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CONTENTS

Leaders in the Community

10 Questions with Prisma Graphics CEO Bob Anderson.

14

16

8

6

10

30

26

32

34

36

12

22

Social Media Report

How nonprofits can be a part of the conversation on Twitter.

Trends in Nonprofits

Dive into the top three trends nonprofits should take advantage of, and learn how to do more with less.

Public Relations Marketing

Video is everywhere, and the old adage “Being on TV” now applies to online video, too.

From The Publisher

We can make a difference in the nonprofit community.

From The Editor’s Desk

Welcome to the inaugural issue of GivingHopeAZ!

Doing Good Done Right

Avnet’s partnership with Junior Achievement.

Grand Slam

How the Miracle League of Arizona makes unlikely baseball dreams come true.

MDA Telethon

The historic MDA Telethon may be coming to an end, but there are other ambitious plans in place to carry on the legacy of support.

Phoenix Suns Gorilla

We caught up with the Phoenix Suns Gorilla to get learn more about his charity work. (P.S. He’ll work for bananas.)

Photo Gallery

See some of the best nonprofit and charity photos from 2015.

Crisis Communication

Recycle Your Bicycle shares how it overcame adversity to continue its mission this year, and learn to not be afraid to ask for help.

24

14

28

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Can we make a difference for the nonprofit community?

It’s been an enjoyable 13-month process to put this puzzle together, and as I put pen to paper–or is that finger to keyboard?–I’m so honored that I have been able to attract a few friends and cohorts to collaborate, give advice and create a new publication for the underserved community relations market that has so much impact on our state. There are 20,000+ nonprofits in Arizona, all doing wonderful things. Our vision is to educate and inspire those nonprofits and the giving community to work together and enhance the quality of life in Arizona. Our plan is not to just tell nice stories about nonprofits or companies supporting this arena. Our editorial content will include new ways for businesses to assist nonprofits beyond writing checks, real-world success stories, best practices, tactics and strategies that impact employee engagement, brand and commercial success. For nonprofits, the magazine will present case studies, research, tools and marketing tips for reaching out to the business community for support, volunteers and donors. The foundation on which we’re building the new magazine is GivingHope.TV, which was created two years ago, when I partnered with Steve Roberts, chief of operations and principal of Phoenix-based digital marketing firm New Angle Media. GivingHope.TV is a unique online TV network that airs nonprofit and social cause videos at no cost to those organizations. Potential donors can watch the videos, giving the charitable organizations an opportunity to tell their stories using the powerful impact of video – and help raise funds. Last, and certainly not least, is we are privileged to announce GivingHopeAZ magazine has joined with the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits as its official publication. We thank Kristen Merrifield, CEO of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits for her enthusiasm and support. It is my expectation that GivingHopeAZ will provide significant educational value to their 700-plus members and provide a platform to grow the organization while sharing the positive activities of our nonprofits. So, can we help serve the nonprofit sector and make a difference? That’s the plan and I hope you’ll join us for the ride. One favor: Please share the publication with like-minded citizens and ask them to subscribe for free. We have also created a video to tell the story of GivingHopeAZ.

Editorial and Production Staff

Publisher Al Maag

Editor Adam Kress

Feature Editor Jan Miller

Head of Operations Steven Roberts

Creative Direction Andrew Tamala

Art Direction Andres Orellana

Technology Directors Shaun Roberts

Community Manager Tod Morton

Social Media Katelyn Waara

Contributors

Editorial Mark Vance and Carl Jimenez

Video Rory Gonzalez and Zack Maag

Director of Public Relations Tiffany Hoffman

Board of Advisors

Kristen Merrifield CEO Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

Kelly McCullough PBS - General Manager

Don Henninger DH Advisors

Robert Anderson CEO Prisma

Steve Zylstra CEO Arizona Technology Council

Kris BrandtPresident New Angle Media

Lorenzo Sierra Councilman, City of Avondale

Jennifer Purcell Director of Community Engagement,

Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

Advertising

Account Executive

Michael Finazzo, Jack Riedel & Joe Castor

555 N Scottsdale Rd #200, Tempe, AZ 85281

GivingHopeAZ:

Editorial: (480) 272-7671

Advertising: (602) 840-5530

ext. 302

Entire contents copyright 2016, GivingHope

AZ. Reproduction in whole or in part without

permission is prohibited. Products named in these

page pages are trade names or trademark of their

respective companies. Publication of GivingHope

AZ is supported by the GivingHope.tv.

Please reach out directly at contact@givinghope.tv to talk about your nonprofit or business, your services, etc. by running

Al Maagpublisher

AL MAAG

@almaag2

GivingHopeAZ / 7

Shine the spotlight on your nonprofi t.

GivingHope.TV is Arizona’s original online media network for showcasing the e� orts of Arizona nonprofi ts. Tell your story with the impact of video and share what you care about most with the world. Raise awareness for your organization by expanding your marketing e� orts to include GivingHope.TV!

For more information, visit www.givinghope.tv or call 602-840-5530

TRENDS IN NONPROFITS

Serving a membership of over 700 organizations, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits is keenly focused on observing, projecting and understanding trends that impact the nonprofit community. We keep a close ear to our nonprofit members and are constantly seeking their feedback on issues facing their organizations and those they are serving. We do this in a variety of ways, including the valuable input we receive from two of our key membership committees: the Policy Council and the Leadership Council. These groups meet 10-12 times per year and provide invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with operating a nonprofit at a local, state and national level. For those of you in staff, leadership or volunteer roles within the nonprofit sector, the following three trends should come as no surprise to you. ‘Doing more with less’ has become the mantra of for-profit and nonprofit organizations alike. Unfortunately for the nonprofit sector, there has been an increased need coupled with decreased resources, making it progressively more difficult for these organizations to maintain services and provide for those who need it most in our communities.

