EASTERSEALS It’s a big year for Easterseals, in which the organization celebrates 100 years of working to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities or other special needs. The organization opened in Arizona in 1929, so is also celebrating its 90 th anniversary here. Dedicated to a future where everyone is included and empowered, the organization works to change the way the world views disability through high-quality programs including autism services, early intervention, workforce development, adult day care and more. Over the years, Easterseals has been a powerful advocate and resource for people and families challenged by disability. Now, as America faces new issues, the nonprofit continues to make positive, life-changing differences in the lives of people and families challenged by today’s disabilities. To learn more, go to easterseals.com . “PETS ON PARADE” Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is celebrating the 60 th anniversary of “Pets on Parade,” the nonprofit’s weekly TV show. “Pets on Parade” is the longest-running local television show in Arizona and debuted on Dec. 8, 1958, just one year after AHS was founded. For the last six decades, “Pets on Parade” has touched the lives of pet lovers in Arizona and has inspired community action by featuring adoptable pets, educating the community on animal welfare, providing resources for pet owners, and advocating for the sick, injured and abused animals rescued by AHS. Each week, some 20,000 viewers tune in and it’s estimated that more than 31,000 dogs, cats and other critters have found forever homes thanks to this unique show. To learn more and view past episodes, visit azhumane.org/petsonparade . 90 60 YEARS YEARS Forest benefits the National Forest Service. During the recent government shutdown, the stores took on added importance. Since park staff was limited, store associates not only sold T-shirts, books and other canyon-related products, they also answered visitor questions. “Our stores were very, very busy and a lot of it was helping the visitors wayfind around the park,” Schroeder said. “We train our sales associates not only to be able to sell product but also to help the visitors have a great time — to answer, ‘Where’s the best sunset?’” GCC works with the park to determine the highest priorities. Right now the organization is focused on fundraising for the Desert View Watchtower. “We are going to be transforming that area into a thriving cultural area,” Ojeda said. “We encourage visitors to enter that Desert View site at the east entrance, which is easier and more accessible.” The area also provides a chance to learn about Grand Canyon’s cultural history. For instance, many of the Desert View Watchtower murals painted by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie were recently preserved with GCC support. The colorful paintings represent the physical and spiritual origins of Hopi life. “Ed Kabotie — Fred Kobotie’s grandson — was able to do some of the restoration work. So it’s a wonderful, full-circle story,” Schroeder said. GCC is also raising money for the Dark Sky initiative. Incredibly, one-third of the world’s population — including 80 percent of Americans — can no longer see the Milky Way. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the last places in the U.S. to experience a truly star-filled night sky. So the park has worked to become an International Dark Sky Park by replacing nearly 3,500 light fixtures NONPROFITS, PROGRAMS AND EVENTS CELEBRATING MILESTONE YEARS COVER STORY CONTINUED 24 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | FEBRUARY 2019

PHOENIX HEART BALL Did you know that America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers are heart disease and stroke, respectively? The annual Phoenix Heart Ball, one of the premier social events in the Valley, aims to find ways to save lives and build a healthier community, free from heart disease and stroke. For 60 years, the Phoenix Heart Ball has helped to advance the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a mission that has impacted the lives of countless men, women and children. The Phoenix Heart Ball Committee of 100 women works to raise funds and awareness for vital community programs, education and research. Contributions go far in supporting cardiovascular research, professional and community education and advocacy efforts. To learn more, visit phoenixheartball.heart.org . CHICANOS POR LA CAUSA Growing out of the movement led by Cesar Chavez, Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) was founded in 1969 to fight oppression facing Latinos in Phoenix. Over the course of the half century since, the organization has grown to become one of the largest Hispanic nonprofits in the country. CPLC is an all-encompassing organization for the underserved that provides service in four areas of impact: health and human services, housing, education and economic development. As a lead advocate, coalition builder and direct service provider, CPLC is committed to building stronger, healthier communities by promoting positive change and self-sufficiency. The organization impacts more than 306,000 individuals across the Southwest. To learn more, go to cplc.org . 60 50 YEARS YEARS These historical photos show Fred Kobotie, the Hopi artist who did the paintings for the Desert View Watchtower. FEBRUARY 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 25