About the Founder

Served 32 years as a Professional YMCA Director in: Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, Long Beach, Longview Salt Lake City and the last 16 with the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA in Contra Costa County. Retired as President/CEO of that Association in 2000. Then worked for eight years for the YMCA's of Orange County as a consultant assisting with operational planning, financial assistance programs and directing campaigns for new facilities.

He has capital development experience in campaigns raising over $21M for six different projects. He has worked with and directed hundred's of volunteers and staff in the successful completion of projects resulting in new facilities in six different communities. Earned Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University in Los Angeles.

Beth Salazar worked as a YMCA professional for over 30 years. Her career began with program positions in the Southeast region, Kentucky and Tennesee and continued with a 16 year stint in program and Executive positions in San Francisco, Greater Cincinnati region and, El Paso, Texas.

In 2006, she accepted the Vice President of Financial and Community Development position in Phoenix, Arizona. During her tenure in Phoenix, her outstanding work with the local branch staff and volunteers increased Endowment heritage members, and expanded branch fund development campaigns to over 3 million dollars.

Her Community development work from 2006-2010 established strong community partners and innovative mission program expansion through 5.2 million of grant funding. In her final position with Y USA she provided technical assistance to 3 Y associations and led th eAnne Ray Trust Grant funded, Educational Achievement Initiative, coaching these Y’s in program design & innovation and community capacity building techniques. Beth has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehead State University and earned a Master of Arts degree from San Francisco State University.

Kara Stoughton-Grosso, a graduate of Auburn University with a BS in Education.  After teaching, coaching and starting her own business, Kara transitioned to the Valley of the Sun YMCA and immediately used her relationship development skills to lead annual campaigns and raise $190,000 annually as a Sr. Program Director. She was then promoted to Director of Corporate Wellness where she cultivated relationships with top corporations in the Phoenix and continued to raise capital funds along with managed many fundraising events. 

 Kara was later recruited by Special Olympics Arizona; where as Director of Corporate Relations, Kara created relationships with past and present donors for volunteer and fundraising opportunities and funded projects to benefit a 3.4 million dollar budget.  Fundraising resulted in $100K in new money, $217K from in-kind gifts, $400K from past donors and was responsible for raising $600k including company payroll deductions.

Kara then developed a Leadership Council for community development. Her committee exceeded funding for the Healthy Athletes event through donations and in kind sponsorships and had $18,500 surplus for next year’s event.

Kara is now partnering with FriendRaisers LLC to help cultivate relationships and business opportunities to Arizona non-profits by bringing her skill set, knowledge and contacts to consult with non-profits on event planning and fundraising. 

Kara has had the opportunity to sit with and be mentored by some of America’s top leadership: President George Bush and Barbara Bush, Lou Holtz, and leadership speaker and author John Maxwell.