Have You Met?

Patty Sapp likens the Arizona community with the local weather: "People are so warm and open here! I love our incredible weather, but I also appreciate our great community spirit!" Patty herself is a friendly and genuine person. "I truly want the best for the people who are around me, and I want them to be happy and healthy."

The Sapps have lived in Arizona for the past eleven years. "After I graduated from Indiana University, I moved to Los Angeles where I was a women’s apparel buyer for an 85 unit department store. My husband’s job took us to Detroit for 6 years, and now we are happy to make Scottsdale our home."

As President of The Friends of Crisis Nursery, Patty leads a group of forty active members. "The women who volunteer in this group are dynamic and motivated women who come together with ideas on how to make the event successful. The end result is a benefit that we are all so proud to have been a part of. Crisis Nursery has touched all of our hearts; we simply do it for the kids!"

She became associated with The Friends through someone who was already a member. "A good friend had just joined and had been to a meeting. She had interesting literature to show me, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to be a part of the group. Coincidentally, I was looking for a charity to get involved with; here I am, 5 years later co-chairing the benefit for the second time, this year with Kathi Neal. I stopped working outside the home a year ago, so I wanted to spend more time giving back to the community. Today we are a growing group of energetic and exciting women!"

The Friends of Crisis Nursery came into existence 25 years ago to supplement the need for money to run Crisis Nursery. Crisis Nursery, Inc. is the Valley’s longest-serving children’s shelter. Their mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect by strengthening families. "We are the largest private donor to the operating fund of the nursery. What Crisis Nursery does best is seen through the people and staff who operate the facility. The programs are designed to help children who have come from very tough situations, and bring them into the loving and nurturing environment which our shelter provides."

Patty is the mom of two active and involved teens. Her daughter is president of her senior class, and a lacrosse and soccer player. Her son is a golfer, lacrosse player, and pianist. After working in the golf industry while her kids were in school for the past 8 years, Patty herself still stays in the game "I’m co-captain of a Mom’s golf group that play together once a month. It’s associated with the Mother’s Guild at my children’s school. We have some of the best golf courses in the world in Arizona, so it’s a pleasure to try them out. I’ve also resumed taking piano lessons. I had lessons for 10 years as a child, and found that playing has been a great therapy for me!"

She’s also busy with the Scottsdale Honors Cotillion that her daughter was invited to participate in. "I’m a Color Mom, so I have a group of girls I’m responsible for. These are all area girls from private and public high schools who were selected on the basis of grades, leadership and activities. It’s a great way for me to spend time with my daughter before she leaves for college."

Patty Sapp emphasizes her group’s role: "The Friends of Crisis Nursery comes together to plan and organize our annual benefit. Our theme this year is "Blue Skies", a Rat Pack- inspired theme with a casino reception, elegant dinner, live auction and entertainment. It’s on February 23, 2013 at the gorgeous Montelucia Resort & Spa. All proceeds will benefit the children at Crisis Nursery!"

What are your local volunteer activities?

Crisis Nursery, Welcome to America Project, Notre Dame Preparatory Mother’s Guild

Which fundraising event is your favorite?

Without a doubt,The Friends of Crisis Nursery Annual Benefit.

Favorite restaurant?

Elements at Sanctuary

Whom do you most admire, and why?

My Mom who raised 6 incredible daughters.

Do you have any pets?

Our rescue Maltese/Yorkie-Tiki

Favorite TV show

Modern Family

What’s the best lesson you’ve learned through the years?

To look for the positive in every aspect of life.

What was your first job?

McDonalds- I was the birthday party hostess (when they had them)

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My children, Stephanie (18) & Brandt (16)

What is the quality you most like in people?

Honesty

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Being with my family, playing the piano, being active outside in the beautiful AZ weather.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Never give up! I was raised in a pretty competitive family and that was our motto.

What are some challenges facing nonprofits?

The past few years it has been the economy, now it is the looming fiscal cliff; also a lack of volunteers due to many women going back into the workforce, and lots of competition from other nonprofits.