Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is only $800,000 away from completing its $18 million Campaign for Girls in Arizona. In an effort to close out the campaign, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation issued a $1.6 million matching challenge that extends to all donations received through December 31, 2017. Local businesses, community supporters and Girl Scout alumnae are encouraged to visit girlscoutsaz.org/campaign to make a gift before the end of the year to qualify for matching funds.
This recent grant adds to the Parsons’ previous $5 million gift to the Campaign for Girls – the largest single gift ever received by a Girl Scout Council nationwide – that allowed for the completion of The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain. To urge fellow donors to join in their support, Mrs. Parsons teamed up with local Girl Scouts in a video address highlighting the importance of the organization’s diverse programming.
“The goal of Campaign for Girls is to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to more girls throughout the state, including those who come from underserved communities,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of GSACPC. “Our new center is a testament to what we stand for, providing girls with research-based and time-tested programming that builds confidence and allows them to learn and grow in a supportive, all-girl environment, all year long.”
Girl Scout programs are designed to help girls develop a strong sense of self, build problem solving and leadership skills, cultivate positive relationships and learn to not be afraid of challenges or failure. Compared to their non-Girl Scout peers, Girl Scouts earn better grades, have higher academic aspirations and show more interest in careers in which women are traditionally underrepresented, such as STEM programs and politics. In fact, 67 percent of current female senators are Girl Scout Alumnae and every female Secretary of State in U.S. history is a former Girl Scout.
The Parsons Leadership Center offers spaces for large and small meetings and trainings, tent and cabin camping, a demonstration kitchen and kitchen garden, two pools, a Girl Scout museum and shop, a playing field and archery range, campfire circle and labyrinths. Activities at the Parsons Leadership Center, including adult training programs, will help facilitate partnerships with surrounding community groups, local organizations and schools. To learn more, visit girlscoutsaz.org.
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
We believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Our Girl Scout programs offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. In Arizona, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus- Pine Council serves more than 21,000 girls in grades K-12 with the help of more than 10,000 adult members who act as troop leaders, mentors, program assistants, consultants, and board members. For more information, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest times of theirs lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. Driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, roots or economic status – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has exceeded $132 million in giving over the past five years. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media, or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.
