Did you hear the exciting news? G.E.M. Environmental won an Arizona Gives Day incentive prize for the most dollars raised within 24 hours. This means we earned an additional $1,250 for our Field Experience Program. Woohoo!!! A great big THANK YOU to all our donors who made this possible. We couldn't have done it without you!

Great job to all AZ non-profits who also placed. Read the full list of winners here.

Meet Eric Welsh, GEM's Executive Director, and his dog Timber (pictured left), the Vova Scotia Tolling Duck Retriever. Timber is a rescue and previously feral dog from the Navajo Nation. His other dog Hondo (pictured right) is a mixed healer and rescue from the Coconino animal shelter. Eric is an Arizona native and has always been fascinated with the beauty and intrigue offered through National Forests and Public Lands. Eric’s dogs often accompany him to field work sites, providing support through their endless energy and curiosity.

Jessica R. Cook is GEM's Business Manager and Chairmen of the Board. She is deeply passionate about GEM's mission and protecting wildlife. Jessica was born and raised in Arizona and currently resides in Prescott with her husband Brandon, dogs Winslow and Bella, and two cats Damien and Pablo.

Meet GEM’s Public Relations Coordinator and Grant Writer, Amie Winters, and her dog Loki the pug. Amie is originally from California and currently resides in Prescott. Loki often accompanies her to various GEM project sites, like the PUSD Indian Ed Program community garden building project (pictured left). Loki is a certified therapy dog and loves to interact with people from all walks of life.

Sharon Andrus Felker is GEM's Director of Scholarship. In addition to working at GEM, she is the Business/HR/Transportation Manager at Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy (a Charter High School) in Prescott. Pictured here is her loving dog Primrose the rottweiler, who is also service trained.

Conner Gooding is GEM’s Geologic Consultant. He is a native of Texas and has worked in a variety of fields ranging from mineral exploration, education, materials testing and inspecting, to geologic consulting. He's pictured with his dog Carl, a mixed Heeler and reservation rescue who often accompanies him to job sites.

We hoped you enjoyed learning more about us and the animals we love.

GEM and Arizona Serve have partnered to create a full-time STEM Education Specialist position. Read the job description HERE.

Hurry! The deadline to apply is 4/24 and the start date is 5/11.

Thanks to all the early birds who've donated to GEM for Arizona Gives Day so far. Don't forget to time your donation to help us win special bonuses. The next POWER HOUR is 9AM. The non-profit that receives the most donations between 9-10 wins $1500!!!

Donate here: www.azgives.org/gemenvironmental

Want to learn more about us and the educational program we're raising money for? Eric Welsh, our Executive Director, will be appearing on Verde Valley TV (Cable One channel 56 and Suddenlink channel 2) and on the radio on KYBC 96.3 TODAY to talk about GEM and our programs. The show will run multiple times. Just check the schedule of your provider for times. The show, County Wide, can be seen anytime on www.verdevalleytv.com.

#gemforstem #stem #arizonagivesday #nonprofit #supportyournonprofit #give

Thank you to Patricia Autrey of Flex Realty in Prescott for her Gold sponsorship to GEM, as well as donating brisket for our 2nd Anniversary Bash on 3/31 and the use of her chafing dishes. Learn more about Patricia and Flex Realty here.

GEM is greatly appreciative for the community support we've received for this event and would like to thank all our gracious sponsors.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals, has graciously donated the following for our 2nd Anniversary Celebration raffle on March 31st:

• A full year of free regular admission for up to 5 people (that's an $85 value!)
• Reduced admission for special events (WildLights, Boo at the Zoo, etc.)
• 10% Gift Shop discount on all items except special sales and food
• 10% OFF venue and event rentals here at the zoo. Click here for more information .
  
• One year of our Wild Impressions newsletter, an update on all things happening at the sanctuary, mailed or emailed to your home on a quarterly basis.
• Discounts at many other zoos and aquariums around the country (click here to see list of other facilities with reciprocal agreements).

From all of us at G.E.M. Environmental, thank you Heritage Park Zoo for your generous donation. We are extremely excited to give this incredible prize package away to one lucky winner.