Trend 1: Resource Drain When we think of resources for nonprofits, we normally head straight for the financial side of this story. And yes, we would be correct. However, we often don’t go further than the sponsor or donor investment’s impact to our bottom line. The ripple effect of decreased giving means that nonprofits also have not had the luxury to invest in their organizations. This could mean outdated technology, decreased benefits to attract or retain employees, or time or resources dedicated to leadership development. “The ripple effect of six years of very limited resources is taking its toll,” according to a recent article on the National Council of Nonprofits blog. There is some good news though: “marked improvement” on multi-year grants from foundations, as compared to 2011 when this multi-year support was almost nonexistent. However, the strain on resources looks to continue to be a challenge for nonprofits into 2016. This is one of the reasons the Alliance and Arizona Grantmakers Forum partnered together in 2013 to create Arizona Gives Day – a one-day online giving event focused on helping nonprofits increase visibility and access to new and repeat donations. Together, we

Nonprofits Doing More With Less

Trending Now:

BY KRISTEN MERRIFIELD

GivingHopeAZ / 9

have raised over $4 million for Arizona nonprofits over the past three years. More information at www.arizonagives.org.

Trend 2: Increased Need

As businesses struggled through the recession and its aftermath nonprofits saw demand for services and support increase. Why is that? As corporations failed, and hundreds of thousands of individuals found themselves without jobs, or with decreased financial resources, this put a strain on nonprofits providing support to these groups. You may also be already making the correlation in your mind to philanthropy in a recession and post-recession reality. Decreased incomes equals decreased discretionary spending. The problem comes full circle. The National Council of Nonprofits states that, “The strain on the social safety net means nonprofits need to cast a wide net for funding, and do what our sector does best: try out new approaches (innovate) and increase efficiencies to soldier on – as long as possible.”

Trend 3: Advancing Missions through Advocacy

Now more than ever, it is increasingly important that nonprofits embrace the opportunity to advance their mission through advocacy. There seems to still be some fear and resistance to this notion, however. Nonprofits, concerned about losing their nonprofit status with the IRS, are hesitant to jump headfirst into advocacy. However, as need increases, and resources become tighter, it becomes even more critical that nonprofits are advocating on behalf of their work and those they are serving. Advocacy at its root is public support or recommendation of a particular cause or issue. Therefore, who better to tell the stories of

impact than the nonprofits doing the work? The Alliance plays a critical and much-needed role in advocating on behalf of the entire nonprofit sector, while at the same time, leading by example and providing tools and resources to nonprofits across Arizona in order for them to get involved in the unique issues affecting their organizations. In order to do this most effectively, it must be a strategic focus and a joint effort between all parties – from the staff, to the board, to the funders. A great resource to check out is Stand for Your Mission (standforyourmission.org). Trends can only tell us so much, though. They are based on what has happened, what is currently happening, and how that might affect our direction and development in the future. It is up to us as the collective community (for-profit, nonprofit and government agencies alike) to come together and find new and innovative ways to capitalize on opportunities, deal with challenges head on, and create a sustainable and thriving nonprofit community. The Alliance stands ready to serve. Will you join us?

Find out more about the Alliance at www.arizonanonprofits.org.

By Kristen Merrifield,

CEO Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits

Communications

Arizona Gives Day

SOURCE: ARIZONA ALLIANCE OF NONPROFITS.

With Twitter’s strict character limit of 140, you have to keep it short and sweet. According to their Best Practices and research from Buddy Media, tweets that are around 100 characters get the most engagement, which in turn means more exposure. An additional way to reach a wider audience is to include hashtags. By using the pound symbol (#) attached to the first letter of a word, that word becomes a keyword in your tweet. Then, if someone searches for the hashtag you used, your tweet will show in the search results. Strategize each tweet to include hashtags you create for yourself, your business, or your organization to reach that target audience. Check out Hash At It, a hashtag search site that allows you to search a hashtag to see the content with which it was used. When the time comes that someone engages your content, the best thing you can do is thank them by mentioning them in a tweet! It’s an easy way to show that you noticed and appreciated their action to follow, retweet or otherwise share your content. They will be happy to have been acknowledged, and, of course, there is a higher chance they will follow you and engage with more of your content in the future. Once you understand how and what to tweet, you may be ready to dive deeper into Twitter’s capabilities. Their advertising platform and analytics are two more aspects of which to be aware. Twitter ads can be targeted to very specific groups of people or

Consider the amount of information your brain processes each day. Then, ask yourself how much of it was accessed through a browser window or mobile app. Let that sink in for just a minute… According to Pew Internet Research, 84% of American adults use the internet , 23% of whom are Twitter users. Twitter was first introduced as a space for conversation, allowing you to share a short burst of thought. Now, millions of people use it for much more; keeping up with current events, advertising and selling products, sharing passions, stories, and business success. Whether you’re entirely new to Twitter or have had an account for a while but are inactive, today’s society silently demands that you at least know the basics. As a charitable organization or nonprofit, your main goal is probably to raise awareness for the cause you support. You may be wondering, “What content is worthy of tweeting?” The simple answer is, any content that you feel will resonate with your target audience should be shared. Being authentic and “showing your bones” on Twitter is a good way to educate the public about who you are and what you do.

SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT

HOW TO USE TWITTER MORE EFFECTIVELY

individuals based on a variety of demographics, including gender, location, interests, behaviors and many other parameters. Twitter also has a feature called Twitter Cards, which add images, videos, audio and download links to your regular tweet, making it more eye-catching to your audience. Twitter analytics shows you how your regular tweets, Twitter ads and cards are performing. Paying close attention to data like increases in followers and spikes in engagement is crucial to future success because the numbers show what you’re doing right, and what you could improve upon. Once you’ve connected your account to the analytics, you’ll also be able to see any activity associated with your tweets, such as link clicks, hashtag clicks, the number of follows from that tweet and more. If you need help connecting and accessing your activity dashboard, consult Twitter’s Instructions. Twitter is yet another platform you can use to engage with people and share your story online. By using these tips to guide you in the right direction, you’ll be well on your way to success on Twitter.

BY KATELYN WAARA

Start the new year froma new angle.

www.newanglemedia.com

Whether your business is a global brand or fast-growing startup, New Angle provides the tools and direction your business needs to reach its highest potential. Based in Phoenix, AZ, New Angle is a full-service marketing techhnology agency that creates software, solutions, & studio productions to build audiences for brands and efficiencies for your organization. Let our award-winning team captivate your audience and drive your success.

