The "Friends of the Foundation" award is presented to individuals, community groups, and companies that have made significant financial and other contributions to the EVIT Foundation to advance the goal of support for the students that need the help the most. Each recipient will receive individual recognition honoring their contributions and their name placed on a permanent Friends of EVIT Foundation recognition plaque prominently displayed at EVIT.
All Friends of the Foundation
The Chapman automotive group is one of the largest automobile retailers across Arizona and Nevada, with over 1900 employees. The company has 25 locations and 19 automobile brands. The company has a long history of community support and service.The Chapman automotive group has been a long time supporter of Evit and the foundation and has been a platinum breakfast sponsor for a number of years.
Desert Financial is the largest Credit Union in Arizona, serving investors for nearly 80 years. Under the leadership of CEO Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial has committed time, money, talent and resources to strengthen the community. Desert Financial has provided The Foundation a very generous grant that has supported many EVIT students.
The Fiesta Bowl is a world class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes. Through the Fiesta Bowl charities, Arizona nonprofits are encouraged to submit grant applications for support, donating millions of dollars across the state each year.Fiesta Bowl charities has been a tremendous supporter of Evit, EVIT students and the foundation.
SRP has provided reliable and affordable water and power to central Arizona for more than a century.
SRP has been a major long-time generous supporter of EVIT and EVIT students through its Corporate Contributions program. SRP has also had several employees serve on the Foundation Board of Directors.
Rolfs is an industry leader in the beauty, styling and client service field. Under the leadership of company founder Rolf Lohse and company President and CEO Francis Tesmer the company has built on its core values of teamwork excellence and commitment to education. Rolfs’ has provided generous contributions to the EVIT academy of cosmetic arts and other cosmetology programs with financial support for students and program equipment.
The Tempe Diablos is a community group with a goal to lift, inspire, and support Tempe’s youth, families in crisis, and the community by providing leadership, resources, and educational opportunities. The Diablos have provided The Foundation a very generous grant that has supported many EVIT students that needed the help the most.
Okland Construction is a regional construction company that is built upon a continuing legacy of innovation, character, and integrity. CEO Bill Okland has continued to demonstrate his and the company's commitment to EVIT by being a long-time generous supporter of EVIT, its students and the Foundation. Okland Construction has been the long time Platinum Sponsor of the Fundraising Breakfast.
George Brazil serves the air conditioning, heating, and air quality needs of residents of Phoenix. Pat Langlin Brazil, widow of George Brazil, the company founder, worked daily with the company. Pat was a long-time generous supporter of the EVIT Breakfast and the Foundation and served on the Board of Directors.
The Mesa HoHoKams began as an incorporated association in 1951 for the purpose of bringing Baseball Spring Training to Mesa.
Today, The HoHoKams host Major League Baseball Spring Training for the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa and for the Oakland Athletics at the HoHoKam Stadium in Mesa. They operate a charitable Raffle with the proceeds going to local youth organizations and charities. The HoHoKams have donated millions of dollars to local charities and youth sports organizations. The HoHoKams have been long time supporters of EVIT and EVIT Students. Today we want to recognize and thank them especially for their most recent generous grant.
For over 50 years, real estate developers and hotelier John Dawson, was dedicated to improving communities by promoting free enterprise and support of the Arts and Medicine. Over 100 organization in our community and over 8 million dollars in funding to support improvement for health, arts, youth sports and students. Support for public education and youth development are core values of the Dawson Foundation.
We thank the Dawson Foundation for their generous support of EVIT Students.
Established in 1939, the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association is a trade association representing the new franchised car and truck dealerships in the state of Arizona. The Association supports its members by providing them with regular communication and information related to the auto industry and is a national leader in developing and offering the latest technology and electronic services to the dealers.
The Association has been a historic Partner for the EVIT
Foundation in helping launch the "Tools for Success" Program that provides tools for program completers as they take positions in the Automotive field. This Partnership between the Association, the Auto Dealers and the Foundation remove the "Final Barrier" for student success. Today we recognize and thank them for their ongoing generosity.
Art Piccinati has been a long time leader and business person in the Valley. Art's automobile dealership was a neighbor of EVIT. He became involved with EVIT and its students and the EVIT Foundation. Art has generously donated time and significant resources, served on the foundation board, helping shape the early years of the organization and served as Foundation board chair.
Art Piccinati
Jason is the President of UAT. Jason has provided opportunities for EVIT graduates to advance their careers and interests in technology. Jason also has provided generous equipment and cash contributions to EVIT, and set a high standard for excellence in management and visionary thinking during his tenure on the foundation board.
Jason Pistillo
Sam and Olga Bender were pioneers in the community effort to support Evit students that had financial need. This couple were the initial donors to the newly formed EVIT foundation. All family members are deceased but their gift of land remains a strong legacy in both memory and financial support for students.
Bender Family
Craig Berge was a highly respected leader in the East Valley. Craig was a civic and community leader that was actively involved with the Universities, community groups and local charities. Under Craig's leadership, Berge Ford looked to Evit as a source of talented well-trained employees. Craig served on the Evit foundation board and was a substantial donor. His generous support helped students while in school and also assisted them through the dealership with tools and employment after their graduation.
Craig Berge
