Piper Trust Selects its 2011 Piper Fellows

PHOENIX, Ariz.—Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has named its 11th class of five Piper Fellows—leaders that work daily on the frontlines to improve quality of life for people in Maricopa County’s diverse communities. Through the Piper Fellowship, these dedicated nonprofit leaders will participate in self-designed professional development sabbaticals to further strengthen their skills and bring new knowledge back to the organizations they lead and serve.

The 2011 Piper Fellows are: Barbara Fenster, executive director, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona; Karl Gentles, executive director, Back to School Clothing Drive; MaryLynn Mack, deputy director, Desert Botanical Garden; Darlene Newsom, chief executive officer, UMOM New Day Centers; and Jared Sakren, producing artistic director, Southwest Shakespeare Company.

“Piper Fellows are afforded time and resources to invest in themselves and their fellowship experiences have proven to be transformative. This investment in ‘human potential’ comes back to nonprofit organizations by way of new programming, new relationships and networks, and reenergized leaders— all of which ultimately strengthens and benefits the community at large,” said Judy Jolley Mohraz, Ph.D., president and CEO of Piper Trust.
The newly selected Piper Fellows, chosen via a competitive process, will complete individual sabbaticals in 2012 and will become part of the enduring Piper Fellows “alumni” group that meets regularly to discuss ideas, challenges, and sensitive leadership issues. Up to five new Piper Fellows are selected each year; 46 nonprofit leaders have participated in the program to date.

Fellows’ field work during the fellowship has ranged from study with some of the world’s most renowned thinkers and innovators (e.g., Dr. Peter Senge on leadership and learning organizations) to immersion programs that expand cultural knowledge and insights. Fellowships have led to outcomes such as: team-building that aided an organization with building capacity; and, leadership development that fostered risk-taking and creativity resulting in new programming.

A Piper Fellowship offers each selected organization potential awards up to $90,000; the first $30,000 is intended to provide selected professionals with expenses for study, travel, and opportunities to visit best practice sites around the country. The Trust also awards up to $10,000 for new or increased professional development for the staff of each awardee organization. In addition, Fellows are eligible to apply for a $50,000 Organization Enhancement Grant to implement some aspect of their fellowship projects.

A committee of three community leaders, including one Piper Fellow from the previous year’s class, made Piper Fellow recommendations from among 18 applications. Judges this year were: Sunnee O’Rork, executive director, Arizona Museum for Youth and 2010 Piper Fellow; Lois Savage, president, Lodestar Foundation; and John Whiteman, president, board of directors, Whiteman Foundation.

About Piper Trust:
A private independent foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors Virginia Galvin Piper’s philanthropic commitment to changing lives and strengthening community in Maricopa County (Arizona). By investing in nonprofits and encouraging strategic planning for the future, Piper Trust strives to make Maricopa County a stronger, more nurturing and vibrant community. Since it began awarding grants in 2000, Piper Trust has invested $285 million in local nonprofits and programs. The Trust had total grants paid of $21.6 million in fiscal year 2011. Piper Trust grantmaking areas are healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. For more information, visit www.pipertrust.org

Here’s to a great 2012 and best wishes to KGPR Clients, our Partners: Wright Event Management Group, Catalyst Design, Goode Creative, Amy Wolff PR, Wayne Parham Photography, and other close friends and associates.  Let KGPR help you achieve your goals in 2012 and beyond.

Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer addresses unique circumstances

 Black patients face

Kickoff event set for September 23, 2011

 August 29, 2011 — (Phoenix, AZ) — A new initiative is gearing up to increase awareness and understanding of the health care disparities facing African-American breast cancer patients. Although greater Phoenix is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country there remains a void of information specifically focused on the unique circumstances Black patients face pathologically, culturally, and physically. The Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer’s (CBBC) goal is to change that.

“Our vision is that every person of African descent who is a breast cancer survivor in the Phoenix area will have access to high-quality information, support, and resources to assist in their journey,” said Michele Halyard, M.D, an Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic and a co-founder of the Coalition. “As a result of the Coalition’s efforts, we hope that people of African descent will become more educated about breast cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.”

An initiative of The Links Incorporated, Sigma Pi Phi Gamma Mu Boule, and Mayo Clinic, the Coalition has launched a new website www.cbbcaz.org that offers vital information relating to prevention, screening, early detection, and treatment options.  The group will host a kickoff event, Friday, September 23, 2011, from 5:30–7p.m. at the AE England Building on the ASU Downtown Campus. The reception will feature survivors sharing their stories through a gallery of inspirational photographs and short narratives.

