We are powerful leaders creating positive changes in our community through service and contribution.
After attending a 10-day leadership seminar and meeting a group of like-minded individuals, the A-Z Eagles was founded as a social organization. It was not long before this altruistic group chose to change focus and use their leadership skills to help others who are less fortunate. Thus, the A-Z Eagles grew to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports its local community with both powerful charitable fundraising AND active hands-on, roll-up-your sleeves contribution. This new organization now consists of over 100 of Arizona's finest women and men coming from all professions and personal backgrounds who have a common passion for creating positive changes in their community.
In 2007, their inaugural year, the A-Z Eagles raised more than $60,000 to support local charities such as Phoenix Youth at Risk, PSI World's Chauncey Ranch and more! Since then, the A-Z Eagles have dramatically increased their membership and their capacity to impact the community positively. In 2008, their collective funds jumped to $100,000, and they donated over 800 man-hours of volunteer time, resulting in the increase of volunteer events from once per quarter to bimonthly. By hosting special events, such as their Golf Tournaments, Bowl a Thons, and Halloween Bash, the A-Z Eagles draw the community together to create awareness and raise significant funds to support selected local charities. In addition to major fundraising campaigns, the A-Z Eagles are dedicated to remaining very closely embedded in their community. They understand that often, a small helping hand is the most powerful way to create positive changes. Buying new schoolbooks for a family that cannot afford them, paying for medical treatment for an uninsured child or helping a single parent having trouble with the rent: the A-Z Eagles are constantly involved in small ways to make a big impact.
Volunteering is also a primary focus of this powerful group of leaders. While raising funds is critical to any charitable organization, the A-Z Eagles understand that a personal human touch often makes a more dramatic and positive impact than anything else. Whether it is mentoring an at-risk child, painting a shelter for domestic violence or building affordable housing for the homeless: the A-Z Eagles are committed to their local community.
Born in Detroit, Al was General Manager for his family-owned banquet and catering company. At the age of 27, he directly managed their most profitable of six locations with annual revenue exceeding $3MM. In 1981, Al moved to Phoenix and began a 23-year career in the automotive industry. Currently, he is a successful Real Estate agent with Coldwell Banker Brothers Realty, a nationally known Personal Coach, and a passionate adult mentor with the Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk. Al loves to cook and spends much of his spare time in the kitchen preparing meals for his friends and family. He regularly works on his golf game (not as much as he would like!), is currently cowriting his first book, and enjoys traveling. Al and his lovely wife Tena reside in Scottsdale Arizona. His three adult children visit regularly and also share his passion for giving.
A Long Island native, Tom moved with his family to Phoenix when he was 13. His education focused primarily in marketing and he has more than 20 years experience in the hotel, restaurant, nightclub and entertainment industries. Currently running his own highly successful consulting practice, Tom has been involved in Tour Management for some well known artists and has produced several local and national television shows that aired on WGN and E. Tom continuously contributes to the world around him through numerous community service projects, both domestically and internationally. He has donated his time to others through life coaching and raising funds for projects to support families in need. Tom resides in Phoenix Arizona with his wonderful family: wife, J'Dette and daughters, Alissandra and Leila.
Kristin is a second generation Tucson native. She moved to the Phoenix area for graduate school in archaeology in 1996, and is currently a Principal Investigator for Archaeological Consulting Services. In addition to serving the community through A-Z Eagles, Kristin is also Treasurer of Chapter DK of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization founded in 1869 that supports women's education through loans, grants, and scholarships. Her other passions include competitive west coast swing dancing, traveling, reading, and personal growth, although she loves to dance in all areas of her life.
Coming from the East Coast, Ray has been a resident of Scottsdale for a number of years. Currently Ray has a thriving independent Accounting and Consulting Business. His vast experience has been derived from such companies as Coopers and Lybrand to Tosco Corporation/Conoco Phillips. In addition to serving the community through A-Z Eagles, Ray serves as a volunteer for several charitable organizations across the Phoenix Valley. Ray is an avid golfer and he enjoys anything athletic.