Mr. Disney knew what he was talking about. Our nonprofit organization, Recycle your Bicycle, is a 100% volunteer project, and a part of the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents. We collect used bikes from the community all year long, and in the fall, hold workshops every Saturday for volunteers who refurbish them to “like-new” condition, and gift them to children in foster care during the holidays. “Everyone remembers their

first bike,” said Gary Jones, member of the RYB team. “We got to give that memory to more than 750 children in foster care last year. This year, we’re aiming for 1,000.” Because the program relies solely on the support of generous sponsors, we struggle to have a place to store our bikes throughout the year, and then hold our workshops for 100 – 150 volunteers each weekend in the fall. This year, we were introduced

to a generous donor who offered up some terrific space. Upon accepting his generous help, we gathered up our supplies, tools and bikes we had already collected earlier in the year and moved in. After hundreds of man hours invested in moving and setting up our new workshop, we were broken into and robbed. Despite the fact that our workshop was well marked with signage indicating that we were

CRISIS COMMUNICATION

BY JOE JACOBER

- W

ALT

DIS

NE

Y

GivingHopeAZ / 13

About the author: Joe Jacober has been a licensed

foster parent for more than 14 years and is a

founding member of the Arizona Association for

Foster and Adoptive Parents.

a project focused on helping kids in foster care, these hoodlums took some of our best bikes and worst of all, our tools. You can imagine that a bike repair project without tools for volunteers could lead to a serious drop in effectiveness. To top it off, our landlord decided that it was too risky for us to stay in our existing space because of his other tenants and we had to move …. just a few days away from our major drive for bikes! There are a lot of ways a team can react to this. We did the usual police reports but also know that the villains probably sold the bikes and tools too quickly for us to recover them. We could have closed down and discontinued the project or even postponed it to this year. Instead, our team sat down and we reminded each other what it is like for a kid in foster care … things are unpredictable, other people make decisions about your life and you have to start over at a new home, school, whatever at the drop of a hat. It is stressful and heart breaking….a real, ‘kick in the teeth.’ So maybe it’s appropriate that we experience some of the challenges they do and it will make us better at what we do. We decided that we would use our misfortune as a rallying call and never hung our heads and fretted over our new circumstances. We notified our TV partner and told them what happened and then a local PR person who works with one of our partners reached out to other local media outlets and asked them for some help. We also reached out to our volunteers and asked them to spread the word that we needed

some extraordinary help to pull off our project this year. The result was that folks in the community heard our story, offered up tools and even donations to help us out. Bike shops around town gave us support and one called their supplier who also offered up tools from their “dings and dented” supply. One of our partners was so moved by the story that she even made a personal donation to the program. Other friends of the program heard about our situation and volunteered to help us out. So now, our program has begun. We have started moving in to our new space, and have nearly replenished our supply of tools. Time will tell if our bike donations will rise this year with the extra communication, but we are confident that our brand and our project are stronger because more people have now heard of us and understand how we serve. The community also knows that we are a sustainable program and by bouncing back show that we are a program worth supporting as we continue to carry that positive attitude forward. This ‘kick in the teeth’ was no fun, but it caused us to re-evaluate what we do and why, and we have learned that we have the foundation in place

to overcome adversity. We learned that reaching out to our partners, volunteers and team didn’t make us look weak, it helped us repair a bad situation. Like children in foster care, we were dealt a bad hand through nothing we had done. But we stayed in the game and remained focused on our plan because we know that what we do is changing the lives of the children we serve. For more information about this program, please visit: www.recycleyourbicycleaz.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/recycleyourbicycle

PHOTO: ARIZONA ASSOCIATION FOR FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Q: How did you choose your company’s nonprofit

focus?

A: When we first purchased Prisma 15 years ago, we began donating print to Child Crisis Nursery and Hospice of the Valley. I always felt you needed a break coming into life and a break going out. The rest of us can fight it out in the middle. Over the course of many years, we’ve worked with many great nonprofits and charities, and realized the Prisma team could find a way to support any organization.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this (or all) cause(s)?

A: After the 2008 financial collapse, so many nonprofits needed help. Many could not find a way to even market their events. Prisma began a program of printing for any charity that needed help at a highly reduced rate -- in many cases half of normal costs. We helped hundreds of organizations from 2009 through 2013. In fact, we continue helping many because the last few years have been even harder for Arizona charities.

LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY

BOB ANDERSONCEO, PRISMA GRAPHICS

Q: What is the importance of community service

for your business? A: As a company, our employees organize annual giving drives for Crisis Nursery and St. Mary’s Food Bank. Supporting education in Arizona is the No. 1 goal at Prisma this year. Read On Arizona and Loyola Projects are examples of two organizations working to improve the success of Arizona children that have our support. These two organizations are led by small groups of individuals with the passion to make rapid changes for the betterment of future generations.

Q: How does community involvement impact your

brand, employee engagement or even sales? A: Prisma has always been a socially responsible brand in Arizona. Our employees pulled out all the stops last month to print 100,000 donated flyers in about four hours to help Arizona Department of Public Safety. DPS blanketed homes and businesses along the I-10 with volunteers from the community trying to catch a random freeway gunman. Our clients, vendors, employees and families all travel this I-10 corridor. We do not do these types of things for pats on the back; the Prisma community is about making a difference with real action. Q: Tell us something about the company

outsiders don’t know. A: Prisma is what most companies will look like in the future, citizens from all over the world. Different cultures and lifestyles working together to make a better life for their families.

Q: What’s your favorite event the company hosts

or sponsors?

A: One of our most thoughtful and giving team members is Ed Bazzy. Ed started the food drive years ago and now it is a yearly tradition in November for St. Mary’s Food Bank. There is competition between groups and departments. We have such a great time. Our shipping department distributes 4’X 4’ power packs around the buildings, packs all the donated items neatly and delivers them to St. Mary’s Food Bank.