Tracey Walker-Banks, a Coalition member and two–year breast cancer survivor emphasizes her husband’s strength as she tells her story. “My husband, Howard, was Superman,” says Walker-Banks. “Even before the confirmation of the cancer, he was there supporting me emotionally, spiritually and physically. He never had a sense of panic and was always calm no matter the news.”  Walker-Banks says her husband, in anticipation of her baldness, shaved his head first, as did her brother Ronny, a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army.

Gina Bowser, a 13-year survivor, credits her husband’s proactive research for helping identify the right treatment.  “My husband, unknown to me, began researching the type of cancer I was diagnosed with and found a new unreleased drug that fit my diagnosis,” says Bowser. “The information my husband had found was significant and the oncologist was able to incorporate it into the treatment plan.”

The Phoenix population is approximately three percent Black and African Descent or about 300,000 out ofArizona’s four million residents. Within the Phoenix Metro area, the percentage of Black women diagnosed with early stages of the disease is lower than that of Caucasian women.

However, the percentage at which Black women are diagnosed at stage III or IV is nearly twice as high as the percentage of Caucasian women. Nationally, one in eight women, as well as a minority of men, will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The survival rate in African American women lags behind other ethnic groups.

The Coalition hosts meetings open to all survivors and supporters on the third Sunday of each month, 3-5 p.m., at the Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane in Phoenix. Efforts to reach out to the community and build the network are being done through various African American organizations, churches, and civic and cultural groups. Collaborating organizations including Arizona Sate University, Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, Center for African American Health, Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate, and others.

This year CBBC will have a team in the Komen Race for the Cure taking place October 9. Members of Arizona’s African American organizations will comprise the team and walk under the CBBC banner. Interested parties should visit www.cbbcaz.org and click on the Komen Race banner to register.

About CBBC: The Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer, www.cbbcaz.org, is the only group within the Phoenix Metro area that specifically focuses on men and women of Black and African descent diagnosed with breast cancer. The coalition is an initiative of the Phoenix Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Sigma Pi Phi Gamma Mu Boule, and Mayo Clinic. The CBBC was developed to increase education and awareness, to provide access to treatment options, and to highlight health care disparities facing African-American breast cancer patients. Collaborating agencies include Arizona Sate University, Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, Center for African American Health, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Phoenix Affiliate, as well as many individuals and breast cancer survivors who share the CBBC goals.

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My Husband is Superman! - A Survivor’s Story –Tracey Walker-Banks

Care giving is usually left to the females in our lives. My mother, daughters, sister and cousin were my champions. My collective family support system was well beyond belief however, it was the men in my family that embraced the challenge to provide me with ultimate support. My brother, my son and my husband showed me that men can be strong yet sensitive, brave yet bothered, and cautious yet calm.

My brother, Ronny, is a real life GI Joe. At the time of my surgery, he was in Northern Iraq conducting a site survey for his new assignment as an Operations Officer for a Cavalry Squadron.  Regretfully, I did not tell him about my condition. When he returned home, he was informed of the surgery and immediately came to my bedside. After admonishing me for not telling him about it before he left, he immediately began wearing a pink bracelet in my support. He made doctor appointments and reluctantly watched Real Housewives with me for as long as I wanted to. Before deploying, he took me to get my hair cut. I wanted my hair loss to be on my terms.

With tears in my eyes, as my beautician clipped away at my shoulder length hair, he just kept reminding me that I would be snazzy with a short hair-do. He was right. My brother was in a Bradley tank, in the middle of a war zone, proudly wearing his pink band of support.

The love a son has for his mother is a love like no other. My son Xavier’s excitement of high school was quickly eclipsed by his concern about me. He approached this journey with incomprehensible maturity for a 14 year old. The day after learning of my diagnosis, he walked with me in the Dallas-Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Three months after my surgery he had established the Cancer Awareness Club at his school in Texas and started raising funds for cancer research.  He wore a breast cancer pin for two years after my surgery to show his support for his mom.  Xavier currently sits on the board for the Southwest Valley American Cancer Society Relay for Life. He coordinates Valley Teen groups for the relay. He continues to volunteer with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure annually. He IS a breast cancer advocate.

