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Karen K. Seemeyer photo

Cave Creek Museum Executive Director Evelyn Johnson receives a $9,000 check for the museum from Mayor Ed Morgan during Carefree’s first Recognition Day on Oct. 26. The museum was one of eight community nonprofit organizations honored for their contributions to improving the quality of life for Carefree residents.
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Community stars
by Barry Cohen

CAREFREE – The evening of Oct. 26 turned out to be perfect in more ways than one for Carefree’s first Recognition Day. The stars were clearly visible overhead, but those who were honored for their contributions to the community shined the brightest.

Mayor Ed Morgan joined other town and area officials in honoring local nonprofit agencies and individuals during an hour‑and‑a‑half ceremony at the Town Center Amphitheater.

About 200 people attended the event, which began with an open house at the town hall and municipal court. The crowd then moved on to the amphitheater, where they were treated to refreshments and food provided by the Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and several area restaurants.

Morgan told the audience that passion for people and generosity are oftentimes taken for granted and all too often go unrecognized.

“We intend to change that tonight,” he stated, “and I hope this will become an annual event to say thanks to you for adding many dimensions to our quality of life in Carefree.”

Morgan handed out checks totaling more than $118,000 to eight community groups. He also presented six Mayor’s Awards to organizations and individuals “who have gone beyond their mission statement and provided outstanding community service to the citizens of Carefree.” (See list of all winners on this page.) The Mayor’s Awards were sculptures of the Carefree Sundial created by Norby Gallery.

The mayor explained that each year Carefree Town Council has tried to give three percent of the town’s sales tax revenue to help support nonprofits who request contributions. “State statute allows us to do so and common sense dictates we must,” said Morgan.

A citizens committee appointed by town council decides which nonprofit organizations requesting funds should receive them, according to Morgan. He added that the only requirement is the organizations provide benefits to Carefree citizens.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.

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