Recently named United Way Yavapai County Executive Director Patty Bell-Demers has mounted an aggressive campaign to create positive fundraising for the 2020-2021 year.
Bell-Demers was selected in early August, replacing Annette Olson, who retired to her home state of Washington. Olson guided the local organization for four years, said board chair Mary Ann Suttles.
A year ago, United Way Yavapai County was able to invest $250,000 into 25 distinct nonprofit organizations. The organization also provided $15,000 in social enterprise grants to help with workforce development projects. The 2019 campaign goal was $280,000.
The anticipation is, even with complications created by the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s campaign will equal or exceed those figures. Bell-Demers said the board will be announcing campaign details in the near future.
The nonprofit organization focuses upon supporting groups throughout Yavapai County that contribute to positive community health.
Located at 1678 Oak Lawn Drive, United Way Yavapai County is a volunteer-driven organization that focuses upon advancing the common good in communities throughout the county.
Bell-Demers came to Prescott from Carefree/Cave Creek, where she had been executive director of the Sonoran Arts League that oversees the Center for the Arts and Gallery at El Pedregal. She has more than 25 years of experience as a community leader.
A graduate of Arizona Christian University with a degree in business administration, Bell-Demers received the 2018 Business of the Year award from the Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband, Donald, have seven children and 10 grandchildren.
For more information about United Way Yavapai County, call 928-778-6605 or visit https://www.yavapaiuw.org
Photo: Patty Bell-Demers was named executive director for United Way-Yavapai County. Demers has more than 25 years in community leadership.