My husband, Howard, is Superman. Even before the confirmation of the cancer, he was there supporting me emotionally, spiritually and physically. He never had a sense of panic and was always calm no matter the news. He bathed me, dressed me and fed me. In anticipation of my baldness, he shaved his head first. When I was at my lowest, he would sit and read me the Book of Job. He always reminded me of God’s love and His promise of healing. The thing that I love about my husband is that no matter how fragile I appeared, he never looked at me with pity or sorrow. I never felt I was anything less than his beautiful wife.   The journey of cancer can highlight character not often seen in our loved ones. I am grateful to have known unconditional love, caring and support from my three men.

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We Can Win This Fight! - A Survivor’s Story – Gina Bowser

 In August 1999 I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer.  I am a 13-year survivor and an advocate for breast cancer awareness. 

One evening while checking my breast I felt a lump under my arm. I decided to go in for a doctor to look at it before going on vacation.  The doctor said it was a lymph node and sent me for a mammogram and biopsy.  Cystic breast was something I was familiar with but this was the first time I felt a lump under my arm.  I had a strange feeling the test results were not going to be in my favor.  I remember thinking, “I am going to have a good time on this vacation because I don’t know what I will hear once I return home.”

When I returned I checked the voice messages to find a message from my doctor’s office asking me to call as soon as possible.  I called the office and the voice on the other end said, “I am sorry Mrs. Bowser but we need you to see a general surgeon immediately,   you have an aggressive breast cancer, we are sorry.”

I was not surprised by the diagnosis because of the premonition I had while on vacation.  I called my husband to give him the news.  I later called my family in Michigan to tell them I had breast cancer.  I went to see the surgeon; my husband accompanied me.  I had already made up my mind to have a mastectomy.   Because of my experience with my father and his battle with colon cancer; I learned that physicians and tests can not always see all of the cancer.

The surgeon gave me all my options and showed me the x-rays.  It was Stage II and a very aggressive cancer.  I had a mastectomy on the right breast, chemotherapy, radiation, reconstruction and other surgeries related to the breast cancer.  I felt I had to be strong, stay positive, and try to live as normal a life as possible; not just for me but for my family and friends.  I wanted to let people know that we can win this fight.

My husband; unknown to me, began researching the type of cancer I was diagnosed with.  He found information about a new unreleased drug that fit my diagnosis.  I called my oncologist and asked if this was significant information. He said, “I will check and call you back.”   I will never forget when I received his call; he said “I think you are going to be o.k.”  The information my husband had found was significant and the oncologist was able to incorporate this into the treatment plan.

I thank God for preparing me for the diagnosis, and for my husband, who went the extra mile for me.

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Baseball will fill the air during this year’s Back to School Clothing Drive “New Clothes, New Beginnings” annual distribution event when thousands of children receive backpacks, school supplies and hygiene items with the help of Arizona Diamondback All-Star Luis Gonzales, University of Arizona and USA softball player Jennifer Finch, and more than 2,500 dedicated volunteers.

Backpack stuffing day featuring Gonzales and Finch takes place July 8, 2011, and the week-long distribution clothing follows next week, July 11 – 15 ,2011 at ASU Preparatory Academy.

Click here to download the full press release.

Enlists Support of 2010 MLB All-Star Chris Young, Five-Time MLB All-Star Luis Gonzalez and World Champion Softball Pitcher Jennie Finch

PHOENIX – As the city of Phoenix prepares to host the 82^nd MLB Midsummer Classic, Bank of America, the Official Bank of Major League Baseball^®, is celebrating with the spirit of giving back and teamwork by inviting the community to “Give like an All-Star” and join the bank in its support for local schoolchildren in need.

Through Monday, July 11, customers, employees and baseball fans, can donate school supplies at 120 Valley Bank of America banking centers and worksites. The campaign supports Back to School Clothing Drive (BTSCD), an Arizona nonprofit that Bank of America has supported for nearly a decade, and provides new school uniforms, outfits, backpacks and school supplies to Title 1 schools and students who truly need assistance. Each participating Bank of America banking center will house a large baseball-themed donation box for the collection of needed supplies. Consumers are invited to donate items such as child-safe plastic or metal scissors, 24-count boxes of crayons, No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, 12-inch wood or plastic rulers, glue sticks, single-subject, spiral-bound notebooks, pencil sharpeners and rubber erasers.

As an added incentive for MLB All-Star Summer heroes, Bank of America will donate $5,000 to Back to School Clothing Drive for every recorded double play in the July 12 MLB All-Star Game, up to a maximum contribution of $25,000. This donation will be combined with a $25,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, for a $50,000 total maximum contribution to Back to School Clothing Drive.