GivingHopeAZ / 15

Q: What should nonprofits do to

market themselves?

A: Nonprofits should really spend more time focusing on the data of their donors. They have so much data, which can help them increase donations and reach out to new donors with similar profiles as their most giving donors. We have seen our nonprofits increase success when they spend time up front on their databases.

Q: How long has the company been

involved with community? Do you

have a committee that reviews

requests? Do you support your

employees involvement in the

community?

A: Sally and Don Frank, the original owners of Prisma, donated quite a bit of print to the Arizona community during their first 20 years of business. We have continued that tradition. Several of us look over the needs and requests from the nonprofits, and many of our

employees are volunteers for their special community service programs. A week does not go by that we are not supporting a nonprofit or community organization in some capacity.

Q: If you could give one tip to

companies on their community

involvement, what would it be?

A: Find a charity in which everyone in the organization can stand behind. Go all in to help that organization with manpower, resources and money. I always find it moving that the employee who has the least amount to give is the one who gives the most from their wallet and heart.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your

free time? A: Spend lots of weekends with my wife and family in Flagstaff, and rebuild an old Dodge Power Wagons from the 1940’s.

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY PRISMA

We have seen our nonprofits increase success when they spend time up front on their databases

PHOTOS BY MIRACLE LEAGUE & HUNTER VERMILLIONDan Haren Stadium is located one block west of Frank

Lloyd Wright Blvd on Via Linda Drive

GivingHopeAZ / 17

Grand Slam

Dreams Come True at Miracle League of Arizona

If you want to see faces brimming with pure joy, come out to the Miracle League of Arizona Stadium in Scottsdale and watch the kids play base-ball. By the end of the first inning you’ll be smiling right along with the players. By the end of the game you’ll be on your feet cheering.

BY JAN MILLER

This is no ordinary field. It’s a field of dreams — a specially designed ballpark where those with special needs have no limitations. They can be part of a team and most importantly have fun playing a game many never thought they could. According to Dan Haren, Sr., executive director of the Miracle League of Arizona, a lot of special needs kids have repeatedly been told “no” when it comes to playing sports. But at Miracle League, the answer is, ‘Yes, you can!’ “Our motto is, ‘Every child deserves the chance to play baseball,’” says Haren. “Here, kids can feel safe, loved and nurtured. And their parents can take a needed break from caregiving and just sit in the stands, watch the game and cheer their kids on.” Haren says athletes quickly discover this is a special place where they can have a blast. “A lot of these kids have to go to the

hospital for treatments, but they insist to the medical staff that they have to get out on time so they can get to their baseball game,” Haren says. With the help of more than 200 community volunteers, 160 players on 10 teams play ball. With one-hour games every Tuesday and Wednesday night and all day Saturday

Our motto is, Every child deserves the chance to play baseball

“”

GivingHopeAZ / 19

during three seasons, Miracle League athletes enjoy the same thrills as major leaguers, except the umpire never makes bad calls. “In fact, he’s there strictly for encouragement,” says Cassandra Switalski, director of program operations for Miracle League of Arizona. “And it’s impossible not to get a home run off of our pitcher,” Switalski adds. The program is success-oriented. There’s no competition, just fun. Everyone gets an at-bat and everyone scores a run. They even get their own baseball cards

printed up, thanks to Unicom Grafix, Inc. in Tucson. The athletes are paired with a “buddy” for the season. Buddies stay with their players offering support and assistance, a safety net and lots of high fives as they’re pushing wheelchair-bound ball players around the bases. “What happens out on that field is indeed a miracle,” Haren says. He relates a story about Dylan Sunderland, one of the athletes who trained all year to be able to run the bases without his wheelchair. “In the last game of the season, Dylan

used his walker, but as he rounded third base, he flung it aside and stood under his own power. He fell three times, but was so determined that he kept getting up and arrived at home base to a standing ovation from the crowd.” Watch Video Dylan’s story is not unusual. Miracle League athletes routinely blossom, growing in maturity and self-confidence as a result of their involvement with the organization. “I don’t have a disability when I’m there, because there’s nothing I can’t do when I’m out there on that field,” says player Priscilla Lucero. “The Miracle League of Arizona is not just an organization, it’s a family helping other families do things together,” says Priscilla’s mom, Michelle Lucero, whose two daughters play baseball and whose son volunteers as a buddy. “They have created a sense of community amongst all the families involved.” The league is growing in popularity as more families discover it. “Our son, Drew, has spinal muscular atrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy,” says Jen Meland. “When we accidentally stumbled upon the stadium one day while driving near our home, I decided to look it up online to see exactly what a Miracle League is. “I tried not to get too excited, because surely there was a catch,” Meland continues. “After all, Drew could only move his fingers – though he drives his power wheelchair like a professional racer. But I called the Miracle League and spoke to Program Assistant Reggie Oates.” Meland explained to Oates all of Drew’s physical disabilities and the fact that he couldn’t swing a bat or catch a ball, despite being a huge sports fan. And his brother, Ryan, would have to be at his side always.

Oates’s response: “Sounds great! Let’s get him signed up as an athlete and Ryan as his buddy. They can join a team right away and we can’t wait to see you on the field.” Meland was stunned. But now, after two years on the Miracle League of Arizona’s Dodgers team, Drew and his best friend, brother and buddy, Ryan, play every Saturday, as the rest of the Meland family cheer in the stands. All of the athletes take their sport seriously; and most practice, like Drew, outside on their driveways to get ready for each game. At season’s end, the athletes gather with their families for a special awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements. “Each player is recognized individually and receives a trophy or a medal for participating,” Switalski says. “Seeing the pride and joy around the room is magical to watch.”

So how did all this happen?

