Sponsors support volunteerism, volunteer program management, strategic volunteer engagement, and the learning and development of volunteer engagement professionals. Get involved in SAVMA for the member benefits, to support volunteerism, or to broaden your brand reach. Sponsors involvement as a funding partner, and more can be a game changer for SAVMA and all of it’s member organizations.
Announcing the SAVMA Award 2026 Honorees The Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA) is thrilled to announce the honorees of the SAVMA Awards 2026. Celebrated on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. at the Tucson Convention Center. These distinguished awardees exemplify the best of volunteerism, leadership, and community engagement across Southern Arizona. We invite you to join us as we celebrate their achievements, honor their contributions, and uplift the [...]
Introducing the SAVMA Awards Keynote Speaker: Brenda Meller Inspiring Volunteer Engagement in a Time of Renewal Across the United States, volunteerism is experiencing a renaissance. More than 75 million Americans—28.3% of the population—formally volunteered between 2022 and 2023. As a result, they collectively contributed nearly 5 billion hours of service valued at $167 billion. Furthermore, Arizona alone outpaced the national average with a 30% formal volunteering rate while also [...]
Record Numbers at the SAVMA Fair! On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Southern Arizona Volunteer Managers Association (SAVMA) recorded record numbers at the SAVMA Fair, the 5th annual. This vibrant celebration of community spirit, connection, and volunteerism—set against the lush backdrop of Reid Park Zoo. This year’s event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of TMC Health, whose support helped bring this unique evening to life. If you attended [...]
Jennifer Fahrmeyer: Community Service Recognition Jennifer is a passionate volunteer who actively participates in company-coordinated events and her interests. If there’s a volunteer event happening, chances are you’ll find Jennifer there, along with many members of her family. She supports a wide range of organizations, including 4H, Tucson Rodeo Committee, Tucson Youth Football, SALEF, Pima Sheriff Auxiliary Volunteers, Junior Livestock, MADD, Humane Society, PACC, Erik Hite Foundation, and the Community [...]
Mary Zier: Community Service Recognition Mary Zier has been an amazing volunteer to work with at the Children's Museum Tucson for the past year. She brings her positive energy and enthusiasm to the weekly program she volunteers for, Discovery Nights. Mary is always excited to learn new craft activities. She facilitate the crafts during Discovery Nights and has wonderful engagement with children and their families. Mary is so consistent and [...]
Rick Witt: Community Service Recognition Rick has been a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Tucson for the past six years, contributing an impressive 1,500+ hours of his time and expertise. Splitting his year between Wisconsin and Tucson, Rick also lends his skills to Habitat in Wisconsin, showcasing his deep commitment to our mission of building quality homes and stronger communities. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, Rick has [...]
Ken Johnson & Shadow: Community Service Recognition Tucson Medical Center (TMC) enthusiastically nominates volunteer Ken Johnson and his therapy dog, Shadow. Ken and Shadow have visited the hospital almost daily for six years. Ken and Shadow quickly became a TMC fixture, visiting the lobbies and units every morning. Ken’s visits were so frequent that he struck a strong friendship with many TMC employees. Though Shadow is a one-hundred-and-twenty-pound bull [...]
Karl Hoffman: Community Service Recognition Karl Hoffman has been a dedicated volunteer at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona for over five years, contributing more than 1,680 hours of service. Known for his unwavering commitment and leadership, Karl volunteers three days a week, often arriving early and staying late to ensure critical tasks are completed. As a leader in the Emergency Food Box Production area, Karl plays a vital [...]
Jesus Hernandez Galindo: Community Service Recognition Jesus Hernandez is a dedicated and passionate volunteer with Literacy Connects' Adult Basic Literacy programs. His journey began as a student in an English Language Acquisition for Adults (ELAA) class, where his love for learning and teaching flourished. In 2021, Jesus transitioned from student to volunteer, where he discovered his talents in teaching as part of the Spanish language GED program. During the Covid-19 [...]
Sharon Foltz: Community Service Recognition Raised in rural Ohio, Sharon Burrier Foltz started volunteering with her parents and grandparents early at school and church, and she helped neighbors. Volunteering with developmentally disabled children in high school led to teaching, then becoming a Volunteer Administrator for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and serving on the Greater Columbus United Way, her first of hundreds of boards and committees. [...]
Tom Crowly: Community Service Recognition Tom is organized, a great communicator, and enthusiastic about dogs and the joy they create- to owners and to those they interact with. This is why the number of Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) teams in Pima County has more than doubled, from 40 to 99 teams, since he volunteered to be a trainer and coordinator five years ago. Tom has volunteered with ATD for [...]
Rebecca Crane: Community Service Recognition Rebecca Crane is a Realtor and Team Owner of Signature Group at Real Broker, and she served as the 2024 Board of Directors Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona. Her journey with the organization began in 2014 as a founding member of the Advocacy Board for Young Professionals, and she has been on the Board of Directors since 2019. Rebecca’s commitment to [...]