“The Midsummer Classic is a positive celebration of baseball, and truly a unique event for the entire community to give back like an All-Star,” said Karl Gentles, executive director, Back to School Clothing Drive. “Through Bank of America’s support, students will be able to start the school year with new school outfits, uniforms, and a backpack full of new supplies, which gives kids a boost of self-esteem and facilitates a positive learning experience right from the start.”

As part of its campaign, Bank of America has enlisted some of the game’s most celebrated athletes to join 300 bank employees during MLB All-Star Summer in delivering more than 1,000 volunteer hours to help collect, package and distribute back–to-school clothing and supplies to more than 10,000 children from 140 area schools. These include: 2010 MLB All-Star Chris Young; five-time MLB All-Star Luis Gonzalez, who helped to bring Arizona its first World Series win in 2001; and Jennie Finch, who led the University of Arizona to the national championship in 2001 and Team USA to a world championship in 2004 in women’s fast-pitch softball.

“Bank of America is a proud supporter of our national pastime and the opportunities it creates to make a difference in our communities,” said Benito Almanza, Bank of America Arizona president. “Together, the school supplies we collect, the funds we raise and the hours we volunteer will help to ensure that vulnerable populations supported by Back to School Clothing Drive have access to the basic services that young people need to enter the school year prepared and confident.”

For nearly a decade, Bank of America has been supporting the Back to School Clothing Drive organization. In the past five years alone, Bank of America estimates that itssupport has collected nearly $50,000 worth of school supplies, and has donated $100,000 in direct grants from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Bank of America will support this year’s baseball-themed Back to School Clothing Drive campaign through a mix of local radio, point of sale advertising and event marketing.

“The community rallying together to generously donate school supplies for deserving Valley children fosters the importance of education in these young lives and encourages teachers, staff, and students alike in the challenging work that they do every day,” added Pearl Chang Esau, executive director, Teach For America Phoenix.

Founded in 1967, Back to School Clothing Drive is Arizona’s largest provider of new school outfits, uniforms, backpacks and school supplies to children in need. Back to School operates on an annual budget of approximately $1 million with three employees, a 15-volunteer member board of directors and more than 2,500 volunteers. For more information, visit www.backtoschoolclothingdrive.com.

Bank of America is the Official Bank of Major League Baseball, and a proud sponsor of the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Bank of America is also recognized as a leading financial advisor across the global sports landscape, and the bank’s Sports Finance and Advisory Team helps owners, leagues and franchises address their full range of financial needs.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 58 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,800 retail banking offices and approximately 18,000 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 30 million active users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

www.bankofamerica.com

When:   Third Sunday of each Month: June 19; Sunday, July 17; Sunday, August 21

Time:     3 – 5 pm

Where:  The Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Contact:   cbbcevents@karlgentlespr.com; Carla Wright, 602.320.0502

Open to all Black breast cancer survivors and interested parties.

About CBBC

The Coalition of Blacks against Breast Cancer is an initiative of the Mayo Clinic, The Links, Inc., and Sigma Pi Phi Gamma Mu Boule. The CBBC mission is to provide high quality, reliable information and support to Black breast cancer patients within the Phoenix metropolitan area, and to educate the community about breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and screening.

The first bus arrived at 7:45 a.m. on Monday, July 11, and the last bus won’t leave until 4 p.m. Friday, July 15. The 5,800 kids, who are pre-registered to attend, will leave with a full complement of new school clothing, uniforms, and school supplies.  Students will be treated to a variety of exciting celebrity appearances, mascots, and other special features as they enjoy the shopping experience of a lifetime. More than $500,000 of school clothes and supplies are being given out to kids in grades kindergarten through sixth graders at the week-long event.

Bank of America, the official Bank of Major League Baseball, has signed on as a sponsor of this year’s event with July 11 designated as Bank of America Day at Distribution. The BHHS Legacy Foundation, CBS 5, Delta Dental of Arizona, Intel, USAA, National Charities League, Boys Team Charities, and others corporate and civic supporters will have a visible role in supporting the event throughout the week.

In addition to the 5,800 students attending the event, 3,000 children in Bullhead City and 1,000 children served by other nonprofits in the Valley will get backpacks filled with school supplies and dental hygiene items through Back to School’s partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation’s “Backpack Buddies” program.

For a more details listing of volunteer organizations and participating schools, visit the calendar section on our website, and for more information on the event, please contact Krissy Miskovsky, project manager, 623.842.1727, ext. 3, or info@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com.

