Heart of Yuma recognizing locals
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma celebrated the "Heart of Yuma" and the 30th anniversary of the community foundation in our area.
The goal of the event is to recognize those who have done their part to make Yuma a better place, including businesses and individual philanthropists.
Alexis Liggett won the "Philanthropist of the Year" award for her collaborations and fund-raising efforts with community shareholders including raising over $200,000 to make Yuma County parks more inclusive.
Other awards included Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Youth Leader, and Outstanding Non-profit.
“Tonight’s message is to umm essentially encourage everyone to give where you live so give back to the community whether you volunteer whether you have a few extra dollars umm the importance is that we take care of each other here in Yuma County,” said Arizona Community Foundation Regional Director Veronica Shorr.
Eric Frost, a nominee for the Outstanding Leader Award, was also able to express why events like this one are so important for the community.
“It’s a time for us to just recognize the work that’s done here not so much the people who are being nominated but the work we’re doing that got us nominated so if we can bring awareness to our families who are abused for juvenile’s who are looking to become leaders in the workforce that’s what tonight’s about,” said Frost.
The nominations and award recipients were chosen by the community as well.
The winners of the awards were:
- Alexis Liggett for Philanthropist of the Year
- Wayne and Jeanne Gale for Outstanding Benefactor
- Yuma Investment Group Wealth Management for Outstanding Business Organization
- Mentally Ill Kids in Distress for Outstanding Nonprofit
- Caballeros de Yuma for Outstanding Service Organization
- Maria Chavoya for Outstanding Leader
- Tim Gilliland for Outstanding Volunteer
- Valeria Cruz for Outstanding Youth Leader
