Rotary Club of Verrado and Verrado Rotary Foundation Present $100,000 to All Faith Community Services Food Bank

April 28, 2026 — Buckeye, Arizona

Holly Nott, President of the Rotary Club of Verrado, and Doug Bredow, President of the Verrado Rotary Foundation, presented a $100,000 donation to the All Faith Community Services (AFCS) Food Bank during the Rotary Club meeting on April 28, 2026.

 

Accepting the donation on behalf of AFCS was President Laura Colantoni, who shared her background with the organization and highlighted improvements made over the past three years with support from Rotary grants and other community partners.

• Updating and repairing the 1914-era building that houses AFCS
• Implementing new software and network equipment
• Purchasing a pallet jack
• Repairing and upgrading trucks and other equipment
• Digitizing paper records
• Adding a once-a-month bulk distribution
• Upgrading and implementing a new pricing model for the thrift store

“We are grateful to the Rotary Club for its support of AFCS. Without this support, many of these improvements—and our increased outreach to the community—would not have been possible,” Colantoni said.

Gathering Buckeye III - A Night in Italia

Bredow said support of the AFCS Food Bank is a core mission of the Rotary Club of Verrado and the Verrado Rotary Foundation. He noted that much of the donated funding was raised through the annual Gathering Buckeye Charitable Gala, launched in 2024. Gathering Buckeye III — An Evening in Italia — was held on April 11, 2026, and was made possible by sponsors, volunteers, and community members who donated, purchased tickets, participated in the auction, and attended.

Sponsors of Gathering Buckeye

• Teravalis — Title Sponsor

• Petra Contracting — Diamond Sponsor

• Republic Services — Diamond Sponsor

• Stotz Equipment — Diamond Sponsor

• Grand View Arizona — Gold Sponsor

• Waste Management — Gold Sponsor

• EPCOR — Silver Sponsor

• Johnson Wealth Management — Silver Sponsor

• Land Advisors — Silver Sponsor

• Linda & Dave Adamski — Silver Sponsor

 

 

Rotary Club of Verrado Presents $90,000 Check to Buckeye Food Bank 

 

From left:  Doug Bredow, President, Verrado Rotary Foundation, Cassie Wilkins, Executive Director, All Faith Community Services, Holly Nott, President, Rotary Club of Verrado

In a heartwarming display of community support, the Rotary Club of Verrado, along with its affiliate Verrado Rotary Foundation, proudly presented a donation of $90,000 to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank on June 10, 2025. This remarkable contribution was made possible by the successful Gathering Buckeye - A Chuckwagon Charity Feast event held earlier this year.

 

The fund raising event, which took place on April 5th, was a memorable evening filled with Chuckwagon-themed cuisine, live entertainment from Highway 85, and the opportunity to meet artist Janis Blayer. Attendees also had the chance to speak with Gary and Bonnie Miller from Saquaro Boot Art, participate in live and silent auctions, and enjoy the beautiful weather. The overwhelming attendance and donations culminated in raising $90,000 for the Buckeye Food Bank.

 

Doug Bredow, President of the Verrado Rotary Foundation, expressed his gratitude to participants, saying, "Thank you for joining us at Gathering Buckeye. Your attendance and donations were overwhelming. We hope you enjoyed a memorable evening. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Verrado and Cassie Wilkens, Executive Director of AFCS Buckeye Food Bank, THANK YOU! We are grateful for your generous heart and support. You made a difference in the lives of many in our Buckeye community."

 

Holly Nott, President of the Rotary Club of Verrado, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We were delighted to present a check for $90,000 to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank, made possible by the successful Gathering Buckeye event held earlier this year. Particular thanks go to our presenting sponsor Teravalis and all the other sponsors and guests who generously made the success of the event possible."

 

The Rotary Club of Verrado, chartered in September 2018, has quickly become a pillar of support in the community. With 58 members, the club and its affiliated charity, the Verrado Rotary Foundation, have donated over $500,000 in support of various causes both in Buckeye and around the world. As a member of Rotary International, one of the first service clubs founded in Chicago in 1905, the Rotary Club of Verrado is part of a global network of over 32,000 clubs and 1.2 million members in 185 countries.

The presentation of this donation underscores the Rotary Club of Verrado's commitment to making a positive impact in the community and supporting those in need. The funds raised will help All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank continue their vital work in providing food and assistance to those who need it most.

Rotary Week of Service Bed Build