2012 RAYTHEON SPIRIT OF EDUCATION AWARD
R-Kansas, made an appearance at the grand opening of Linkages in 1996. And in 2000, then-President Bill Clinton invited Click to the White House where he received the President’s Award for his efforts in creating Linkages to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Click created the organization when he learned that community agencies working with disabled people were unable to place them in jobs. The name Linkages was chosen because its mission was to bridge the gap between disabled people and the business community. Since Linkages began, Click has been its biggest donor, contributing more than $1.5 million. Mark Ziska, a Linkages board member who owns Chief People Office, a strategic and human resources consulting firm, said Click also gives of his time, serving as board chairman of Linkages since it was launched 16 years ago. Besides employing disabled people within his own auto dealerships, Click is also remarkably persuasive in convincing other business owners to do the same, Ziska said. Like many people familiar with Click, Ziska spoke of his amazing energy and passion. “Jim Click is the most passionate and energetic person I’ve ever met on any front,” Ziska said. “His passion and commitment goes out to those with disabilities and anyone who needs help.” Ethan Orr, executive director of Linkages, said the organization would not exist if not for Click. “Jim’s vision is the driving force behind Linkages,” said Orr. “His compassion and commitment to people with disabilities is an inspiration to me and the hundreds of people who work in this field.” Proposition 400
Click also receives praise for helping pass Proposition 400, which created the Pima County Joint Technical Education District, and for his continuing support. “Jim Click was instrumental in the establishment of the Pima County JTED,” said a statement from the office of Alan Storm, JTED superintendent. “Mr. Click was one of the first and most substantial contributors to the Proposition 400 campaign. His contribution allowed the campaign to be advertised and promoted. His continued support of area high school automotive programs allowed students to participate in internships in his dealerships, and in many cases led to subsequent employment. “Mr. Click has maintained a longtime sponsorship of the high school automotive awards program that recognizes outstanding high school seniors. Additionally, his support of JTED Project SEARCH, a program for developmentally disabled high school students, led to the placement of the program at the University of Arizona Medical Center South Campus.” Reid Park Zoo
Diana Whitman, development director of the Reid Park Zoological Society, said Click became interested in touring the zoo after learning a Kresge Foundation grant would be available to the zoo if $1 million were raised from private sources. “Mr. Click knew about the matching piece from the Kresge Foundation,” said Whitman. “He was here half a day touring continued on page 58 >>> www.BizTucson.com
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