Dear Friends,

The Board of Visitors, the oldest charitable organization in the state, is celebrating its 101st year of caring for health care needs in the community. In 1908, sixteen women known as The Board of Friendly Visitors began providing assistance to those suffering from tuberculosis at what was then The St. Luke’s Home. That caring continues today. Money raised through the Care Card and our other fundraising projects, including the annual Fashion Show Luncheon and Charity Ball, are distributed to various nonprofits that serve the health care needs of women, children and the elderly in our community.

Through the generous support of our Care Card partners – SRP, Kitchell Corporation, The Harris Bank, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona, Courtesy Chevrolet, The Lavidge Company and Westcor Shopping Centers – all Care Card expenses are underwritten. Thanks to their support, 100% of the purchase price of The Board of Visitors’ Care Cards will go to Ryan House, our beneficiary for the fourth year in a row.

Ryan House will open its doors in 2009 and provide respite and palliative care, as well as hospice care, for children facing life-limiting illnesses. Located by St. Joseph’s Hospital, Ryan House celebrated its ground breaking on April 23, 2008. Thank you for supporting Care Card and helping us make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.

This year we invited two affiliates to be part of Care Card – the Junior League of Phoenix, Inc., a past partner, and St. Francis Xavier School. A portion of their Care Card sales will go to other nonprofits and community programs.

The 2008 Care Card program is being led by Board of Visitors members Kathy Batstone and Prue Brito. Their Care Card Crew is working tirelessly to bring you the best in Care Card shopping for the ninth consecutive year. Enjoy shopping October 17-26 and know that you are helping in our commitment to the community.

Katie Orcutt
Chairman, The Board of Visitors