th anniversary in 2015, Pioneer Title set a lofty goal as part of its celebration – to raise at least $30,000 for the Arizona National Scenic Trail (also celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2015) while lacing up their shoes and actually hiking, biking, walking and running the more than 800 miles of the historic trail as a collective team. So did they succeed? The answer is MORE THAN yes! In fact, not only did the team recently complete the trail, but they raised an eye popping $45,000 for the Arizona Trail Association, well above their goal. But that’s not all. In addition to the work that the entire team – including Pioneer’s 10 offices across Coconino and Yavapai Counties in Flagstaff, Sedona, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Page, Williams and Wickenburg – did to make the anniversary “Take a Hike” initiative a success, our local branches also rolled up their sleeves with fundraising projects on their own and by making investments and donations throughout each of their communities. In total, Pioneer Title Agency volunteered several hundred hours and donated more than $220,000 to causes across Arizona! A sampling of some of the amazing groups we were able to support in Northern Arizona, and information on how you might want to get involved:
- Williams Area Habitat for Humanity: a faith-based housing organization bringing all faiths together to work in partnership with those in need. Habitat builds houses with its Home Partners who demonstrate need and a willingness to invest 500 hours of “sweat equity” into the houses before moving in. Habitat Home Partners buy their home with either a Habitat or USDA 502 loan. Habitat families improve self-reliance and self-respect. Children benefit, neighborhoods are changed and communities are improved. For more information, visit http://williamsareahabitat.com/.
- Soroptimist International of Flagstaff: a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. More than 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories support community-based and global projects benefiting women and girls. The organization is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination. For more information, visit http://www.siflagstaff.com/.
- NAU Foundation: exists to support the university and operates as a public charity under the IRS non-profit code 501(c)(3). The NAU Foundation manages all private contributions to the university. The NAU Foundation specifically works to promote the university’s mission; enhance its recognition; foster private investment from a broad base of constituents; develop a culture of philanthropy; make excellent education accessible to all; make high quality research possible; and encourage outreach for the public good. For more information, visit http://nau.edu/giving/nau-foundation/
- Flagstaff ChildHelp: The Flagstaff Chapter was started in 2006 to help serve the needs of Childhelp programs throughout Arizona, but its focus is on the Childhelp Mobile Advocacy Center which serves children in the surrounding area of Flagstaff. The Childhelp Mobile Advocacy Center helps victims of suspected child abuse in four northern Arizona counties combining specialized services and state-of-the-art telemedicine technology to provide crisis intervention, forensic interviews, medical examinations and referrals for the children and their families. The Flagstaff Chapter is dedicated to making sure this sensitive, child-focused work is available in their communities. For more information, visit https://www.childhelp.org/chapters/flagstaff/.
- Flagstaff Shelter Services: Established in 2006 by concerned citizens, business owners, and faith-based organizations in order to provide emergency shelter and basic services to any person experiencing a crisis in homelessness. Since 2006, FSS has provided critical shelter, food, and access to resources to those most likely to die on the streets each night. Regardless of faith, mental health, or sobriety, FSS serves any adult experiencing homelessness. In 2014, FSS became a year-round shelter serving those in need every night of the year. For more information, visit http://flagshelter.org/.