Two recipients of MVWC grants had a chance to tell their stories at the March luncheon held at North Mountain Visitor Center. These grants were awarded earlier in the year. MVWC members raise money throughout the year in various fundraising projects, awarding a total of $14,000 this cycle.
HelpNowAZ received $4,000 to help their after-school snack programs. CEO and founder Dawn Marie Rapaport shared her personal story and explained how she started the organization in 2012. She said, “I experienced times of homelessness growing up in Arizona, and was able to overcome that with outside help.” Her grandfather was the outside help who quoted affirmations of encouragement and support to her. Those affirmations are now incorporated in the bags of food that HelpNowAZ distributes to children experiencing homelessness. “Food for the belly, words for the soul,” Dawn Marie said. Approximately 20,000 bags a month are delivered to kids in need. Homelessness in Arizona is on the rise, topping out at 29,000, of which 61% are in Maricopa County.
For more information, visit www.HelpNowAZ.org.
Desert Sounds received a $2,000 grant to purchase guitars for their music education programs. Donna Dobson, founder and now volunteer, explained that “by connecting music, community and culture, we empower children with hope and confidence to be leaders.” Desert Sounds was established in 2008 so that families would not have financial barriers in exposing their children to music. They have an instrument lending program, called the Jeremy Project, and mentors offering music lessons and the successful Mariachi ensembles who have performed at the MIM and Herberger Theater over the years. They are currently lending 256 instruments to students in 56 schools in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
For more information visit www.desertsounds.org. For more information on Moon Valley Women’s Club, visit www.moonvalleywomensclub.org.