Johanna Cordero: Community Service Recognition With a passion for poverty alleviation, Johanna Cordero has been teaching financial literacy throughout her banking career the past 19 years. She is tireless in her support for the Tucson community as she comes from humble beginnings and knows what it is to struggle. She wants to help offer her financial expertise to give people tools to break out of the cycle of poverty. Johanna [...]
El Rio Vecinos: Community Service Recognition Since 2013, the El Rio Vecinos Block Party event proceeds have supported El Rio Community Health Center's patients and programs. In 2024 this young professionals volunteer group crossed a milestone by raising more than $1,000,000! Proceeds from their 2025 "Run for the Roses" May 3rd Block Party will help provide 175-200 free mammogram screenings for women who are uninsured and have no other resources. [...]
Charlotte Bruntmyer: Community Service Recognition Charlotte Bruntmyer began volunteering with Aviva in October 2022 and has completed over 450 volunteer hours. Her warm smile welcomes the 200-300 youth served monthly at the Community Resource Program, who need emergency resources like clothing, socks, underwear, shoes, hygiene items, beds, and car seats for youth and families involved with the Department of Child Safety (DCS). Like a retail store, the Resource Room allows [...]
Cydne Bolton: Community Service Recognition Cydne Bolton has called Tucson home for over 40 years. She is currently the Training Manager for the Adult Basic Literacy Program at Literacy Connects, a non-profit organization with the mission of connecting people of all ages to a world of opportunities through literacy and creative expression. Cydne considers herself to be a lifelong learner and educator. Her positions in elementary education, logistics, juvenile corrections, [...]
SAVMA Awards 2025 We hope you were able to join us for celebration of the SAVMA Awards 2025. A copy of our Event Program can be downloaded in PDF format. Our wonderful photographers from Delta Productions, captured our favorite moments. You can view, and even download, copies of the photos on our Facebook page. (No account is required). Enjoy a little sample before you leave the page! [...]
2025 Proposed SAVMA Leadership The Governance and Administration Committee of the Board of Directors is presenting the 2025 proposed SAVMA Leadership. The link to submit interest in a leadership position is perpetually open, as all members are encouraged to take up leadership. The annual meeting is December 12th. If you still need to register, please do so here so we have enough food and beverages. Board of Directors Officers (terms [...]
SAVMA Awards 2024 Relive the excitement and celebration of the SAVMA Awards 2024 presented by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family. A copy of our Event Program can be downloaded in PDF format. Our wonderful photographers from Delta Productions, captured our favorite moments. You can view, and even download, copies of the photos on our Facebook page. (No account is required). Enjoy a little sample before you [...]
Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition Sandra Wong: Volunteer Recognition recipient was born at TMC and grew up in Marana and Tucson. After receiving an engineering degree from the University of Arizona, she moved to California to pursue a career in aerospace. She enjoyed her time working on satellite systems, but eventually she tired of the California life and missed the Sonoran dessert. Upon her return to Tucson, she continued work as [...]
Heather Volpe: Community Service Recognition Raquel Cooley from Nova Home Loans would like to recognize Heather Volpe with a Community Service Recognition. She is a nurturing mother with a heart committed to service. Heather embarked on her remarkable volunteer journey over 20 years ago. Her altruistic path began at the Tucson Community School, where she actively participated in the parent co-op, fostering an early appreciation for community engagement in her [...]
Zainab Rana: Community Service Recognition Children's Museum Tucson celebrated Discovery Nights volunteer, Zainab Rana: Community Service Recognition recipient at the SAVMA Awards 2024. Zainab has been volunteering regularly during Discovery Nights programming at the Children's Museum Tucson helping run the program alongside paid staff members. Discovery Night is every Thursday evening and it is free admission during the time the program runs, so they see many visitors. Zainab helps run [...]
Sandra Maxfield: Community Service Recognition Sandra Maxfield is the Community Service Recognition recipient, lovingly submitted by Linda, Jennifer, and Tricia Lohse of the Tucson Foundations. Sandy, a Canadian transplant, embraced the Old Pueblo arts and culture and health and human services community as a community volunteer as soon as she arrived. While working in Michigan as a Registered Nurse, Sandy met Robert Maxfield during his medical residency. The two [...]
Eric Majchrzak: Community Service Recognition Eric Majchrzak, Community Service Recognition recipient from ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation willingly gives his time and experience. He helps grow the Center’s Leadership Council into a collection of champions, who fully align to advance the mission. As a result of Eric’s leadership, our Center realizes greater levels of achievement and impact than ever in our 25-year history. Eric is a volunteer [...]
