Gabriel’s Angels, the only organization in Arizona that inspires confidence, compassion, and best behaviors in at-risk children through pet therapy, is excited to announce Tami Butcher and Kari Yatkowski as Co-Chairs for the ninth annual “Salud! 2019” event on Saturday, October 5 at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia.
Raised right here in Arizona, Tami Butcher has deep ties in the valley. Attending the University of Arizona, she graduated with a degree in business, but her business and entrepreneurial skills most likely came from her time working at family-owned restaurants, Aunt Chiladas and Rustlers Rooste, two of the most historic restaurants in the valley. Beyond the restaurants, Tami also holds the highest title rank of Executive Field Vice President with local Chandler company, Origami Owl. Tami also adds author to her resume with her book, “My Bonus Mom”.
Outside of her work, philanthropy and fundraising are at the heart of Tami’s other activities. She currently holds a trusted advisor position with the East Valley Women’s League and has been in a leadership position since joining in 2007, including fundraising event chair. Tami lives in Chandler with her husband, Mike, who is currently the pitching coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. They have three children, Madison (21) who will be graduating the University of Arizona in May, Tatum (17) who attends Perry High School, and Brooks (14) who attends Bogle Middle School. Tami has been a longtime supporter of Gabriel’s Angels with their mission near and dear to her heart. She is honored and excited to be the Chair for Salud! 2019 and can’t wait to get the party started!
With more than 20 years as a strategic leader, Kari Yatkowski has worked with more than 100 non-profits and held numerous leadership roles that impacted fundraising efforts—grossing over 50 million dollars by developing meaningful programs and events.
In 2003, Kari founded Haven Charitable Foundation to invest a synergy of gifts—money, leadership, and influence to address the most pressing issues facing our communities. Through her foundation, Kari has personally donated more than $2 million to impactful organizations of diverse scope and size. In addition to her philanthropic ventures, Kari launched her consulting firm, Goodways & Co. to guide nonprofits and foundations through strategic planning using her curated methodology, a blend of tried and true practices with innovative and novel approaches to solving complex issues.
Kari was honored to be named the PBJ’s Outstanding Women in Business and AZ Business Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women in Business. Kari was named the Most Influential Woman in the Valley in 2009 and 2011 and Women Who Move the Valley in 2010 by Arizona Foothills Magazine. Kari was selected by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to serve on the Board of Directors of The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute. She has also served in roles as Co-Chair of Banner MD Andersons Capital Campaign, Phoenix Suns Charities, PCH, Homeward Bound, Az Women’s Board, and Phoenix Heart Ball.
Kari splits her time between Phoenix and Knoxville, TN and is a graduate of ASU with a degree in Supply Chain Management. She is the devoted mother of three sons, Griffin (21), twins Tate and Tyler (15) and adores her two boxers, Huck and Dexter!
Salud! 2019 is designed to show Gabriel’s Angels’ commitment to offer continued Pet Therapy for children in our community through the love of a therapy dog. Proceeds from the event help Gabriel’s Angels continue their work with at-risk children in the state of Arizona.
About Gabriel’s Angels
Gabriel’s Angels is a 501(3)C nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire confidence, compassion, and best behavior in at-risk children through pet therapy. Registered Pet Therapy Teams, comprised of owners and their pets, visit facilities serving abused, neglected and at-risk children in the Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott areas. The therapy visits provide children with unconditional love and teach core social behaviors. For more information about becoming a Therapy Team or volunteer, call 602.266.0875 or visit www.GabrielsAngels.org.