My Sisters’ Charities donates $72,000 to nonprofits
BY TRACY HOUSE
In the last year, the nonprofit My Sisters’ Charities Thrift Store donated more than $72,000 to roughly 15 nonprofits statewide.
It’s a staggering amount for one store to generate in its debut year, but owner Ann Siner is thrilled with the outcome. Ann and her sister, Jenny Siner, operate My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s Attic and Well Suited—premier consignment stores with 15 locations in Arizona and California.
“I am so proud we donated $72,000 to different organizations around town,” Ann said. “Our focus is to help the animals and wildlife and the environment, and women also. We want to help the homeless animals, we want to help the environment, and we want to help women.”
Among the nonprofits receiving money were Arizona Humane Society, HALO Animal Rescue, AZ Nature Conservancy, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, Fresh Start and Defenders of Wildlife.
Items brought into the consignment stores that are not saleable, are brought over to the thrift store.
“It’s truckloads of items a week that are dropped off at our thrift store,” Ann said. “In addition, we still give to the Humane Society thrift store, and several others. We donate a lot of things on behalf of our consigners.”
With 24 years in the high-end
designer consignment business and a successful year of running the thrift store, Ann said, “My goal is to keep improving the sales and the profits from there, in order to be able to give more money to our favorite groups.”
Ann sits on several boards of the nonprofits and said the revenue is portioned out on an as-needed basis. “I see the projects they’re working on, and being a board member, I see that these groups really use their money wisely,” Ann said. “They don’t waste it on unnecessary administration and programs. They’re really using the money in a good way.”
As an example, Ann said money from My Sisters’ Charities donated to the Humane Society went toward the spay and neuter program.
Volunteer opportunities are available at My Sisters’ Charities. “The fun thing about being a volunteer is that you get first pick of all the great items,” Ann said. “They’re putting out hundreds of new things every day.”
My Sisters’ Charities Thrift Store is located in the Fulton Promenade Shopping Center and draws shoppers
from around the Valley. “It’s such a beautiful shopping center,” Ann said. “We have to give a shout-out to and kudos to the landlord for taking a risk in putting a thrift store in their shopping center. We just want to thank the landlords for giving us the opportunity.”
To celebrate the success of its first year, My Sisters’ Charities is holding a 50 percent off sale on Saturday, Aug. 1, during normal business hours. Open seven days a week, hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Charitable donations can be dropped off at My Sisters’ Charities Thrift Store during business hours. Charitable receipts are given for items. My Sisters’ at 4985 S. Alma School Rd., on the northeast corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights roads. Visit www. mysisterscharities.org or call (480) 7585282 for more information.
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.
More than 3,000 square feet of gently used goods can be found at My Sisters’ Charities Thrift Store. The upscale second-hand retailer donates its revenue to Arizona nonprofits. Submitted photo.
Chamber golf tourney set for Sept. 18
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce has scheduled the 14th annual Chandler Chamber Golf Tournament for 7:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Whirlwind Golf Course in Chandler.
Business owners and community members can enjoy the Troon course to benefit the Chamber’s events, including the Chamber Chamber Community Foundation scholarship program. Sponsorships include a foursome and marketing collateral benefits. This player/
sponsorship event offers a range of prices for businesses looking for exposure or networking.
Business owners who can’t attend the tournament but want exposure for their businesses can sponsor a contest or a hole.
Register at www.chandlerchamber.com under the calendar date of Sept. 18. For information on sponsorship opportunities, call Maryann@chandlerchamber.com or call (480) 963-4571.
Cousins Subs helps send kids to camp
Cousins Subs, 2100 W. Chandler Blvd., will raise money to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association save and improve the lives of kids fighting muscular dystrophy and related lifethreatening diseases by participating in the MDA Summer Camp Mobile Program.
Through Monday, Aug. 10, Cousins Subs will sell $1 and $5 pin-up mobiles to help send local children affected by neuromuscular diseases to a week where anything is possible at MDA summer camp—at no cost to their families. Each guest who purchases a mobile will receive a coupon for $1 off their next Cousins Subs order.
supported MDA through its mobile fundraising programs. Cousins has raised more than $3,000 to help accelerate urgently needed progress for people whose abilities to move are compromised—including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing.
“We are proud to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association in their mission to create a healthier tomorrow for children fighting muscular dystrophy,” said Cliff Jones, Phoenix area developer at Cousins Subs. “We invite all community members to stop into their local Cousins Subs to join us in supporting this important cause.”
This year marks the 60th anniversary of MDA’s summer camp program and the second year Cousins Subs has
“MDA summer camp is often considered ‘the best week of the year’ for our kids, and it wouldn’t be possible without support from partners like Cousins Subs and its generous customers and employees,” said MDA fundraiser Shannon Sabatini.
