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News / Press Releases |
Fresh Start Foundations | ||||
| For current news and press releases, select from the list below.
Fresh Start Celebrates Record Week of Giving; 5th Anniversary Nets $1 Million Gift Phoenix, AZ (Oct. 10, 2007) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation experienced a record week in both achievement and generosity, propelling the organization to continue the important work it does for women in the community. Anne Mariucci, former President of Del Webb and Fresh Start Executive Board Member, presented an unexpected $1 million gift to the foundation during the five-year anniversary celebration of the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. Since its opening in 2002, over 100,000 women have walked through the doors of the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center seeking resources to empower themselves. On behalf of Mayor Phil Gordon, Councilwoman Peggy Bilstein officially proclaimed October 1 st “Fresh Start Day” to mark the anniversary. Also attending the celebration were co-Founders Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart, the family of Jewell McFarland Lewis, whose significant gift many years ago was instrumental in building the resource center, and many more Fresh Start supporters. In addition, the 3 rd Annual Fresh Start Breakfast held at the Biltmore Resort hosted more than 900 Fresh Start supporters who gave over $340,000 to the organization. Many of the attendees at the event pledged to give their time and talent as well. The breakfast featured stories of struggle and hope from Kim McWaters, President of Universal Technical Institute, and Michelle Campuzano, current Fresh Start mentee, who themselves, have experienced what it means to have a strong support system in place to achieve empowerment. “This week has been one of the greatest weeks in Fresh Start’s history; we are truly blessed by the support we are receiving from the community and are just so happy that we are able to stand solid in our mission to help women help themselves,” said interim CEO, Barbara Ralston. Over the last five years Fresh Start has provided resources and services for women that fill the gaps other agencies do not provide. With this support in place, Fresh Start is enabling thousands of women to transform their lives, gain self-sufficiency and cultivate healthy families.
About Fresh Start Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women help themselves. It accomplishes this through the work of the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. To access comprehensive services, please visit the center at 1130 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix, call (602) 252-8494, or go to www.WeHelpWomen.com.
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Our Founders Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart
Even as young teens, Pat and Beverly wanted to help women, who like their grandmother, suddenly became the whole support of their families. Over the years, the Arizona natives became ardent community activists on behalf of women. In 1992, Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were in a position to personally and professionally reach out to women in need. The initial offering was a day of pampering at Rolf’s Salon, then co-owned by Pat, Beverly and Rolf Lohse. The women theorized that a new hair style and personalized make-up were immediate ways to boost one’s confidence and increase self-esteem. Each month 20 women from shelters and social service agencies were invited to “A Fresh Start Day of Beauty at Rolf’s.” This core Fresh Start service remains in place today through Rolf’s Salon as well as through the Self-Esteem Room at the Foundation’s Women’s Resource Center.
Board of Directors Chairs 1995 Sandy Cowen Miller ( 2 terms) 1997 Barbara Ralston (3 terms) 2000 Marlene Klotz Collins (2 terms) 2002 Michelle Kerrick (1 term) 2003 Barbara Hoffnagle (2 terms) 2005 Mary Upchurch (2 terms) 2007 Becky Jackson (1 term) |
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