Seven years ago there wasn’t a Miracle League of Arizona, just a vision shared by a group of businessmen, including Haren and his son Danny, Jr., who was playing for the D’Backs at the time. Among the organizers was the Diamondbacks’ President and CEO Derrick Hall, the late baseball great Harmon Killebrew and Frank Udvare, who was then Miracle League of Arizona board president and today serves on the board. The men approached the City of Scottsdale with their proposal to build a field for disabled kids on the site of a former elementary school, land that was estimated at the time to be worth $800,000. According to Haren, the City and school district officials fully embraced the concept and agreed to lease the site to the Miracle League for 20 years. Then the real fundraising work began, and with generous grants from

What happens out on that field is indeed a miracle

the Thunderbirds Charities, Scottsdale Charros and the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, the Miracle League had a start on the $2.3 million it was going to take to begin construction on what is currently one of the finest baseball facilities designed exclusively for children with special needs throughout the world. Derrick Hall arranged for the D’Backs to donate $380,000, and more funding was garnered from local corporations, businesses and charitable foundations. Grant-writing is a key component to raising funds for an organization like Miracle League. The newest additions to the stadium are two batting cages — the first and only such facilities at any Miracle League in the U.S. — built with a $60,000 grant from the Thunderbirds, where the kids can practice and hone their skills. A $260,000 playground was added, thanks to the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority. It’s designed and equipped for disabled kids, but siblings of the players also use it during games to keep themselves occupied. “The key to raising funds,” says the current president of the Miracle League

“ ”

Watch video of Dylan scoring.

GivingHopeAZ / 21

of Arizona board of directors, Sherry Roueche, “is networking, networking, networking – getting out there in the community and letting everyone know what this organization is doing. “We put on two big fundraising events each year – a golf outing and a casino night – but it’s not just about the big dollars,” Roueche says. “Our volunteers and our Teen Ambassadors are out there doing car washes and putting on carnivals for our families. We offer advertising banners on the field and seek contributions from

across the community, from individuals to businesses. Even the athletes themselves raise money through coin drives.” The kids drop change in gallon jugs — one for each team — and each month whichever team has the most money gets a pizza party. MidFirst Bank sponsors the coin drives and matches the donations from the athletes. “Every nickel of revenue counts,” says Roueche. The organization even signed up with the revenue sharing program, smile.amazon.com, where a portion of qualifying Amazon.com purchases made by individuals is earmarked for Miracle League of Arizona. Participation is free for the athletes and they’re supplied with a jersey and a baseball cap when they sign up to play. Volunteers staff the concession stand and act as team moms, coaches and buddies. Special training for those various assignments is handled by the staff. It takes $250,000 a year to keep the stadium running, according to Roueche.

“But when I see the joy from athletes and their parents and knowing this is making a difference in their lives – and seeing the miracles – I feel so privileged to be a part of it.”

Watch video of Miracle League parent

Each Miracle League player has their own baseball card.

Miracle League players and their families celebrate the season.

o n Sept. 23, 2015, Avnet, Inc. employee Ken Marlin wielded a pair of

oversized scissors as he cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open Avnet “stores” in two BizTowns located at Tempe-based Junior Achievement of Arizona. Ken, along with several other Avnet employees, spent countless hours developing the curriculum and creating hands-on exhibits that teach children how to build

Community Relations Impacts Avnet’s Employee Engagement

a personal computer, as well as the ins and outs of what makes a global technology distributor work. Avnet’s partnership with Junior Achievement will expose more than 20,000 Phoenix-area grade school students to the company and employee volunteers in the next year alone. This project is the amalgamation of corporate social responsibility and employee engagement. (Plus, it is a ton of fun!) Embracing

The Avnet Tech Games for 10 years has provided Arizona college students the opportunity to compete in events for scholarship funds.

“BY MARYANN MILLER

GivingHopeAZ / 23

employee volunteerism at all levels of an organization can have a significant impact on employee well-being, retention and recruiting. Not to mention the additional benefits of good PR and overall goodwill toward the communities where we live, work and play. Avnet’s partnership with Junior Achievement of Arizona, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating K-12 students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy, is one of the many Arizona nonprofits that benefit from our team’s philanthropic efforts. Last year, Avnet donated more than $345,000 to 74 nonprofits in Arizona. We are a giving bunch. But we don’t just give for the sake of giving. At Avnet, we’ve enlisted our more than 18,000 employees around the world to lead our volunteer efforts through a program called Avnet Cares. Our employees choose what organizations to focus on and what activities they want to do to help out. As a result, Avnet employees provided their service to 250+ organizations around the world. Avnet has seen that the more that our employees are encouraged to give, the more we - as an organization - get back in return.

Axrom: Positive employee engagement impacts customer engagement which impacts sales and profits.

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY AVNET

Creating Happy, Healthy Employees One Volunteer at a Time

When we asked our employees what they valued about working at Avnet, work-life harmony ranked high on their list, along with career development and the relationships formed with others at work. Volunteerism touches on all of these aspects, giving our employees ample time to support the causes most important to them while allowing them the opportunity to expand their expertise by exploring skills-based volunteer opportunities. Research has shown that volunteering also improves mood, increases the ability to connect with peers and creates a greater sense of purpose in life. According to a 2013 study from UnitedHealth Group, 78 percent of people who volunteered reported lower stress levels and 76 percent said that volunteering made them feel healthier overall. As a component of our Well-Being initiative, Avnet launched its first Global Month of Service during October 2015. Throughout the month Avnet employees were encouraged to participate in service to the community. In early October, 120 employees participated in a Serve-A-Thon in conjunction with HandsOn Greater Phoenix refurbishing Stevenson Elementary School in Mesa. During our Global Month of Service, employees also gave donations to the United Way, organized fundraisers benefiting Autism Speaks®, and held a food drive to fill the shelves at local food pantries. Our employees are one of our greatest competitive assets and their well-being is of the utmost importance. By providing our employees with multi-faceted opportunities to volunteer in the community, we are able to reinforce our commitment to their health and happiness.

Energizing Employees for the Long Haul

As a global, Fortune 500 Company, our business, like many others encounters peaks and valleys – especially in this accelerated business environment. That’s why it’s paramount that we keep our employees engaged in their work and in the company. Avnet takes employee engagement seriously and routinely surveys our workforce to identify areas of progress and strength, as well as areas that need attention and improvement. By offering opportunities to serve their community, our employees step outside the office and return to work energized and enthusiastic about working for a company that supports them. Ken Marlin says, “I really love that Avnet looks for ways to help the community and goes beyond our regular volunteer programs to support programs such as the Junior Achievement BizTown that allows employees who are passionate about technology to share that passion as well as our skills with students.”

