Jan Lewis What is your favorite or the most rewarding charitable organization you have been involved in? The Desert Botanical Garden Board of Trustees and being a member of the Tending the Garden Development Team. What is your proudest philanthropic achievement? Providing college scholarships to outstanding local high school students. These students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential and financial need, and they are great examples about what is right with the next generation. How can we inspire the next generation to take part in charitable activities? By setting a good example and involving them. However, many of the young people that I meet today are so involved that they inspire me. In Arizona society, who inspires you the most (past or present)? Oonagh Boppart – because of her leadership at the Desert Botanical Garden, her passion and her energy. What is your favorite fragrance? Tom Ford has an array of fragrances that I like, especially Champaca Absolute. What are three things people may not know about you? I was a competitive swimmer growing up; boxing gloves and a heavy bag are a part of my regular workouts; and I’m a news junkie. How many children and/or grandchildren do you have? I have three wonderful sons, none married. Do you get nervous in front of a crowd? At first, until I get on a roll. What was your most embarrassing moment? When I went into the men’s room by mistake. What four people, living or dead, would you invite to dinner? Michelle Obama, Julia Child, Paul McCartney and Tim Russert.
Penny Nissley Were you active in civic/philanthropic efforts when you were younger? I came from a small town in South Carolina and everyone just helped everyone. I don’t remember any organized charities, but we had a telephone and everyone knew when someone was in need and the town came to their rescue. What is your favorite or the most rewarding charitable organization you have been involved in? My most rewarding charitable organization which I have been involved in is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. My son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in April 1986, 11 months after he was born. JDRF was always there for me and I became involved in the organization. How can we inspire the next generation to take part in charitable activities? I have had the privilege of being able to volunteer my time to the community. I am in the habit of gathering up the people around me and bringing them along. My son and husband were always involved because I was. In Arizona society, who inspires you the most (past or present)? The Hon. Mae Sue Talley, a longtime philanthropist. She has been very supportive of me, particularly in the past three years while I have been battling with cancer. She is a cancer survivor. What is something people may not know about you? Maybe they don’t know that I am one of seven children. They certainly know I am from South Carolina. Hard to keep a secret around here. How many children and/or grandchildren do you have? I have one son. Patrick would be my pride and joy.
TRENDS MAGAZINE
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