Larry Housner Community Service Recognition The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona would like to present their 2024 honoree Larry Housner, Community Service Recognition. We are proud to express our deepest gratitude to Larry Housner for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the mission. Since March of 2020, Larry has been an invaluable member of our volunteer team, standing out as a shining example of selflessness and compassion. One [...]
Art Hoffman: Community Service Recognition Arthur Hoffman is a Community Service Recognition recipient for his loyal volunteer service to Habitat for Humanity Tucson since 2011. Contributing in countless ways, Art not only gives Habitat Tucson his precious time, but the gift of wisdom, skills, and tremendous professional experience. In his time with Habitat Tucson, he leads the IT efforts, participates in construction, lays new flooring, attends and builds at events [...]
Fredericka Hills: Community Service Recognition Interfaith Community Services nominated Fredericka Hills for the Community Service Recognition. Her volunteering shows the love to empower and teach others. Since 2015, she has volunteered with Workforce Development, helping job seekers find employment, for instance. Fredericka works with clients to update their résumés by listening and identifying their skills, building up their confidence and teaching them how to get hired and stay hired. About [...]
Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition Jennifer Gust: Community Service Recognition recipient has been an integral part of our workplace at Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. After having been a girl member all the way through Girl Scouts, to her High School graduation, Jennifer continued her relationship with the organization by becoming a volunteer. For 11 years now, she is happy to jump into the work of any team. Jennifer is [...]
Aimee Graves: Community Service Recognition As the CEO of The Haven, Aimee Graves: Community Service Recognition was a perfect fit. is a nonprofit professional who selflessly invests in emerging leaders through her volunteer work with Community Foundation for Southern Arizona's Center for Healthy Nonprofits. She imparts lessons learned, and offers expert guidance. Her legacy of generosity inspires a mentorship pathway for nonprofit leaders today and into the future. Supporting her [...]
Community Service Recognition: James Geringer Easterseals Blake Foundation honored event volunteer with a Community Service Recognition. James Geringer is flexible and versatile, two skills that serve the organization well in his role as a special event volunteer. Additionally, the the events team describe him as passionate, reliable, cooperative, patient, creative, energetic, positive, willing to help, compassionate and organized. Without ever being asked, and with a smile on his face, James [...]
Community Service Recognition: Linda Down Reid Park Zoo honors retired educator and volunteer Docent, with Community Service Recognition: to Linda Down! As a volunteer Docent, Linda engages Reid Park Zoo guests by utilizing interpretive artifact stations and handling small animals, educating about species natural history, individual history, and conveying conservation messaging and actions; she is instrumental in furthering the Zoo’s mission “to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people [...]
Gabriela Cervantes: Community Service Recognition Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona submitted Gabriela Cervantes for Community Service Recognition in 2024. She is a Marketing Specialist for Snell & Wilmer, and the founder of Gabriela with one L Consulting. Additionally she facilitates University of Arizona courses, is an Independent Fora Travel Advisor, serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona Board of Directors and is a "Big Sister." [...]
Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon Children's Clinics honors Weekly In-Clinic & Adaptive Recreation Volunteer with a Community Service Recognition: Alexis Carreon! Alexis is a full-time honors college student at the University of Arizona. She fills her time with volunteering, athletics, and creative activities. Alexis is majoring in physiology and medical sciences and has her eye on being a physical therapist. After seeing a posting in a newsletter on campus, she [...]
Mark Brown: Community Service Recognition TEP proudly submits Mark Brown, for Community Service Recognition. He started as a Tucson Electric Power employee volunteer for the Community Food Bank, packing food bags in their warehouse. When the previous coordinator decided to take a step back, there was one clear choice for leadership. Mark stepped up and became the activity coordinator for the monthly event. He continued to organize dozens of TEP [...]
Community Service Recognition: Melissa Acuña Melissa Acuna, a Cox Communications employee, and Junior Achievement volunteer will receive a Community Service Recognition for her service. With the support of hundreds of education, business and volunteer partners, Junior Achievement here in Southern Arizona is giving kids the tools to succeed. Our volunteer mentors from the community teach students about the importance of money management, workforce readiness and entrepreneurial thinking. Arming today’s youth [...]
Volunteerism is a Values Proposition Match for Sponsors The SAVMA Awards 2024 presented by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith, and Family, found volunteerism is a values proposition match for sponsors. These generous sponsors made publicly recognizing volunteerism in Southern Arizona on January 18, 2024 a priority. In turn SAVMA Leadership is sharing more about our sponsors and their match with volunteerism. 2024 Award Sponsors found the value proposition for [...]
CSR Awards Deadline Extended to 11/15 Those organizations committing to Table Sponsorship or above, are eligible to submit a volunteer for Community Service Recognition. This recognition opportunity is a unique way to showcase a special volunteer in a meaningful way. Public, and formal praise of those who demonstrate extraordinary service in support of your organization’s work not only confirms their efforts but also inspires others in Southern Arizona to become [...]
