Anniversaries
2024 Anniversaries
Welcome to our celebration of the remarkable milestones achieved by these Valley organizations. As we commemorate these anniversaries, we want to highlight the impact these organizations have made on our community. Their enduring commitment echoes the spirit of collaboration that makes the Valley such a special place. Join us as we recognize these organizations for their dedication and celebrate the journeys they’ve undertaken in shaping a brighter future for all.
Featured
100 Years | Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Named after its founder, Col. William Boyce Thompson, the 135-acre arboretum holds collections of desert plants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula. Learn more about the early days of the arboretum here.
95 Years | Arizona Biltmore
The Arizona Biltmore broke ground for construction in August of 1928, and later hosted three separate grand opening parties upon its completion in February of 1929. Since then, it has been a staple getaway spot both for those visiting Arizona and locals. Click here to learn more about the rich history of this historic resort.
95 Years | Orpheum Theatre
In 1929, when Phoenix was a town of about 48,000 residents, the Orpheum Theatre opened its doors. In its early years, the theater hosted many Hollywood and Broadway legends including Mae West, Henry Fonda and Lauren Bacall. After coming close to closing its doors in the 1980s, the City of Phoenix acquired the building and placed it on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the theater hosts comedians, live performances, movie viewings and more. Get the full history here.
85 Years | Desert Botanical Garden
Over eight decades ago, Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck and a group of fellow plant lovers saw an opportunity to preserve Arizona’s beautiful landscape. With the help of philanthropist Gertrude Webster and other local investors over the years, the garden stands today as home to over 50,000 plant displays. Staying committed to education and preservation, Desert Botanical Garden offers classes for adults and children and collaborates with research and conservation groups across six countries and four continents. Learn more about the early days here.
65 Years | Phoenix Art Museum
Shortly after Arizona gained U.S. statehood in 1912, the Phoenix Women’s Club was created, which would be the catalyst of the later formation of the Phoenix Art Museum. Designed by architect Alden B. Dow, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the museum opened its doors on Nov. 18, 1959. Since then, the building has undergone multiple expansions, including a 300-seat public theater, an outdoor sculpture garden and a research library. Today the museum displays over 18,000 pieces of art spanning various global locations and time periods. Learn more about the museum’s inception here.
60 Years | UMOM New Day Centers
In 1964, members from the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church created what would come to be known as United Methodist Outreach Ministries or UMOM. Its mission is simple: eradicating homelessness. Each night, UMOM provides shelter to almost 700 people. Learn more about the history of the organization here.
Submit your organization’s big anniversary by contacting abby@frontdoorsmedia.com.
30 Years
Featured | HALO Animal Rescue
What started as a mother and daughter opening their homes to homeless animals is now a nonprofit three decades in the running that’s saved tens of thousands of animals in the Valley. From teaming up with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control to moving into its present-day headquarters, learn about the full history of HALO here.
40 Years
Featured | United Food Bank
Forty years ago, what was then known as United Food Distribution Center began operating as a joint venture to provide food to those in need in the East Valley. Today, United Food Bank serves an area 19,608 square miles, including some of the most unpopulated areas in Arizona. Get the full history here.
Featured | Arizona Science Center
The year is 1984. Space Shuttle Discovery makes its maiden voyage, the rings of Neptune are discovered — and Arizona Science Center opens its doors, igniting a spark of wonder and inspiring future innovations not yet imagined. Forty years later, the center continues to be a hub of boundless curiosity and intrigue, where guests young and old have immersed themselves in the fascinating world of science and culture. To learn more and to share your favorite Arizona Science Center memory, click here
Featured | Shemer Art Center
The Shemer Art Center was donated to the City of Phoenix in 1984 by Martha Shemer. Since then, its mission has been to support and showcase Arizona artists. Today it is a “home for the arts” that provides a unique and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy and learn about visual art, through classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits and events. Learn more about the specific offerings and activities here.
25 Years
Featured: Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
Nina Mason Pulliam was a journalist, business leader, humanitarian and a lover of all creatures. The trust was formed upon her death in 1997 to support causes that she cared deeply about. The trust seeks to help people in need, especially women, children and families; to protect animals and nature; and to enrich community life primarily in metropolitan Phoenix and Indianapolis. Learn more about her incredible life and legacy here.
20 Years
15 Years
Featured: Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy
It was during a luncheon hosted by Gay Firestone Wray with the then head of the Smithsonian, Lawrence M. Small, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Ambassador Barbara Barrett, that this nonprofit was started. It aims to carry on the legacy of Justice O’Connor by civics education, discourse and engagement. See a full timeline of the organization here.
10 Years
