and speak English. LVT creates the shortest distance to individual, social and economic development.

From Betty Stauffer - Executive Director: "Thanks so much, Ruth. Your group’s support will help many people to improve their lives."

Tucson’s Ronald McDonald House

$365.00

Nominated by Donna Moser

The Ronald McDonald House, provides a “Home Away from Home” for families who must travel to Tucson for medical care. Our families are from all walks of life, seeking treatment for illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, pre-maturity and life-threatening trauma.

From Diana Sheldon - Executive Director: "Your investment in our work makes a difference in children’s lives by keeping families close when they need it most. Thank you so much!"

Interfaith Community Services

$615.00

 Nominated By Pastor Tom of Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

Everyday, ICS helps many local individuals and families obtain the necessities that they might otherwise be forced to go without. ICS makes the words "faith in action" a reality.

From Bonnie Kampa - Executive Director and Deborah Carr - Development Director: "Please remember that you have changed lives with your gift AND we are truly grateful. Your support means so much to us."

Children’s Clinics

$300.00

Nominated by Sandy Cohen

Children’s Clinics, on the Tucson Medical Center campus,is a non-profit organization providing family-centered, comprehensive out patient medical and therapy services. It is accessible to the entire community, serving children from birth to age 21 including those with complex health care needs.

From Mireya Riegert - Accounting Manager: "We are so grateful to receive your generous donation. I am equally pleased to learn of your organization - it is a truly wonderful concept."

Beads of Courage

$235.00

 Nominated by Ruth Houkom

Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope. Since March 2005, we have been working diligently to transform the treatment experience for children coping with chronic, life threatening illness through our arts-in-medicine programs.

From Ashley Ethridge - Director of Communications: "We received your very generous donation of $235.00 from the Tucson Charity Bridge Group. We are humbled that your group chose to make a donation to Beads of Courage to help to further our mission in providing and designing innovative arts-in-medicine programs."

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

$300.00

Nominated by Fran Gordon

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, through education, advocacy, and the acquisition, storage, and distribution of food, anticipates and meets the food needs of the hungry in our community.

Jewish Family & Children’s Services

$310.00

Nominated by Seymour Einstein

Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Southern Arizona, a non-profit agency which is guided by Jewish values, provides quality social and behavioral health services to the Jewish and greater Tucson community. JFCS helps people of any religion or ethnic origin.

New Beginnings for Women and Children

$425.00

  Nominated by Sari Gersten

Our mission is to help homeless women with children by providing the housing, supportive services and opportunities for growth that will create financially independent families.

From Patti Caldwell, MSW - Executive Director: "Your contribution goes toward the vital programs and services that help homeless women with children become financially independent. We are grateful for your support."

Handi-Dogs of Tucson

$380.00

Nominated by Brian Gersten

Promote independence, freedom, health, and dignity for seniors and people with disabilities through the use of trained dogs. They train service/assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs.

From Joanie Mauger, MPA - President/CEO:  "Thank you so much for your very generous gift. We greatly appreciate it."

Tucson Medical Center Hospice (Peppi's House)

$485.00

Nominated by Ann and Pete Parker

Our players voted to honor Rupert Friday, a much loved and loyal player at TCB, by sending our March contribution to a local charity he would have chosen. Ann and Pete Parker (his daughter and son-in-law) requested Peppi's House, where Rupert received fabulous care during the last few days of his life. It is a 16-bed home for TMC Hospice, opened in 2007, in the northwest corner of the Tucson Medical Center campus.

From Michael J. Duran, J.D. - Vice President: "We hope you will find comfort knowing that your gift will allow us to continue to help and care for our hospice patients, families, and their loved ones."

Casa da la Luz Foundation

$435.00

Nominated by Dave Jaskar

The premier organization enhancing the mission of Casa de la Luz Hospice through the acquisition and disposition of funds to help transform the end-of-life experience into the final act of living well.

From Carol Clark - Executive Director: "We are so very thankful for your kind and generous support! Please relay to all they are champions for those in need at the end of life."

Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

$200.00

Christina-Taylor Green Fund Nominated by Sari Gersten

Christina was a beloved 9 year old caught in a shooting spree the week prior to our first game. We donated the proceeds from our first game, $65.00, to this Fund to ensure her legacy for the children in our community. Then Phil and Carol Lyons from Ventana started a scholarship fund at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona in honor of Christina-Taylor Green and Daniel Hernandez, Jr. to benefit students in the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona. We donated the rest of our proceeds for January, 2011, $135.00, to the Green-Hernandez Scholarship Fund - our donation will be matched by the Lyons.