CRAVE Chips Debuts April 8-10 at Subway Fresh 600 at Phoenix International Raceway

(Phoenix, AZ) — CRAVE Potato Chips, the official potato chip of Phoenix International Raceway, makes its debut April 8 – 10, 2010, at the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600 NASCAR race. The new line of potato chips is the creation of former All-Pro Linebacker and Arizona Cardinals player Jamir Miller, now CEO and Founder of Sack Time Snacks, Inc., based in Scottsdale, AZ.

“CRAVE Chips are packed with flavor and they’re the best tasting chips you will ever try,” said Jamir Miller, CEO of Sack Time Snacks.  “We are excited to have the fiercely loyal NASCAR fans at PIR be the first to sample our chips.  The flavor and crunch is unmatched and while these aren’t your grandfather’s chips, they will be yours and your grandsons!”  CRAVE chips will be available for race fans to sample on race weekend at PIR before they hit supermarkets. A press conference featuring Sack Time Snacks, Inc., CEO Jamir Miller, President Bob Colgrove, former president of Albertson’s, and PIR President Bryan Sperber, will be held introducing the line of potato chips on April 9, 5:00 pm in the PIR Media Center. To schedule on-air interviews, or to receive grandstand tickets ($55 value each) for on air giveaways/prizes, contact Amy Wolff, (623) 910-1690 or amy@karlgentlespr.com.

CRAVE Chips are all natural, zero trans fat, and gluten free (except Malt Vinegar & Sea Salt).

CRAVE is a high-flavor, kettle-cooked potato chip. All natural, gluten free (with the exception of Malt Vinegar & Sea Salt), trans fat-free and cholesterol-free, CRAVE introduces four exciting flavors including Sassy Spuds, Hickory Barbecue, Malt Vinegar & Sea Salt, and Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper. CRAVE is prepared only with the purest, all-natural oils and seasonings.

CRAVE Chips, www.cravechips.com, based in Scottsdale, AZ, is locally-owned and produced by Sack Time Snacks, Inc. CRAVE is the official potato chip of Phoenix International Raceway and will make its debut at 11 other International Speedway Corporation (ISC) NASCAR racing facilities through the 2012 season.  ISC is a leading promoter of motorsports activities, currently promoting more than 100 racing events annually as well as numerous other motorsports-related activities.  The Company owns and/or operates 13 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities, including Daytona International Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, Watkins Glen International, and Phoenix International Raceway.

Check in starts at 5:30 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to peruse the unique and valuable items up for bid in the silent auction before they sit down to a fabulous dinner. The program also includes an exciting live auction, a fashion show of school uniforms modeled by some of the students we serve, and plenty of dancing and fun!

Corporate sponsors for the event include BHHS Legacy Foundation, Western Destinations, KPHO Channel 5, KGPR, and the Marriott.  If youwould like to discuss sponsorship opportunities or have an auction item you would like to donate, please contact Karl Gentles at karl@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com. This event is our primary fundraiser and helps us purchase many of the items we need to support our program, so we hope to see you there! Seats are $100 and a table of 10 is $1,000. Please call 623-842-1727 to register. Online registration will be available soon.

June 6, 2011– (Phoenix, AZ) – The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) puts its mission to work at the 2011 Leadership Summit – Part 1; Friday, June 17, 2011, 8 am – 5 pm, at the Wyndham Phoenix Hotel. Attendees will learn how to improve networking strategies, find new business opportunities and learn first-hand which Valley organizations value diversity and inclusion in their workforce.

“This will be a great opportunity for business owners to make meaningful connections and learn what it takes to be successful,” said Jeff Cleveland, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. “Leaning how supplier diversity programs work and which companies in the Valley actively recruit minority business is valuable insight that will lead to business opportunities.”

Four workshop sessions and four tracks will cover a wide range of topics important to business owners including discussions on Economic Development and Commercial real estate; Steps to staring your small business; Social networking’; Franchising; Sustainability; Doing business in Indian Country; Continuing education trends; Government contracting; Business law; and other topics relevant to improving a businesses pathway to success.

Registration for members (includes area chambers and other organizations) is $20; non-members- $45; Diversity and Inclusion Power Luncheon attendees $45. RSVP your attendance at info@phoenixblackchamber.com or call Heather Holmes, 602.307.5200, for more details.

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (www.phoenixblackchamber.com) is a cornerstone for educational training, resource programs, and economic-growth opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses. GPBCC provides strong support and a vibrant networking system to help businesses throughout the community increase opportunities for success. The Chamber envisions a community that appreciates the offerings of small and mid-sized businesses, as well as better-trained and better-prepared businesses that are capable of pursuing opportunities created by and facilitated through membership in the Chamber.