“Each mobile sold this summer will help support the families we serve and provide some amazing kids with lifechanging camp experiences where they can build self-confidence and develop independence in an environment where barriers don’t exist. In addition to the fun and friendship, they acquire important skills that will help guide them into adulthood.”
For more information, visit http:// orders.cousinssubs.com/menu/cousinssubs-chandler-chandler/.
Diamondback Air: Keeping clients comfortable since 1999
BY ALISON STANTON
As owner of Diamondback Air, a fullservice air conditioning and heating company located in Mesa, John Herman knows he and his team are helping their customers stay comfortable—even after hours.
Clients who have issues with their A/C unit after the office has closed are able to speak to a service technician who is concerned about the home’s residents. Those with medical conditions and elderly folks require Diamondback Air to fix the unit immediately.
“They are trained to ask, ‘Do you have more than one system in your home?’ or ‘Do your kids have asthma?’” said Herman, who has 40 years’ experience in the HVAC industry.
Diamondback Air is not a 24-hour emergency service company, but staff will take care of existing customers after hours who have health or other issues.
Tyler Stettler, operations manager for Diamondback Air, said the company focuses on residential and commercial air conditioning and serves customers throughout the Valley.
“Anything related to air conditioning needs we can satisfy and take care of,” Stettler said.
In addition to installing, maintaining and repairing A/C and heating systems, Diamondback Air also offers air duct
cleaning, whole house air balancing and other related services.
Herman said about 35 percent of his business is from referrals. He chalked it up to Diamondback Air’s “personal” service.
Expansion brings more excitement to Lone Butte Casino
Lone Butte Casino is in the midst of a renovation project that will enhance guests’ experience including an expanded casino floor, new dining options and a new way to enjoy entertainment at the popular casino.
In the casino
“We offer good old-fashioned, familyowned personal service. People are not just a number here, and we handle all of our service calls personally,” Herman said.
“The bitter taste of a poor quality installation will linger far longer than the initial sweetness of a low
However, to avoid service calls, Stettler said homeowners should change the filters regularly. Homeowners with a lot of pets, kids and/or dust should change their filters more frequently.
“I always say that people should keep their filter in for a maximum of one month,” Stettler said.
“Preventative maintenance is always the cheapest route, and changing the filters regularly just helps the unit to breathe. Air flow is everything in our industry.”
Herman also wants people to know that older A/C units with R22 Freon are slated to be phased out by 2018, and as of Jan. 1, 2015, 13 SEER units are no longer being manufactured. The minimum SEER is now 14 with a refrigerant R410A Freon, he said.
“We can still find R22 Freon, but it’s
like liquid gold. Now is the time for people to get their systems switched out, because if they do not do it soon, they will be in jeopardy of getting sticker shock when it’s no longer available. We are already seeing a shortage of the equipment,” Herman said.
In addition to stellar customer service, Herman said Diamondback Air is involved in the community.
“We help with organizations like Angels on Patrol and Habitat for Humanity, so we do like to pay it forward,” he said.
Diamondback Air’s main office is located at 6239 E. Brown Rd., Building 2, Suite 116 in Mesa. For more information, call (602) 977-0800 or visit www. diamondbackair.com.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.
The gaming floor will be expanded by 10,000 square feet to provide a roomier feel, including the all-new High Limit Slots Room. The renovations also include enhancements to the Bingo Hall.
Dining
The all-new Cities Bar & Grille is destined to be a guest favorite. This new concept is a true all-American restaurant, featuring signature dishes from across the country like New Orleans jambalaya, St. Louis ribs, Baltimore crab cakes, New York strip and so much more.
Entertainment
Headliners from music to comedy will take the stage at the all-new Lone Butte Event Center, an 8,000-square-foot venue.
Lone Butte Casino invites guests to experience these new additions during the grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 19. Headlining the grand opening will be the R&B’s Kool & The Gang. A complete show schedule will be available at www.WinGilaRiver.com.
Promote your business, get leads at chamber events
Throughout the year
the Chandler Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community.
Events are held at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce office, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler, unless otherwise noted.
To register, call (480) 963-4571, visit www.chandlerchamber.com or email info@chandlerchamber.com. No refunds are available within 72 hours of an event.
Chandler Chamber Monday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 10 (every Monday)
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. A leads group is a business referral network that helps businesses interact and network. As members of the Chamber’s leads groups, business owners have the opportunity to develop contacts that can help generate sales. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits. Brunchies, 17 E. Boston St., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Tuesday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits.
BLD, 1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Wednesday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits.
Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa, 4200 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Wednesday Lunch Leads Group
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow
their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits.
