Celebrate Scottsdale Organizations

    The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library is excited to announce that a ‘Celebrate Scottsdale Organizations’ (CSO) permanent display system has been installed at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library adjacent to the Scottsdale Heritage Connection (SHC).

    CSO Display (click to enlarge)

    This display showcases fifteen (15) local civic, charitable, and social organizations. Each organization is highlighted with a vertical panel, and the overall display system size is 32 feet long and 4 feet high.

    Honored Organizations

    The CSO Selection Committee recognized the following 15 organizations for the display (in reverse chronological order with incorporation date in parentheses):

    1. Scottsdale Boys Clubs and Girls Clubs (1992)
    2. McDowell Sonoran Land Trust (1991)
    3. Scottsdale Leadership (1986)
    4. Scottsdale Arts Center Association (Scottsdale Arts, 1975)
    5. Scottsdale Community Partners (1974)
    6. Scottsdale Railroad and Mechanical Society (1971)
    7. Scottsdale Sister Cities Association (1969)
    8. Scottsdale Historical Society (1968)
    9. HonorHealth Auxiliary (1961)
    10. Scottsdale Charros (1961)
    11. The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library (1959)
    12. Scottsdale Rotary Club (1954)
    13. Scottsdale Jaycees (1953)
    14. Arabian Horse Association (1952)
    15. Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce (c. 1920s)

    The organization panels include the organization name, an image capturing the essence of the organization, a mission statement, and a panel where the organization can determine additional information such as key activities, past Board Presidents, honorees, or award recipients as examples.

    Selection Criteria

    An independent five member selection committee composed of knowledgeable, long time Scottsdale area residents and those that have been extremely active in the Scottsdale community used the following criteria to select the organizations to be featured:

    • Longevity as present in Scottsdale for at least 30 years in the past or currently as an active civic group
    • Reflect a good cross representation from all aspects of community services
    • Have had a major impact in the Scottsdale community with major events, fundraisers, and have Scottsdale citizens as ‘members and volunteers’
    • Provide services to the community and special communities such as youth, veterans, those with disabilities, homeless, victims of domestic abuse, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, behavioral and more
    • Required to be a non-profit organization and bring a ‘uniqueness to Scottsdale.’

    Introductory Panel Recognition

    The CSO display is also listing other significant historical Scottsdale organizations on the first introductory panel.

    These non-profit civic and charitable groups have been in Scottsdale for at least 30 years, marshaling volunteer hours and community donations and support to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

    1. Scottsdale Wildlife (1994)
    2. Institute for the Celebration of Cultural Diversity (1992)
    3. The Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak (1991)
    4. Scottsdale Gallery Association (1989)
    5. Scottsdale Prevention Institute* (1987)
    6. Scottsdale Western Art Association, Inc. (1985)
    7. Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters (1983)
    8. Chapter 22 of the Disabled American Veterans (1977)
    9. Scottsdale Garden Club (1977)
    10. Scottsdale Community Garden Club (1976)
    11. Scottsdale Symphony (1974)
    12. Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (1973)
    13. Fiesta Bowl (1971)
    14. Squadron 314, Civil Air Patrol (1967)
    15. World Affairs Council of Arizona* (1966 )
    16. Scottsdale Branch of American Association of University Women (1962)
    17. Scottsdale Artists League (1961)
    18. Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA (c.1960s)
    19. Scottsdale Active 20/30 Club (1959)
    20. Verde Vaqueros (1955)
    21. Civic Coordinating Council of Scottsdale* (1952)
    22. Scottsdale Lion’s Club (1952)
    23. Greasepaint Youtheater & Scottsdale Community Players (1952)
    24. Scottsdale Sheriff’s Mounted Posse (1951)
    25. Business & Professional Women’s Club (c. 1950s)
    26. Post 3513 Scottsdale Veterans of Foreign Wars Post (1946)
    27. Scottsdale Kiwanis Clubs (1946)
    28. Scottsdale’s 4-H Club* (1940)
    29. The Thunderbirds (1937)
    30. Post 44, American Legion (1935)
    31. Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls; Girl Scouts (c.1930s)
    32. Woman’s Club of Scottsdale (1921)
    33. Parent Teacher Association (1917)
    34. The Scottsdale Riding Club (1900)

    *Emeritus

    Project Supporters

    The Friends would also like to recognize the six donors that provided $30,500 in funding for the design, fabrication and installation of the display system and its lighting. They include:

    • The Ray Silverman Family Foundation
    • Christine and Richard Kovach
    • Jim and Sandy Bruner
    • John Berry
    • Virginia Korte
    • The Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library

    As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Friends served as the depository for all donated funds, paid all expenses, and donated funds for the display system lighting.