Member Stories

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 taken on the role of mentor, teaching countless volunteers how to build homes and use tools effectively and safely. His leadership and patience have left a lasting impact on everyone he works with. Known for his steadfast dedication and work ethic, Rick has earned the trust and admiration of both staff and fellow volunteers. Beneath his tough exterior lies a kind-hearted individual who inspires us all. Whether he’s swinging a hammer or sharing a laugh, Rick's passion and character remind [...]

Ken Johnson & Shadow: Community Service Recognition It is with great enthusiasm that Tucson Medical Center (TMC) nominates volunteer Ken Johnson and his pet therapy dog, Shadow. Ken and Shadow have visited the hospital almost daily for the past 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 mastiff, she is sweet and loves belly rubs and attention. Like Ken, her playful and fun nature has a wonderful calming effect on all who visit with her. Ken delightfully visits with people while Shadow wags her tail and wallows in the attention. The big dog brings big smiles and happiness. Ken and Shadow are always seen at special events and other "guest star opportunity" times. They also go out of their way [...]

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 role in assembling approximately 2,500 food boxes each shift. These boxes provide essential nutrition to families across Southern Arizona, addressing food insecurity and improving the quality of life for countless individuals. His leadership ensures the process runs efficiently, and his work ethic inspires fellow volunteers to take on greater responsibilities. Karl’s impact extends beyond food box production. Always willing to help where he is most needed, he has supported client check-in during busy times. As a bilingual volunteer, Karl excels [...]

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 pandemic, Jesus taught GED Social Studies remotely via Zoom. After a few sessions, he made the switch to in-person instruction as a Basic Math instructor, a role he has held with great enthusiasm ever since. Jesus brings warmth, humor, and unwavering commitment to every session. Known for his kindness and his strong connections with students, he creates a supportive learning environment that fosters confidence and growth. One of Jesus's unique contributions is his use of the word "facilísimo"—or "very easy"—during [...]

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 nearly 16 years, the first ten in Dallas. Upon moving to Pima County six years ago, he continued his volunteer work but became a certified ATD trainer and started communicating/coordinating between organizations that wanted an ATD team. The requests are from a wide array- schools, hospitals, libraries. Anywhere, people need attention, affection, and connection. Love is a warm dog hug. Demand far outweighs supply, so Tom actively recruited other trainers and cheerfully enabled newly certified teams to match with agencies/events [...]

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 youth advocacy shines through her tireless efforts to raise awareness and support for Southern Arizona’s youth. Beyond her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rebecca is passionate about charitable initiatives focused on the well-being of children and families in her community. Every Thanksgiving, she donates five full dinners to families in need, bringing warmth and celebration to those who might otherwise go without. She also hosts an annual cornhole tournament, raising approximately $3,000 each year for a local charity. Her [...]

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 was nominated by her current employer, Pacific Premier Bank. Although there are a wide variety of organizations she is intimately involved with, the ones she has given the most time to include Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s family partner, VITA’s (United Way) intake specialist, Junior Achievement’s volunteer teacher and UCREW’s chair. The time spent at these organizations in particular remind her of why she has the sense of passion for volunteering. When you have a child come up to you at [...]

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. In addition, 15-20 patients who have no other resources will receive help with cancer treatment. Beyond the dollars raised, los Vecinos have volunteered countless hands-on hours at El Rio events and community organizations positively impacting the lives of others. Community Service Recognitions Community Service Recognitions, including the one received by El Rio Vecinos, are given at the annual SAVMA Awards. These recognitions and awards are part of a larger strategic effort to draw attention to the essential work of volunteers [...]

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, and adult basic education have all focused on teaching and training. She is a graduate from the Tacheria Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction and the African American Leadership Institute of Southern Arizona. Currently, Cydne supports the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona as a volunteer grant reviewer, an advisory board member for the African American Legacy Fund, and a member of the foundation's Community Impact Committee. Cydne also serves as Board Secretary for The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition. [...]