2012 Annual Report - Arizona Community Foundation

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP:The Molly LawsonFoundationMolly Lawson’s zest for life is easy to read in her ever-present smile. It’s evident whenshe participates in weekly STARS painting classes and performs in musical productions atDetour Company Theatre, and even while she’s working at Cox Communications.Molly’s enthusiasm can be traced to her loving family, especially her parents, Dr. Michaeland Doris Lawson. In childhood, her interest in learning to ride horses and her perseveranceat a variety of jobs were supported wholeheartedly. Her family celebrated her efforts at schooland cheered her on as a Special Olympics athlete in bowling, track and swimming.Molly has, in turn, inspired her parents. They established The Molly Lawson Foundationand with the assistance of the Arizona Community Foundation, the Lawsons focus on helpingpeople like Molly interact socially while enjoying their own unique interests. The Lawsonsalso aim to further clinical research into disorders that are particularly limiting for individualswith disabilities. Among their priorities are: Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, orSTARS; Detour Company Theatre; the AZDance Group; One Step Beyond; the ThunderbirdFoundation, serving northern Arizona, including the Native American community; equineassisted therapies at Hoofbeats with Heart; and Young Arts Arizona, LTD.