First Crush Charity Gala Raises $53,000 for TCAA

Online, November 20, 2012 (Newswire.com) - On Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, TCAA presented the Barbara R. Norton Service Award to former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman. The Barbara R. Norton Service Award goes to outstanding individuals in our community who give with their hearts and go above and beyond the call of duty to address the needs of others.

In 1966, Barbara Norton, mother of Jenny Norton, along with fellow civic activist and volunteer Renz Jennings, Jr., responded to their friend Lupe Esquer's invitation to help out at a new program called the Tempe Community Action Program. As one of the original staff members of the Escalante Center, Lupe asked Barbara and Renz to help form the first Board of the organization. She assisted in guiding the direction of TCAA, which has evolved into our many programs at Tempe Community Action Agency. Barbara went on to found the Advocates for the Disabled, as well as served with the Hon. Burton Barr and Monsignor Ed Ryle as founding Board members of the Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS).

The award is named in her honor and was created to capture the spirit of giving; and the dedicated friends that go out of their way to make a difference in people's lives and for Tempe Community Action Agency. Former Mayor Hallman was involved with TCAA for many years as a board member and provided pro-bono legal advice. As Mayor, Hallman established the Mayor's Run, forming a team for charity which continues to support numerous nonprofit organizations. Beth Fiorenza, Executive Director at TCAA said, "Hugh is a master at raising funds and continues to support multiple nonprofit organizations. Hugh is a man who never lost sight of the needs of the Tempe community and the constituents that he represented while in office."

The event supports TCAA programs such as the Escalante Community Garden, Shower Power! Mobile shower trailer for the homeless, the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, and home-delivered meals for elderly & disabled residents in Tempe.