Stone & Vine Urban Italian, 1035 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 103, Chandler (southwest corner of Alma School and Queen Creek roads)
Chandler Chamber Thursday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Thursdays (every Thursday, except when Chamber 101 is scheduled)
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events and more. Allowed two free visits.
Rudy’s West Country Store & Barbecue, 7300 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group (West)
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events, and more. Allowed two free visits.
Nabers Music Bar & Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group (East)
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events, and more. Allowed two free visits.
Social Box Neighborhood Eatery, 1371 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Thursday Lunch Leads Group (West)
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 13 (every Thursday)
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events, and more. Allowed two free visits.
Nabers Music Bar & Eats, 825 N. 54th St., Chandler
Chandler Chamber Friday Morning Leads Group
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Fridays
The Chandler Chamber Leads groups help business members to network and grow their businesses. Members are given the opportunity to give the group information on their company, upcoming events, and more. Allowed two free visits.
Chompie’s Delicatessen Restaurant, 3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler
Small Business Counseling
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays
Experienced business counselors provide advice, knowledge and insight to help start or grow a business. Small Business Counseling is available Mondays and Tuesdays at the Chamber office by appointment only through the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Arizona Small Business Development Center network. Contact the Chandler Chamber of Commerce to schedule an appointment.
Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201 Chandler
Business Golf
6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5
Join the Chamber every first and third Wednesday of the month at a Chamber member golf course, play nine holes, network and enjoy breakfast. $35 per person.
Ocotillo Golf Club, 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler
Ribbon Cutting @ Eye Consultants of Arizona
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6
Join the Chamber at the ribbon cutting for Eye Consultants of Arizona. Refreshments will be served. Ribbon sponsor is Laser Creations. 2490 W. Ray Rd. Suite 3 (just west of Dobson, north side of street), Chandler
Wake Up Chandler
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12
Wake-Up Chandler is a great way to start off the morning by networking with other businesses. Participants are encouraged to bring business cards and brochures and be prepared to give a 30-second commercial about their businesses. Door prizes are welcome. Sponsored by Focal Point Business Coaching of Arizona. $5 for members, $15 general admission. Famous Dave’s, 3250 W. Frye Rd., Chandler
Public Policy
8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14
The Chandler Chamber public policy meeting is open to all members. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce represents businesses on local, regional and state issues. The Chamber discusses issues that are important to the success of businesses and the community. Free, but register.
Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201, Chandler.
Chandler Leadership Matthew’s Crossing as community project
The Chandler Chamber Community Foundation’s Leadership Institute Class of 2015 announced Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank as its leadership class project.
The Chandler Chamber Community Foundation’s Leadership Institute prepares future community leaders to meet the challenges of community service. The purpose of the institute is to provide selected business and community members with opportunities to learn about issues facing Chandler, develop skills required by community leaders and motivate participants to become involved in leadership roles and services to Chandler.
“Each year, the class of the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation Leadership Institute chooses a nonprofit organization to lend a helping hand to better the organization,” said Terri Kimble, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. “We are pleased Matthew’s Crossing has been chosen because they address the need for combating hunger in the Chandler community.”
Jan Terhune, executive director of Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, said the organization is grateful to be selected.
“We are honored to have been chosen by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce leadership team for their annual leadership project,” Terhune said. “The leaders will be helping the food bank with our expansion project.
The expansion project will increase our capacity to serve the growing number of clients who are visiting our food bank for emergency food boxes.”
Terhune explained how the leadership team will help with other projects as well.
“It will also get our facility ready for our fall launch of the ‘Meals to Grow’ program,” Terhune said. “This program is a partnership with the Chandler Unified School District who will be preparing and transporting meals to the food bank. Matthew’s Crossing will be serving children 18 years of age and younger an evening hot meal once a week. The Chandler leadership team is an answer to our prayers and is the catalyst for getting our food bank program, ‘Meals to Grow,’ ready.”
The leadership class will begin working at the Matthew’s Crossing in August, with completion slated for September. Class members are required to put in time at the facility by painting or finding other ways to help complete the project.
Matthew’s Crossing is located at 1368 N. Arizona Ave., Unit 112, Chandler.
The Chandler Leadership Institute offers its students a broad range of experiences and insights about the city including its needs and services. The program educates approximately 30 participants annually. Those interested in applying for the 2016 leadership class should visit www.chandlerchamber.com or call (480) 963-4571.
The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting regional economic growth, advancing businessfriendly public policies and servicing its members through outstanding programs, benefits and services. The organization represents more than
1,300 businesses with over 100,000 employees. For more information visit www.chandlerchamber.com, call the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at (480) 963-4571 or email info@ chandlerchamber.com.
