Spirit of Philanthropy
Foundations recognize amazing donors at annual dinner

(November 2013) -- Jim and Jean Meenaghan and Pat Goldman received Spirit of Philanthropy Awards during the 29th annual Philanthropy Leadership Awards dinner sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Greater Arizona Chapter on Nov. 13 at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess.

Additionally, Barrow Neurological Foundation, along with several other local organizations, jointly nominated Bob and Renee Parsons to be honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award.

The Meenaghans have been integral to St. Joseph’s Hospital in several ways, most recently for providing seed funding that enabled the hospital to partner with the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine in establishing Phoenix’s first-ever Valley Fever Center . The Center opened more than one year ago and is now set to expand its services.Jean is a long-time member of the Barrow Neurological Institute’s Women’s Board, an organization that has raised more than $44 million for the hospital.

Pat Goldman has contributed generously to Barrow Neurological Institute for more than 40 years. Pat served as chair of the Barrow Women’s Board, led a St. Joseph’s fundraising campaign in the1980s and has contributed to many other projects, including the original construction and recent renovation of Barrow’s Goldman Auditorium.

The Parsons, through their own foundation, have become two of Arizona’s most generous and thoughtful philanthropists. They have already given more than $15 million to causes and organizations ranging from the Muhammad Ali Parkinson’s Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, UMOM New Day Centers, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Arizona Humane Society, Autism Speaks and the Phoenix Zoo. They also are long-time supporters of the Semper Fi Foundation; Bob is a Marine veteran who was wounded in combat in Vietnam. They are among the most active benefactors in the entire state.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Arizona Chapter is the premiere organization for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals in the Phoenix-Metro region. They currently represent nearly 300 members from the leading nonprofit charities, foundations and consultants across the Valley. For more information, visit www.afpgreateraz.afpnet.org.