Community Relations and UA Cares recognized by United Way of Tucson
UA Cares Ambassadors accept the Circle of Excellence Award from the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. From left: UA Cares Ambassador Timna Guerchon, UA Cares Ambassador Chris Gast, UA Cares Ambassador Alyssa Gough, GCR’s Nick Hilton, UA Cares Ambassador Julie Bell, UA Cares Ambassador Sheila Bustamante, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona CEO Tony Penn, and GCR’s Nicole Roldan.
GCR’s local community relations team proudly capped off another year of successful UA Cares initiatives by accepting the Bronze Award – a top campaign leadership honor – at the 21st Anniversary Circle of Excellence Awards Luncheon hosted by the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. GCR also was nominated for the Building a Better Community award.
The Circle of Excellence event celebrates outstanding community champions who give their time, talent and resources to improve the lives of others in Southern Arizona. UA Cares Ambassadors joined the local community relations team in accepting the award. The team is looking ahead to making next year’s initiatives even more impactful.
UA Cares is a set of four university-wide initiatives that empower the U of A community to give back. In addition to the workplace giving campaign held each October, UA Cares Ambassadors support efforts throughout the year by:
- Coordinating lifesaving blood drives for local hospitals
- Restocking clothing and nonperishable food at the Campus Closet, Campus Pantry and Community Food Banks
- Promoting the Employee Emergency Fund, which supports colleagues facing temporary financial hardships
Mark your calendars for United Way Days of Caring
United Way’s Days of Caring takes place Oct. 24-25. UA Cares is a major participant in this event, which is Southern Arizona’s largest volunteer event and brings together thousands of community members who roll up their sleeves and participate in local service projects. Activities include:
- Revitalizing local classrooms
- Assembling hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness
- Creating literacy kits for young learners
UA Cares Ambassadors are a vital part of each UA Cares initiative. Faculty and staff across campus play an essential role in supporting and promoting these efforts, and we’re always excited to welcome new participants.
If your unit would like to get involved or learn more about becoming a UA Cares Ambassador, please email Nick Hilton at hilton@arizona.edu.