November 7, 2013
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Announces Inaugural “Piper Trust Encore Career Prize” Awardee
VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST Press Release
November 7, 2013
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Announces Inaugural “Piper Trust Encore Career Prize” Awardee
Trailblazer of Maricopa County’s Human Services Campus, Mike McQuaid, Receives Award
PHOENIX, Ariz.—Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust is pleased to announce the first awardee of the Piper Trust Encore Career Prize, Mike McQuaid, an innovative national leader in services for the homeless. This prize, including a $50,000 award, recognizes an inspiring encore career leader, age 50+, who is addressing a major social need in Maricopa County. McQuaid’s encore career has been dedicated to ending chronic homelessness in Maricopa County.
”Mike McQuaid’s life reminds us that our encore careers, or second acts, can be the ones that provide the greatest personal fulfillment and the deepest community benefit,” said Judy Mohraz, president and CEO, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
McQuaid, currently board president of the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix, has been involved with the planning and operation of the Campus for 13 years and has served as its managing director or board president for the past 10 years, drawing only a dollar per month as compensation. Utilizing his years of business expertise and acumen and determined to end chronic homelessness, McQuaid collaborated with elected officials, business and nonprofit leaders, and county administrators to build the Human Services Campus—the first of its kind in the nation and a national model. The Campus serves more than 1,000 people every day.
McQuaid, an Arizona State University graduate, earned a degree in business management and is president of JM Management Company, Inc, a commercial real estate firm which specializes in developing shopping centers.
"I am so touched to receive this award from Piper Trust,” said Mike McQuaid, “my commitment to serve others, and especially to end chronic homelessness is rooted in my deep belief that while you may make a living by what you get—it is what you give that makes a life.”
Chairman and CEO of US Airways Doug Parker said, "Mike is phenomenal and I am so glad that Piper Trust is recognizing him. Mike never seeks recognition—I'm not sure he wants it—but he certainly deserves it. It is important to tell his story because he will inspire others as he inspires me.”
Parker and McQuaid are co-chairs of Valley of the Sun United Way’s Ending Homelessness Advisory Council. Together they are leading efforts to develop 1,000 permanent supportive housing units for the chronically homeless by 2015; 700 units are already in place.
The Trust established the Piper Trust Encore Career Prize in May of this year and accepted nominations through June 14. A panel of local and national judges reviewed more than 70 nominations and sought an individual, age 50+, engaging in a significant encore role; someone leading extraordinary work that combines personal meaning with social impact in Maricopa County.
The encore concept—engaging people age 50+ in roles that combine personal meaning with social impact—is growing across the country, and particularly in Phoenix with its 1.1 million baby boomers.
“I encourage all individuals that have enjoyed a successful personal and professional career to consider an encore career. When you find a cause you are passionate about—use your business talents to help make a difference. I guarantee you will bring an incredible joy to your life—and you will enrich our community even more," said McQuaid.
The Piper Trust Encore Career Prize will be awarded every other year. The next opportunity to apply will be in 2015.
About Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust:
A private independent foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors Virginia Galvin Piper’s philanthropic commitment to changing lives and strengthening community in Maricopa County (Arizona). By investing in nonprofits and encouraging strategic planning for the future, Piper Trust strives to make Maricopa County a stronger, more nurturing, and vibrant community. Since it began awarding grants in 2000, Piper Trust has invested more than $313 million in local nonprofits and programs. Piper Trust’s grantmaking areas are healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. For more information, visit www.pipertrust.org. Follow us on Twitter @PiperTrust; visit us on Facebook.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Leland, 480-556-7125 / kleland@pipertrust.org
Director, Communications and External Relations
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
1202 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85014