The Avnet Cares governing board at Homeward Bound 2015

GivingHopeAZ / 25

The New Normal: Millennials Demand a Service-Based Culture

Today’s Millennial employees are entering the workforce with an expectation that volunteerism will play a role in their professional careers. As the competition for talent heats up, many organizations will be hard-pressed to find employees who want to work for their companies if there isn’t a community giving component associated with their brand. According to a Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey, 61 percent of Millennials said a volunteer program would be a factor when choosing between two potential jobs with the same locations, responsibilities, pay and benefits. Every summer, Avnet hosts a 12-week college intern program at our Phoenix headquarters. For the past seven years, one of the first projects interns undertake not only helps the community, but also helps them learn about Avnet’s culture of giving. This past May, 67 interns volunteered more than 300 hours to help support Homeward Bound, a nonprofit dedicated to providing transitional housing and other services to Arizona families. It is projects like this that make brand ambassadors out of interns and future Avnet employees.

Reaping the Rewards of Good Stewardship

Employee volunteer programs are an increasingly important component of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In 2014, Avnet issued our first CSR report detailing the impact that our employees have had in the communities they serve. For our efforts, Avnet was recently awarded the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award, Guiding Light Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy from the Tempe City Council. We were also honored with the City of Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Top 100 Companies for our impact to the city’s economy through our contributions

to ICAN, Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, Chandler Food Bank and the Salvation Army. Avnet’s annual Operation Back to School supply drive was also recognized by the City of Chandler as a For Our City award recipient. As Arizona’s largest public company our responsibility to employees, industry and global community extends well beyond business and financial goals. We are proud of our long history of community involvement both through financial giving and hands-on volunteerism. By sponsoring initiatives important to employees, and advocating for the communities in which we do business, Avnet plans to continue making an impact both locally and around the globe.

78%

76%

120

of people who volunteered reported lower stress levels

said that volunteering made them feel healthier overall.

employees participated in a Serve-A-Thon in conjunction with HandsOn Greater Phoenix refurbishing Stevenson Elementary School in Mesa.

for our impact to the city’s economy through our contributions to ICAN, Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, Chandler Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

Source: City of Chandler Chamber of Commerce’s 2015

Source: Volunteer Impact

By Maryann Miller, SVP, Avnet Chief Human Resource

Officer and Corporate Marketing and Communications

MDA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, announced in May 2015 that the new realities of television viewing and philanthropic giving have made this the right time for the organization to move beyond its historic Labor Day telethon and discontinue production of a broadcast telethon. MDA plans to invest more in digital and mobile channels for consumer engagement and activation. The organization will continue to share the inspirational stories of MDA families on Labor Day and throughout the year via digital channels as part of an emerging year-round plan to revitalize its brand, connect with donors more frequently, strengthen family support, and attract and recognize sponsors in new ways. “The decision to end our beloved telethon was not made lightly,” said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks. “In the last few years, the show was adjusted to reflect changes in viewership and donor patterns, and last summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge once again affirmed for us that today’s families, donors and sponsors

are looking to us for new, creative and organic ways to support our mission.” The first telethon hosted by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis aired in 1956 and has attracted America’s

and instrumental in raising awareness and donations to save and improve the lives of kids and adults fighting muscular dystrophy, ALS and other life-threatening diseases that severely limit muscle strength and mobility. It was the most prolific telethon in history and model to many other nonprofits. Each year’s telethon success has reflected grassroots support of telethon-related special events nationwide, as well as direct marketing initiatives; sponsor-driven fundraising activities; and pledges and contributions made to MDA by phone, text and online donations during the broadcast. As it has expanded other sources of income, MDA cut back on its telethon broadcast, moving from a 21½-hour show in 2010, Lewis’ last year hosting, to a six-hour show in 2011, three hours in 2012 and two hours in 2013 and 2014, which were exclusively broadcast on ABC. In 2012, the telethon was renamed the “MDA Show of Strength Telethon” and became principally an entertainment special intended to raise awareness

Group is using innovative ways to engage new supporters

BY SARAH LEVIN

most famous celebrities over the years, none more prominent than the legendary Lewis, who emceed the event through 2010. For decades, the telethon was an event not to be missed

MDA summer camper

GivingHopeAZ / 27

for MDA and the national sponsors who volunteer and help raise funds. MDA will transition to personal shows of strength, building on its rich tradition around consumer activation and compelling stories that inspire, entertain, and most importantly, incite urgent action. “We have ambitious plans to leverage our history, the compelling stories of our families and our record of innovation — just like we did decades ago when we introduced the telethon and cause-marketing for nonprofit organizations — as we continue to use creative ways to connect with supporters and deliver more value for our sponsors, never forgetting the families who are at the very heart of our mission,” Derks said.

Future MDA Plans

To fund future work, MDA will build on programs tied to its brand promise of seeking muscle health and strength and advancing everyday activities — the ability to walk, talk, run, hug and even breathe — for kids and adults with these debilitating diseases. Last year, MDA launched a highly successful endurance fundraising initiative in which walkers and runners can participate in marathons and other endurance events to raise donations for the fight, in essence using their muscles to strengthen others. MDA has also expanded the number of local Muscle Team events, featuring professional athletes who ‘buddy up’ with a child affected by muscular dystrophy to encourage support, as well as an increase in the number of ALS-specific galas in new markets. In addition, MDA’s Muscle Walk program has grown in locations and participants from coast to coast, raising more than $20 million since the program’s inception in 2011.

