Our Supporters: Corporations


Fresh Start has been blessed with many corporate supporters who believe in the work of the Jewell McFarland Lewis - Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. When you visit the Center you will see the names of those corporations and individuals who help build our magnificent Center. The list following highlights some of our most significant corporate partners.


American Express
With a generous contribution from American Express, Fresh Start Women's Foundation was able to launch its first ever Women's Leadership Series to help empower some of Arizona's most successful Women Executives in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. They also graciously sponsored Fresh Start's leadership team to attend the Thunderbird Global Management for Nonprofit training.


APS
APS has been a very generous donor at the Fresh Start Fashion Gala in years past and continue to provide a commitment to the Jewell McFarland Lewis - Fresh Start Women's Foundation Resource Center and the thousands of women who walk in our doors every year. 


AZ Society
The Arizona Republic/AZ Society has been the presenting sponsor of the Fresh Start Fashion Gala for several years and are a constant partner in the success of Fresh Start’s mission to help women help themselves.


Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has been a significant supporter of Fresh Start Women's Foundation's job readiness programs. Their $50,000 sponsorship toward the Gala and toward job placement initatives will make a tangible difference to hundreds of women this year.


Chase
Chase has greatly served Fresh Start Women's Foundation's career initiatives. Through their support, the Economic Empowerment Initiatives for Women program was created which took our Career Services to a new level.


EB Lane
EB Lane has provided countless hours of strategic marketing, advertising and communications support along with fantastic creative production and very generous financial support.


Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig is a very substantial supporter of the Fresh Start Fashion Gala, providing generous financial contributions as well as continuous support to help make this event a huge success and touch the lives of the thousands of women served at the Women's Resource Center.


Humana

Humana has graciously provided the funding needed in order for Fresh Start Women's Foundation to provide our services to women in need in the East Valley.  See more on the East Valley initiative here


Salt River Project (SRP)
Salt River Project has been an on-going benefactor of the programs Fresh Start delivers from their initial contribution through our Capital Campaign through their successful loaned executive program.


 Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
UTI has been a long-time supporter of Fresh Start Women's Foundation's events including the Fashion Gala and the Golf Charity Classic.


Westcor
Westcor’s commitment to Fresh Start began on December 31, 2001 and is continued every year with their generous support at the Fresh Start Fashion Gala as well as several smaller fundraising events throughout the year.


 Others
Our deep gratitude also goes to: Bank of America, Cox Communications, University of Phoenix, TriWest Healthcare, Freeport McMoran Copper and Gold, Arizona Public Service, CB Richard Ellis, Deloitte, Henkel, Phoenix Suns, Walmart, Hyde Park, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lewis and Roca, LLP, Comerica, United Healthcare, US Airways, ADV Productions, Do Me a Favor, Discount Tire, My Sister's Closet, Leidan Mitchell Salon and Spa and Wells Fargo for their ongoing financial contributions, sponsorship of various events and other efforts to help support our work. 
 

 
 

Fresh Start Foundations

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 sole 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

1995, '96 Sandy Cowen
1997, '98, 1999 Barbara Ralston
2000, '01 Marlene Klotz Collins
2002 Michelle Kerrick
2003, '04 Barbara Hoffnagle
2005, '06 Mary P. Upchurch
2007 Becky Jackson
2008, '09 Kim McWaters
2010 Nancy Loftin