Dear Friends of Primavera,

I’m writing to share an important leadership update at the Primavera Foundation. Tisha Tallman has announced her resignation as CEO after four years of service. During her tenure with us, Tisha was a dedicated advocate for the organization and its mission to co-create pathways out of poverty. The Board thanks Tisha for her service and wishes her every success in the future. 

The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Ivelisse Bonilla as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Over the past year as Primavera's Chief Legal Counsel, Ivelisse has demonstrated thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to our mission. She will work alongside our experienced leadership team and dedicated staff to ensure a seamless transition and the continued delivery of the services our community depends upon. Please join us in welcoming Ivelisse to her new position.

Primavera's mission remains unchanged. Our programs and services will continue without interruption, and we remain committed to serving individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness throughout Southern Arizona.

We are grateful for the continued support of our donors, volunteers, community partners, and advocates. Together, we remain focused on our mission of co-creating pathways out of poverty and strengthening our community.

Sincerely,

Andrew Rouse
Primavera Board President

Lutheran Church of the Foothills is continuing its longtime partnership with Primavera Foundation through a new breakfast bag initiative supporting residents at STAR Village, a collaborative housing program with the City of Tucson and Old Pueblo Community Services serving women and non-binary individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Led by Pastor Naomi Hartman, church volunteers recently packed their first round of breakfast bags filled with comforting food items and handwritten affirmation cards meant to remind residents they are valued and supported. 

“We wanted the bags to feel like a warm hug,” Hartman said. “Not just food, but a reminder that someone is thinking about them and cheering them on.” 

The congregation has partnered with Primavera for nearly 30 years, preparing meals and volunteering with residents. According to longtime volunteer Beth Daum, the connection goes beyond providing food. 

“Our volunteers really enjoy talking with the people we serve,” Daum said. “It’s about building community and helping people feel seen.” 

Philanthropy Officer Pete Corrigan was up with the roosters, greeting runners and walkers at the Roosters Run at Sabino Canyon on June 10.

Pete gave out impact reports and shared information about Primavera Foundation with those in attendance. We are grateful to Aravaipa Running for the opportunity to share information about and raise funds for Primavera.

For 24 years, Primavera Cooks! has been more than a fundraiser; it’s a way for our community to come together to support our shelters and outreach programs. This year, we invite you to participate in a way that’s right for you.

Join us as a diner for an exquisite evening out, or step into the kitchen as an apprentice chef to design a menu and cook alongside Tucson’s culinary experts. Every reservation and every apprenticeship helps ensure our neighbors have access to the resources they need.

Reserve your spot today!

Chef Mateo Cancio of Nex is bringing Tucson's culinary traditions to the international stage. As Tucson's Chef Ambassador and executive chef at Nex, Cancio recently traveled to Lyon, France, to represent Tucson in Bon Appétit, America!, a culinary diplomacy initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. While there, he collaborated with renowned French chefs, showcasing Sonoran Desert ingredients and the rich food heritage that helped earn Tucson its designation as the first U.S. UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

We're proud to partner with Chef Mateo and the team at Nex for this year's Primavera Cooks! Don't miss your chance to experience his incredible cuisine while supporting Primavera's emergency services. Tickets are available now—but they're going fast, so reserve your seat while they last!

Help protect our neighbors from extreme summer heat! Partner with Primavera and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to provide essential cooling services.

Double your impact: Every dollar you donate—$5, $25, $50, or more—will be matched by TEP, up to $25,000.

Last year, our cooling centers at the Resource Center, Men's Shelter, and Casa Paloma provided over 13,000 life-saving services, including hydration, shade, and relief supplies. Please donate today to help us continue this vital work through October.

The 2026 Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle is here! When you buy tickets from us, 100% of the proceeds stay with the Primavera Foundation.

The Prizes:

Pricing: $25 per ticket or 5 for $100

Staff competition: We're hosting an internal contest! The employee who sells the msot tickets wins a $100 gift card. Contact Pete to get your tickets.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Philanthropy and Donors Connection Officer, Pete Corrigan, at pcorrigan@primavera.org. 

NOTE: Raffle ticket purchases are NOT tax-deductible donations. To make a tax-deductible gift, please visit our give page. 

Recently, federal food assistance programs have been challenged, food prices are rising, and the need for food assistance across the community is growing.

Join us in our efforts to provide essential meals to those we serve.

Your food donations will support participants staying in our shelters and taking part in Primavera programs, including individuals, families, veterans, and seniors.

How can you help? 

Most needed non-perishable items include: Canned protein, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits & vegetables, and snacks.

To donate food or learn more, contact Sophia at 520-882-3707 x1509 or ssmith.gatto@primavera.org.

Want to make a tangible difference? Grab your official Primavera Foundation T-shirt today! 

At just $20 (+$8 shipping), you’re supporting everything from street outreach, shelters, drop-in centers, workforce development to financial education and community growth.

Available in soft-touch fabric (S-2XL), these are perfect for everyday wear. We have limited stock available, so grab yours before they're gone!

The lists below have the latest items that Primavera programs need. The lists are updated frequently to adapt to the ever-changing needs of each location: Mobile Outreach, Homelessness, Intervention & Prevention (HIP), Men's Shelter, Casa Paloma Women's Shelter and Hospitality Center, Project Action for Veterans (PAV), Rapid Rehousing, Family Pathways, Primavera Works, and now STAR Village. Purchasing items from an Amazon list is one way to support our programs. We appreciate everyone's generosity and support!

If you have any questions, contact Sophia Smith-Gatto at ssmith.gatto@primavera.org. 

Primavera Works offers supervised crews for yard maintenance and water harvesting, as well as individual workers for general labor, moving, landscaping, construction cleanup, janitorial services, and more. Services are available for both residential and business needs. If you are interested in hiring Primavera Works, please contact us to discuss your project at (520) 882-9668 or visit our website.