SAVMA Awards 2024 Nominate Now Thousands of volunteers weekly share their skills, time and enthusiasm to hundreds of nonprofits, schools, churches and governments across Southern Arizona. Publicly celebrating and thanking them and recognizing the work they do to make our communities happier and healthier is a win-win for all. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your agency’s good work and the volunteers who make it happen! PLEASE take a few moments [...]
Community Service Recognition: Anthony Barrasso In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
SAVMA Awards 2020 Congratulations, Honorees! The SAVMA Awards 2020 Volunteer Recognition event had nearly 400 people in attendance. We celebrated the Big 6 Honorees. Their videos and social media posts are includes for sharing in the celebration. SAVMA Awards 2020 Relive the Day Pop over to our Facebook photo album to see the photos from the day. Credit to Michael [...]
Community Service Recognition: Josh Plicht In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
Community Service Recognition: Kuykendall & Associates In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
Community Service Recognition: Sarah Hosea In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
Community Service Recognition: Elizabeth Warren In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
Community Service Recognition: Michael Duran In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
Community Service Recognition: Kristin Wook In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
Community Service Recognition: Erik Reed In January, SAVMA celebrated volunteerism at the 2020 SAVMA Awards, a volunteer recognition event for all of Southern Arizona. Organizations were invited to nominate individuals for a Community Service Recognition in honor of their exceptional giving and spirit of service. Throughout the month of April, we will be highlighting these individuals and their nomination as part of VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH! [...]
With the 2020 SAVMA Awards behind us we cannot stop talking about the inspirational stories of our volunteer honorees. Julia Strange, TMC Healthcare's Vice President of Community Benefit welcomed guests as our presenting sponsor. She noted how many of the organizations which have partnered with TMC were present in the room, speaking to the depth of the volunteer leadership in our community. She thanked the wonderful volunteers and their volunteer [...]
Hughes Federal Credit Union will be in attendance as a Bronze Sponsor at the SAVMA Awards 2020 on January 16, 2020. Registration opens at 8AM with an 8:30AM program start time. Hughes Federal Credit Union believes in giving back to the community they serve. Every year, Hughes looks to help numerous local organizations that are just as dedicated to improving the overall well-being of their community as they are with [...]
Raise the Bar Consulting is not only a SAVMA Awards 2020 Bronze Sponsor but a SAVMA member and its principal, Jennifer Tersigni is annual program presenter as well. Raise the Bar Consulting, specializes in comprehensive fundraising, organizational development and interim executive solutions. The proud holder of an unanticipated 20-year fundraising career, Jennifer has helped 80 clients reach their goals, served as an interim executive eight times, and raised more than [...]
We are excited to thank and celebrate the Reid Park Zoological Society as an event sponsor, a SAVMA member and as our event venue for the SAVMA Fair 2020 for volunteer recruitment and recognition. In addition at the event itself on January 16, 2020 at the SAVMA Awards the Zoo Crew will be receiving the Youth award. We are looking forward to celebrating these amazing youth and the way they [...]
Congratulations and gratitude are in order for our Corporate Volunteer Award winner, Southwest Gas Corporation. As sponsors for the SAVMA Awards 2020, they are supporting the professional development of volunteer managers throughout Southern Arizona and we are grateful. As award winners we are impressed with their own volunteer contributions. Thank you to Southwest Gas Corporation for sharing your time, talent and treasurer with SAVMA and the community at large! [...]
United Way strives to strengthen volunteerism and preserve the core American value of “neighbor helping neighbor.” They join the SAVMA Awards 2020 as a Silver Sponsor. In the fall of 2019, United Way introduced an easy way to find new volunteer opportunities with their new mobile app and online platform Golden! Golden makes it easy to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities in our community with just a few [...]
Improving the health of the community one person at a time is the mission of Arizona Complete Health (AzCH). has developed a Community Reinvestment Program. Did you know that volunteerism improves the health and well-being of our communities? AzCH did, and that is why they are Gold Sponsors for the SAVMA Awards 2020! Thank you to Arizona Complete Health for your commitment to volunteerism and those who support them! In [...]
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona creates a stronger community by connecting donors to causes they care about. The impact of the Community Foundation is a collective one, with funds being held by individuals, families, and businesses with unique interests, ideas, and passions to make our region a better place. Like Southern Arizona itself, their funds and leadership are diverse, with their collective work touching every aspect of daily life, including [...]
Volunteer service forms the heart of our corporate culture. TEP’s 1,500 employees play a direct role in strengthening their communities by donating thousands of volunteer hours to local charities each year. TEP’s Community Action Team (CAT) volunteers lead nearly 90 community events, drives or causes each year. Since their CAT program began in 1993, TEP volunteers have contributed more than 750,000 volunteer hours to charitable causes. At least one-third of [...]
