Our annual Lanterns Under the Stars event honors extraordinary Civitan supporters

A lantern is the vessel that holds "fire" or "light." The definition of "lantern" is a transparent case for holding and shielding light. Both "light" and "fire" are terms that can be used to describe life and spirit. Lanterns support the light; allowing light to breathe life and spirit into dark areas. The parents of clients, staff, volunteers and donors at the Civitan Foundation are the lanterns that promote and help foster the growth and development of the "flame" or "light" in each client at the Foundation.

"Lanterns Under the Stars" celebrates over 42 years of building a stronger community for those with developmental disabilities. The evening event will highlight the history of the past and the vision of the future for the Civitan Foundation and its many programs. Event guests will enjoy a wide variety of activities, including a silent auction, gourmet cuisine, a client produced program and dancing, as well as numerous other activities our clients enjoy throughout the year. The evening will also include an awards presentation to a number of "Lanterns" in our community who light the way for those with developmental disabilities.

Save the Date for 2010!

This year’s event was held on February 5, 2011 at Monterra at Westworld. The following individuals and organizations were honored at this event:

2010 HONOREES

This year’s event was held on September 26, 2009 at Monterra at Westworld. The following individuals and organization were honored at our 2009 event:

Lanterns of Empowerment Award – Pam Baldwin, Joni and Friends

Pam BaldwinPam Baldwin has served as the Director of Joni and Friends Arizona for the last 4 years. She is driven by her passion to equip churches with the knowledge to reach out to families affected by disabilities. Pam has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and has been working with individuals affected by disabilities for the past 28 years. She has been a Minister to Persons with Disabilities at First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch (FSBCG) in Glendale, Arizona for the past 12 years, effectively changing the culture of their church.

Pam has championed Civitan’s cause over the years, playing an integral role in the success and development of the Our Night Out program in Glendale, the new DTT program in Buckeye, and the new DTA program in Maricopa. We are honored that she and her foundation have continued to support Civitan’s mission.

Lanterns of Enrichment Award
Frank Nightingale, Board of Directors

Virginia PiperFrank Nightingale joined the Scottsdale Civitan Club in 1988, the Civitan Foundation Board of Directors in 2001, and has served as the Chairman since 2007. In this role, Frank has served as a primary advocate for endless Foundation fundraisers, events, and new programs. As a financial advisor for Wells Fargo in Scottsdale, AZ, Frank has employed his knowledge and passion to guide Civitan through its development from Camp Civitan, to include the host of Valley-wide programming offered today.

Frank’s love for, and devotion to, our cause has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of our clients, the growth of the Foundation, and the achievement of our mission. It is our privilege to honor the life-long dedication and service of this worthy member of our community.

2009 HONOREES

Lanterns of Empowerment Award – Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Lanterns of Enrichment Award – Teaumen & Grace Fuite Foundation
Lanterns in Our Community Award – Williams Food Bank, Guy & Angie Mikkelsen

2008 HONOREES

Lanterns of Empowerment Award – St. Lukes Health Initiative
Lanterns of Enrichment Award – Jo-Ann & Jim Armstong
Lanterns in Our Community Award – SCYSAC Sun Cities/Youngtown Special Activity Center
Lanterns for Life Award – Ed Trapp