Tempe, Arizona | Cindy Kominska | Tempe Community Council Announces Humanitarian Awardees
Shana Ellis to receive 33rd Annual Don Carlos Award
Tempe, Arizona (Aug. 11, 2016) – Former Tempe councilmember and current CEO/President of The Centers for Habilitation, Shana Ellis has been named the 33rd recipient of the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award by Tempe Community Council (TCC). Ellis, along with other community awardees, will be recognized at a special ceremony and dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the PERA Club in Tempe.
Presented in partnership with SRP, the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award, honors individuals who have given outstanding service to Tempe, benefitting the less fortunate in lasting ways and making Tempe a better place in which to live.
“For 33 years, TCC has had the privilege of calling attention to the great works of people like Shana Ellis who serve tirelessly and gracefully to make our community better, stronger and healthier. She has been a tenacious advocate, providing a powerful voice and countless volunteer hours to address many of our city’s human service needs,” said TCC Board President Kim Naig. “We’re thrilled to be honoring Shana as the 2016 Don Carlos Humanitarian of the Year.”
The award is named after Tempe’s founder, Charles Trumbull Hayden – known affectionately by Spanish-speaking pioneers as Don Carlos. The award embodies Hayden’s legacy and spirit and is Tempe’s most prestigious distinction. Recipients exemplify true humanitarianism and have made Tempe a better place for everyone. Past honorees include: Raveen Arora, former Tempe Mayor Neil G. Giuliano, former Arizona Representative Harry E. Mitchell, Pat Hatton, former Tempe Mayor Rudy Campbell, Bobbie & Don Cassano, Linda Spears, and Leonard Monti, Sr.
In addition to Ellis, TCC will honor other outstanding citizens and community organizations at the Sept. 28 ceremony:
• East Valley Women’s League (EVWL) – Guiding Light Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy
The EVWL has been instrumental in raising funds and supporting a variety of programs benefitting women and children, which have profoundly impacted Tempe and surrounding communities. One of those endeavors includes the Cinderella Affair prom dress giveaway program.
• Edward Baker – Spirit of Tempe Karma Volunteer Award
Baker’s extensive volunteer service has benefitted nonprofits in Tempe, specifically supporting Tempe Community Action Agency for the past 11 years.
• Carter Tyler Lindsay – Young Humanitarian Scholar Award and Scholarship
Scholarship provided by the Ramsey Social Justice Foundation.
Lindsay’s budding volunteer efforts at a young age have touched many lives through his work assisting the elderly, youth, and local nonprofits while a member of Marcos de Niza High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other personal endeavors.
The dinner and ceremony are open to the public, and scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at www.tempecommunitycouncil.org/don-carlos or by calling 480-858-2300 by Sept. 21.
About Tempe Community Council
Tempe Community Council (TCC) is a community-based nonprofit with a 44-year history of encouraging resident interaction and commitment to human services in Tempe. TCC brings our community together – including government, nonprofits, faith groups and residents – to provide support to Tempeans in need, plan for present and future needs, and build an enduring foundation.
For more information on the awards and on TCC, visit www.tempecommunitycouncil.org.
– TempeCommunityCouncil.org –