Resident organizes event to promote community spirit

Therese Starkey is hosting a Community Support Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Pacana Park, just south of West Honeycutt Road on South Porter Road within the Glennwilde Groves community.

The event is aimed at providing churches, non-profit organizations and schools, Starkey said, to introduce themselves to the community.

Starkey, a resident of Rancho El Dorado, said she came up with the idea to host such an event because she likes to keep busy and has always lived a lifestyle of giving back. When she’s not reading at local schools or organizing a community drive or fund raiser she’s dreaming up ideas for her next project.

“Marty McDonald has helped me so much with this event,” Starkey said of the city staffer who oversees Maricopa’s Parks, Recreation and Libraries. “I would not have been able to do it with out him.”

Several local organizations are helping to make the event possible. The Kiwanis club is picking up the cost of the insurance. Waste Management is donating a dumpster and 40 trash tooters. Eco is donating recycling bins. ALB Industries is donating a banner for Maricopa Community Support Day, Maricopa Tees is donating T-shirts for Starkey’s staff and the UPS Store has donated some of the printing.

All of the entertainment has been donated, as well.

The line up includes the Jim Monk Band, the Robert Stephens magic show and local dance, gymnastics and karate demonstrations.

“The support is greatly appreciated and without the support this would not be possible,” Starkey said.

So far, 51 participants have signed up.

Food vendors will provide pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, pop corn, nachos, package sweets, Girl Scout cookies, and bean soup mix and tasting. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, soda and water will also be available for purchase.

A Kids Zone will feature a rock climbing wall donated for use by The Arizona National Guard during the event. There will not be any cost to climb.

Fundraising booths and games will include two bounces, a slide, balloon darts, digging for gold, a fishing game with real fish as prizes, henna tattoos, a flour egg toss, face painting, nail polishing and a jail to arrest attendees and several crafts for kids and more.

Sales booths will offer first-aid kits, bracelets, plate and cup decorating, recycled products, cook and reflection books.

Information tables will offer guests the chance to meet candidates for the upcoming city election. All candidates running for mayor and City Council along with Pinal County Supervisor David Snider are expected to attend.

One booth each will be available to Republican Party and Democratic Party representatives who will accept voter registration.

Finally, folks will be on hand to take registration for Maricopa volunteers.

For information, contact Starkey at (520) 568-8945.