TUCSON, AZ - The Russ Lyon | Charitable Foundation, a subsidiary of Russ Lyon|Sotheby's International Realty, is proud to support Rancho Feliz - a charitable foundation that provides safe housing, education, food and childcare services in Agua Prieta, Mexico, just across the border from Douglas, Arizona.
Since 1987, Rancho Feliz has been helping the less fortunate in Agua Prieta, Mexico. The non-profit foundation was founded by brothers Gil and Troy Gillenwater.
"By chance we were born in the US and live in the fabulous State of Arizona. By that same chance, the families we help just 4 hours south of Scottsdale weren't. We have an ethical obligation to help the less fortunate. For 30 years I have seen Arizonans pitch in and help these families and be richly rewarded spiritually, as a result of their actions. Enlightened self-interest? Maybe, but it gives us a greater purpose," relates founder Gil Gillenwater.
Rancho Feliz is not a handout, it's a path to health, education and self-sustainability for people and families that have been denied many of the basic things we take for granted in the United States. There are various Rancho Feliz projects: The Vecinos housing neighborhood and community gardens, a state-of-the-art day care center and computer lab and work-for-food barrio clean up drives. These programs have changed the lives of hundreds and improved overall living conditions in Agua Prieta.
For over a decade, Russ Lyon|Sotheby's International Realty through its Russ Lyon|Charitable Foundation has been a proud supporter of Rancho Feliz. There's a family connection there as well. Todd Gillenwater, CEO and co-owner of Russ Lyon|Sotheby's International Realty is Gil's younger brother. "I've been involved with Rancho Feliz for all 30 years, and I've seen first-hand the impact we've made. As importantly, I've seen the impact that service work and volunteering has made on our supporters - myself included. It's a value exchange for sure. We alleviate their material poverty and that feeds the spiritual poverty we often face in our culture. Especially among our youth."
On Saturday, October 14th, Russ Lyon|Charitable Foundation will be taking a group of agents, employees, clients and members of the media across the border for a day-long tour of the various Rancho Feliz projects.
The tour will begin at 7:00am at the Tucson office of Russ Lyon|Sotheby's International Realty, 3450 E. Sunrise Drive, Suite 150. Transportation will be provided to Douglas, AZ where the group will walk across the border and be picked up by Rancho Feliz staff on the Agua Prieta side. The group will tour the Vecinos neighborhood, gardens and childcare facility and then participate in a barrio food distribution. Afterwards, the group will be transported back to the border and then back to the Tucson office by 6:00pm.
Members of the media are invited to join this adventure on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 7:00am-6:00pm. Space is limited.
For media inquiries please contact Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon at (480) 495-3806 or by email at jparks-sturgeon@rosemoserallynpr.com
To make a donation to the Rancho Feliz Project please visit www.ranchofeliz.com.
About Russ Lyon|Charitable Foundation
For 70 years Russ Lyon has been involved in community work and charitable organizations throughout Arizona. It provides a safe and fulfilling way for Russ Lyon|Sotheby's International Realty family to give back to the community. Within each office, there is a team of Volunteer Corps. This team of agents assists to provide help to those in need. From food preparation shifts at St. Mary's Food Bank to litter collection teams at Oak Creek Canyon. It is the goal for Russ Lyon|Charitable Foundation to provide valuable and meaningful service within our community in Arizona.
About Russ Lyon|Sotheby's International Realty
In 1947, Russ Lyon, Sr., greeted his first client at the Phoenix office of Russ Lyon Realty, and offered an uncommon blend of professional, trustworthy real estate service with a personal touch. Starting with that first handshake, three generations of the Lyon family and a dedicated team of Realtors have perfected the art of fine real estate service.
Russ Lyon|Sotheby’s International Realty takes pride in our tradition of excellence. It shows in the long-standing relationships we have made with our clients. In turn, we have built a reputation as the “locally grown” company with the unsurpassed knowledge and ethical standards that our clients rely upon time after time for high quality real estate services.
Right from the beginning, people have trusted the Russ Lyon name. Experience this peace of mind for yourself by putting your fine real estate in the hands of Russ Lyon|Sotheby’s International Realty. From around the corner to around the world, no one delivers more comprehensive real estate services, reach, and market knowledge than the professionals of Russ Lyon|Sotheby’s International Realty.