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Locally, the Arizona Chapter has a Muscle Walk in Tempe and Tucson. Combined these events attract over 3,000 people and raise close to $200,000. The Arizona Chapter is working to diversify the fundraising efforts by introducing a gala to the market, called the Passport to a Cure in Phoenix. “This is a way to engage a new donor and sponsor base in our market. We are also focused on building our outreach efforts locally to keep muscle disease front and center in the community,” says Arizona Executive Director, Sarah Levin. MDA is now executing an ambitious five-year plan to redouble and refocus its research investments; introduce more clinical trials through

partnerships with medical institutions and drug developers; improve the quality of care, services and therapies for families; and open new channels to connect with children and adults who need MDA’s assistance. In 2014, MDA funded 250 research projects in 11 countries. It also operates a network of more than 150 clinics nationwide assisting more than 100,000 registered families. MDA continues to partner with longtime and new sponsors at the national and local level. The Diamond Partner list includes the International

Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF),

Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, CITGO

Petroleum Corporation, Jiffy Lube, Price Chopper, Casey’s General Store, Kroger and Acosta. Their

members, employees and customers give millions to MDA each year through branded programs. MDA is upgrading its digital assets and social media platforms to enhance collaborative opportunities that better align with its sponsors’

needs and create unique and more specific ways for employees and consumers to engage. “America’s fire fighters have stood shoulder to shoulder with MDA for more than 60 years, and together we’re changing with the times,” said Harold Schaitberger, General President of the IAFF, MDA’s single-largest supporter that contributed $26.8 million in 2014. “The kids and families MDA helps have always been our heroes, and we’re not stopping until we find cures.”

Sarah LevinExecutive Director

Muscular Dystrophy Association

MaagComm+ and Spark Design present the 14th Annual Chicago Softball Festival. This Chicago Festival includes Chicago’s signature game, 16 Inch Softball and some of the Valley’s best Chicago Style food.

FESTIVITIES TO INCLUDE: + Maximum 24 Co-ed (only 3 girl min) 16 Inch softball teams from local businesses+ 98.7 FM broadcasting at the event+ Celebrity VS. CEO game midday + Food from the valley’s best food trucks and Chicago style food+ Beer Garden+ Entertainment with bands, clowns, face painting and balloon creations+ Raffle prizes, give-aways and silent auction+ Celebrity game on YouTube+ Festival booths+ Champions win a suite at 2016 Diamondback’s game+ Second place wins $25 certificates to Don & Charlie’s restaurant in Scottsdale+ Corporate Team: $500 Non-Profit Team: $450

Sunday, April 3, 2016 + Sloan Park + Mesa, AZ.

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“Being on television” used to mean that a camera crew would come to your location to interview you, or that you would go down to the studio to appear on one of the local channel’s programs. Today, the definition of “being on TV” is much more than that. Video is everywhere. Sometimes you may think you’re doing an interview with a print publication, but then the reporter pulls out his phone or a small camera and asks if he can tape the exchange to put on their website. That is also “being on TV” and all the same rules apply. Location. Print reporters are not professional photographers, so make sure you don’t have a pole in the background growing out of your head or a logo of your competitor behind you. If it is a professional crew, try to pick a place where you’re comfortable. Don’t do an interview behind your desk because it puts a barrier between you and the audience. If they try to position you outside with the sun shining in your eyes, try to negotiate a different location. Eye contact. Where do you look when doing a TV interview? At the reporter? At the camera? The answer is “it depends.” If the reporter is in the location with you, talk to her

and ignore the camera. But if the reporter is in another location and you’re hearing the questions through an earpiece, look directly into the camera. Wherever you’re looking, make your eye contact strong and confident. Continually looking away or from side to side can make you look shifty.

Facial expressions. You want to project warmth and friendliness on camera. Smiling is wonderful, if appropriate for the topic. A recent study of TED speakers found that those who smiled the most were perceived by the audience as being smarter. If the topic is serious, avoid frowning, which can come across as mean and angry. Instead, use an open face, with eyebrows slightly raised and horizontal wrinkles in your forehead. You’ll still appear serious, but also sincere and friendly.

Gestures. Whether you’re sitting or standing, use gestures. They will make you feel more comfortable and look more comfortable. When standing, let your arms hang at your sides. If you clasp your hands behind your back or in front of you in the fig leaf position, you won’t use gestures and will come across as stiff or even untrustworthy.

PUBLIC RELATIONS MARKETING

Do’s and Don’tsfor TV Interviews

Posture. When sitting, lean slightly forward so you look caring and engaged. If you lean back comfortably, you will appear sloppy, uncaring, and even arrogant. Pick a chair that doesn’t swivel or you will end up moving back and forth nervously. If standing, find a comfortable balance on both feet without rocking.

Appearance. Solid colors work best on TV. Avoid busy prints and plaids. Bright colors look better than white, black or pastels. Women, avoid distracting jewelry and scarves, and don’t overdo the make-up. Check the mirror before you go in front of the camera. Make sure your hair is combed, your collar is straight, and you don’t have any spinach in your teeth. Most of all, RELAX. I know, easy to say, not so easy to do. Like anything else, practice will help you improve. Good luck! See you on TV.

BY KATHY ROESKE

Kathy Roeske is an Emmy Award winning

journalist and principle of Master Your Message

GivingHopeAZ / 31

GOLF.

GivingHope � rough Sports & Fitness.

5601 East Longbow Parkway • Mesa, AZ 85215RESERVATIONS at 480.807.5400 • ONLINE at longbowgolf.com

Another Daedalus Development. Professionally managed by OB Sports.

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Ability360 offers and promotes programs designed to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. Go to ability360.org

Longbow Golf Club supports and other nonprofi t organizations creating mutually benefi cial partnerships in the community. Host of over 40 professional, amateur, collegiate, junior, corporate and charity golf events each year, and has been honored with many awards and recognition by golf writers and raters. Longbow Golf Club is on course GivingHope to nonprofi t organizations through golf.

For information and to form your mutually benefi cial golf partnership, contact Brian Benitz at 602.478.0708 or brianb@longbowgolf.com

Longbow Golf Club supports and other nonprofi t Longbow Golf Club supports and other nonprofi t

How many years have you represented the Suns?

Q

How many community events do you show up for?

I participate in an average of 350 appearances a season. Last season, I made a whopping 485 commu-nity-based appearances! That’s not including our 44 home games. I’m one busy ape!

