Sedona 30 is here to help. “Helping Sedona helps ourselves and makes our community a better place,” said Jody Beeler, the 2013-2014 Sedona 30 president and chairman of the Sedona Miracle in 2009.
Serving the Sedona community since 1982, the Sedona 30 was founded by Bill Garland “to work toward the betterment of the Sedona community.” Garland, a businessman and World War II veteran, came to Sedona in the 1940s and created the philanthropic organization. The 30-year development of the Sedona 30, carried by the strong leadership of Garland, perseveres today with devoted leaders to the community.
Sedona 30 is a charitable association that improves the community through financial support for non-profit organizations. The organization is comprised of 30 active members with various occupational backgrounds and achievements. They strive to enhance Sedona living and support the community through fundraising and donations.
Beeler is one of the dedicated members who carries on Garland’s vision for the organization, “to take on our problems of our community and make a difference in the Sedona community.” Beeler has been a lifelong resident in Sedona. He headed up the organization’s semi-annual fundraising event, the Sedona Miracle, in 2009. He describes the Sedona Miracle as “one of the most successful charitable endeavors for the Sedona community.”
During the past seven years, the Sedona Miracle has raised more than $1.5 million through donations and auctions. Various companies and CEOs provide a variety of contributions, such as gourmet cuisine, beverages, hotel accommodations, golf tournaments and even trips to Europe!
The 2013 Sedona Miracle was so successful the goals set forth were easily overachieved, in which charitable endeavors raised nearly $160,000 to the Sedona community in a single evening. The Sedona Miracle not only doubled the amount of money raised for education programs, additional funds were raised as well. Beeler says he enjoys the fulfillment of uniting the community and watching the positive impact it makes on the friends, families and the economy. Even with a crash in the economy, Beeler says the Sedona Miracle shines with grants, donations and a strong support system.
Sedona 30 grants are available to organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation and a Sedona 30 member must sponsor each grant request. Some of the organizations funded by the Sedona 30 include: Sedona Public Library, Sedona Food Bank, Sedona Boys and Girls Club, Sedona Community Center, Sedona Medical Center and Sedona Performing Arts Center.
A prime focus for the Sedona 30 is helping Sedona’s youth with education assistance through grants. The Sedona 30 has raised $81,500 for the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District. What is so remarkable is that not only does this money aid schools in general, it also provides financial support for individual students.
Sedona 30 offers $30,000 of scholarships to help children go to college. “It is so gratifying to see a child receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Sedona 30 and go on to become something,” said Beeler. “When I receive a letter from that child after he or she graduates from college telling me how great life is and how it has made a difference, that is what makes this organization so rewarding, by making a difference in this community.” FBN
By Hillary Hayes
Flagstaff Business News