Kitchell donates 100 pairs of shoes to Burn Camp

Young burn victims attending this year’s “Camp Courage” in Prescott will be greeted their first day of camp with a new pair of athletic shoes, thanks to a generous donation from Kitchell.

The company purchased, sorted and labeled 96 pairs of shoes for the campers, mostly teens, who attend the annual camp. Many of the children are from backgrounds in which new athletic shoes are a luxury. The camp is offered through the Arizona Burn Foundation, part of the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center.

“It’s difficult for us as builders to deal with the intense summer heat in Phoenix, but for burn victims the effects are much more profound, because their skin suffers heightened sensitivity to sunlight,” said Kitchell CEO Jim Swanson. “It’s great that these young kids can go to cooler climates, escape the heat, and just be regular kids.”

Read more about Kitchell’s donation in this AZRE Magazine article

Kitchell and local community leaders honor Bob and Paula Hardison with legacy gift in their name

PHOENIX (Nov. 4, 2011) – The Wellness Community – Arizona treated guests at its annual Porch Party to a big announcement in honor of its former executive director, and issued an ongoing challenge to the community to maintain the momentum of giving hope to those dealing with cancer.

The “Hardison Hope Fund,” part of the organization’s Voices of Hope campaign, has accumulated a total of $100,000 in the name of Bob and Paula Hardison. The fund kicked off with an initial $25,000 lead contribution from Kitchell.

”Paula and Bob Hardison have given immense amounts of time, talent and treasure to The Wellness Community – Arizona, leading the organization to where it is today as a respected community resource delivering support to people living with cancer,” said Voices of Hope campaign chair Juanita Francis. “The Hardisons have been an integral part of the growth of the organization from its very early days, and we’re glad to honor them with this legacy that will help carry out the mission of the organization we all love.”

The Voices of Hope campaign assists the organization in maintaining financial stability. The Hardison Hope Fund is one of many gifts that the organization hopes will prompt others to continue the mission of providing ongoing support for cancer patients and their families.

“The mission of the Wellness Community –Arizona is an important one, and we’re pleased to be able to honor the work that Paula and Bob have contributed to this organization,” said Kitchell President and CEO Jim Swanson.