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I’ve been representing the Phoenix Suns organization for more years than I can count on my fingers and toes! I started with the organization in 1980 when I made my famous debut during a Suns home game. My on-the-court antics have been a fan favorite for decades, but I think we can all agree, I look good for my age.

Q

Q

A

What aspect of your showing up for events do you like most?

I love being the center of attention. It’s hard not to be when you’re a gorilla in a sea full of people. Meeting Suns fans and putting a smile on people’s faces is something I really enjoy.

Are you a board member of PHX Suns Charities? How does the Foundation help the community?

I’m a huge supporter of Phoenix Suns Charities, but it takes a village to support our community. The foundation grants over $1 million dollars annually to local organizations that assist the needs of children and their families in Arizona. Since its inception in 1988, Phoenix Suns Charities has donated nearly $15 million dollars to Arizona charities.

Watch Interview

GivingHopeAZ / 33

Q

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A

Have you ever been hurt with your acrobatics?

As with any sport, there will always be bumps and bruises. I’ve always been a fearless flyer with an affinity for defying gravity with my dunks.

Q

QWhat programs have you enjoyed the most supporting?

The Phoenix Suns’ mission is to support Valley non-profits who support the needs of children and families in Arizona. Working with kids has always been near and dear to my heart.

Q

A

Do you hang out with Baxter, Howl-er, and/or Big Red?

Of course! There’s never a dull moment when we’re all together. But, wait, who am I missing…? Oh, my best friend Scorch, who cheers on the WNBA’s Phoe-nix Mercury!

Does it cost anything to hire the Gorilla?

Yes, will work for bananas! Actually, I am completely free for hire to local charities, schools and local busi-nesses who are a part of the Phoenix Suns family! ‘Bout those bananas though.

*GORILLA AT PLAYWORKS

PHOTOS BY PHOENIX SUNS

Back to Radio Night at Taliesin West; for appreciation night honoring some of KBACH major donors. The evening event featured a concert duo of pianist-Lynne Haeseler and violinist -Dagmara Hobbs with narration by Jeff Stein.

Scottsdale Therapeutic Riding Program: Hunkapi, offers Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for both children and adults. 

Yavapai Humane Society executive director Ed Boks and Equine Initiative director Nina Ekholm Fry unveil innovative equine rescue model to community leaders and horse lovers at the Helping Our Horses event in Prescott, AZ on Oct. 24, 2015

Scott Salkin, CEO of AllBound held a ping pong tourney for approximately 200 customers.  Proceeds from the program went to Veteran Tickets Foundation. Here he is giving Vet Tix CEO Michael Focareto a check for their Heros Wish program. 

AZScitech  platinum sponsor at the UA’s Connect2STEM event held at the UA medical campus. 

Photo of the Willcox Historic Theater youth summer drama camp program. 

ASU Gammage Theater created a new program to celebrate and honor the members of the United States military; called Operation Date Night. Providing 60 military couples with dinner and tickets to the opening night performance. 

Ghost Talk is the annual enactment of historic ghostly folklore told by the famous and infamous specters themselves at the Prescott Center for the Arts (PCA) Theatre in downtown Prescott. PCA’s proceeds go to the PCA Youth Scholarship Program.

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PHOTO GALLERY

Because a better Arizona is everyone’s business.The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits would like to thankArizona’s business leaders for encouraging employees togive back to the community. Whether making a financialdonation or giving the even more valuable resource of timeand expertise, employees that support Arizona nonprofitssupport all Arizonans.

One way that business professionals can support theirfavorite nonprofits is through board membership. By servingon a nonprofit board, professionals of all disciplines can drivechange and make our state a better place.

To help your staff learn more about the rewards and responsibilities of board membership, visitArizonaNonprofits.org/OnBoard.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Building a better Arizona for all of us

Welcome to the inaugural issue of GivingHopeAZ! This new publication was born out of the idea that if more Arizonans can get connected to the nonprofit community, then we can collectively create a better state as a result. We all know Arizona has faced its share of bad press over the years, but I’m also absolutely convinced that this state’s nonprofit community is one of its brightest stars. Helpful, caring, innovative people and the nonprofits they serve are making positive impacts across the state, and GivingHopeAZ is here to tell those stories. You’ll see on page 16 of this issue a heart-warming and illuminating feature from Jan Miller on the Miracle League, a Scottsdale nonprofit that provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for kids with special needs to play baseball. It’s impossible not to be inspired by stories of kids literally ditching their wheelchair at third base because they want to run across home plate by themselves. Aside from the inspirational stories you’ll see in our first issue, you’ll also find practical advice and information, from ways for nonprofits to more effectively use Twitter (page 10) to a broader examination of how nonprofits are doing more with less (page 8). Beyond the stories you see in this first issue, don’t forget that we’ll be rolling out much more online at givinghopeaz.com, including video features, interactive surveys and more information about how you can get involved with nonprofits around the state. On a personal note, I’d like to thank GivingHopeAZ Publisher Al Maag for asking me to get involved in this inspiring project. Like Al, I grew up in the Chicago area, but have called Arizona my home for a long time. I’ve grown more involved in the community over the years through groups like Tempe Leadership, and I’ve seen the massive impact nonprofits make on the state. I’m hoping this publication can deepen that impact, and that’s where you come in. I want to hear from you. If you’d like to share a story idea that you think would be a good fit for GivingHopeAZ, please reach out to me directly at contact@givinghope.tv. My goal as editor is simple: Tell new and impactful stories that ultimately create a better state for all of us. I know together we can do it.

Adam Kresseditor

ADAM KRESS

@KressOnBusiness

GivingHopeAZ / 37

FEBRUARY–MARCH

CELEBRATE ARIZONA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WONDERS

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Arizona Central Credit Union | Arizona Parenting | University of Advancing Technology | APS

Copper: Arizona State University | Phoenix Business Journal | Bear Essential News | Event Interface Axosoft | Green Living AZ Magazine

Special Thanks to our Foundational Partners: Arizona State University | University of Arizona | Arizona Science Center

Arizona Technology Council Foundation | Arizona Board of Regents | Arizona Commerce Authority

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