City of Glendale - News

From the Heart Program Set for Another Record-Breaking Year!  

One anonymous donor challenges others to give more  

The 2006-07 fundraising year for the city of Glendale's From the Heart program was one of many firsts. Corporate donations boosted dollar levels significantly thanks to more than $43,000 in giving by a variety of Valley businesses. This past fundraising season also saw the largest donation from a private citizen in the amount of $1,000. And though the donor wishes to remain anonymous, this person is offering up a challenge to other citizens looking for a good cause to support--give more!  

A Record Donation  

The anonymous donor, a working mom and grandmother, was raised in a family that encouraged charitable giving and community service.  She learned about the city's From the Heart program after reading the Connection newsletter that is mailed to Glendale residents. "When I read all of the different agencies--organizations that help babies and adults, groups like Meals on Wheels, groups for children and women--I thought, 'That's something I have got to give to,'" the donor says.  

The donor gave the program $1,000 in November of 2006, and thanks to a matching gift from BHHS Legacy Foundation, which matches all donations given to From the Heart, the total amount equaled $1,500. "The fact that there was an agency matching what I could give," the donor says, "well, how can you not give to that ? ."   The donor plans to continue to give in the coming years when able and encourages others to take advantage of this great opportunity that positively impacts more than two dozen local organizations. "I would really like to see someone beat my donation," the donor says.  

About 'From the Heart'

The From The Heart program  has collected and awarded agencies serving Glendale residnets more than $1.3 million since the program began in 1997. The money is being used every day by local, non-profit social service agencies to help make life better for hundreds of Glendale residents, whether its serving meals to home-bound elderly citizens, providing emergency assistance to abused women and children or linking adult mentors with at-risk youth. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to providing services to Glendale’s most vulnerable residents.

Residents are able to add $1 to their monthly city utility payments to go to From the Heart, which is a unique partnership between residents, businesses, the city of Glendale, the BHHS Legacy Foundation and the Quality of Life Community Services (formerly the Glendale Human Services Council). To help maximize the impact of residents’ contributions, the city is partnering with the Legacy Foundation to provide a 50-cent match for every dollar that is donated to the program.

Residents and businesses can make a donation in any dollar amount to the program online at www.glendaleaz.com/fromtheheart. Donations can also be made by mailing or bringing a personal check or money order, made payable to “From The Heart,” to:

Glendale Customer Service Office
1st Floor Glendale City Hall
5850 W. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85301