Backpacks and duffle bags were donated to benefit students at Agua Fria High School and the Agua Fria Food Bank.
Dana West
The Women’s Giving Circle of PebbleCreek (TWGC) hosted its annual spring meeting on April 17, welcoming both longtime members and an enthusiastic group of prospective new members eager to learn more about the organization’s mission and community initiatives.
Guest speaker Mary Kay Utecht, president of the Goodyear Rotary Club, delivered an inspiring presentation highlighting the Rotary’s impactful work in the community. She introduced the Senior to Seniors program, which connects community volunteers with high school seniors for mentorship and support. Many attendees expressed a strong interest in getting involved, reflecting TWGC’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth in our area.
In addition to meaningful discussions, attendees were invited to donate gently used duffels and backpacks to benefit students at Agua Fria High School and the Agua Fria Food Bank. Thanks to an outpouring of generosity, over 40 bags were collected and delivered to Agua Fria High School. Ruth Shaffer, who organized the collection, personally delivered the donations to Alli Rai, Parent Involvement & Community Relations Specialist. During her visit, Ruth toured the school’s Owl’s Nest, a resource center stocked with clothing, food, hygiene items, and household supplies for students in need. Notably, more than 30 students at Agua Fria High School are currently supported under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which serves youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
During the meeting, members also elected the club’s 2025–26 officers:
President: Sherry Trefz
Vice President: Lori Dougherty
Treasurer: Michelle Devine
Secretary: Michele Marks
We are also excited to welcome the newly appointed at-large board members: Jill Burnham, Penny Cooper, Karen Fiorenza, JoAnn Fioretti, Mary Flynn, Willa Kravitz, Ruth Shaffer, Francey Swim, and Mary Wiese.
As we look to the future, we extend heartfelt thanks and warm farewells to Dana West, Susan Fallon, and Sydney Nations, whose significant contributions and dedication have made a lasting impact on our organization.
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming Annual Fall Meeting! To learn more about The Women’s Giving Circle of PebbleCreek and how you can get involved, please visit thewomensgivingcircle.org. Together, we can continue to create meaningful change in our community.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”—Margaret Mead