Helaine Levy, executive director of Diamond Family Philanthropies, is surprised by Suzanne McFarlin, executive director of Greater Tucson Leadership, with a bouquet and news she had been selected Woman of the Year.
Members of Greater Tucson Leadership and a news crew met Monday morning and conspired in the parking lots outside where two prominent Tucsonans work — even ducking behind cars to avoid being seen — to surprise the recipients of the group’s 2014 Man and Woman of the Year awards.
Honored with surprise announcements were Woman of the Year Helaine Levy, executive director of Diamond Family Philanthropies, and Man of the Year Bob Elliott, owner of Elliott Accounting. Founders Award winner Jim Murphy, retired CEO of the Pima Council on Aging, was out of town.
An unsuspecting Levy sat in the lobby of Diamond Family Philanthropies chatting with her friend — and later to find out, nominator — Jim Moore of the UA Foundation, when a group of people led by Suzanne McFarlin, executive director of Greater Tucson Leadership, wielding a bouquet of flowers, walked in and made the announcement.
“You’ve been chosen as the 2014 Woman of the Year,” McFarlin said. “We appreciate everything you do in the community and your big heart.”
“Wow,” Levy said, wiping her eyes. “I’m very surprised. I’m glad I was dressed appropriately,” she said with a laugh.
Levy’s father, Don Diamond, walked into the room to see what the excitement was all about. The two embraced and posed for pictures.
Minutes later, the group made its way around the corner to Elliott Accounting to surprise Elliott as Man of the Year.
“You’ve been selected as the 2014 Man of the Year,” McFarlin said as she handed Elliott his flowers. “How does it feel?”
“It feels...weird,” Elliott said. “I’ve seen so many of these events and been to so many. I’ve even emceed them. It is indeed an honor. This is totally unexpected.”
Elliott’s wife of 39 years was in on the surprise, McFarlin said. “Oh really! No wonder she was all ‘you need to go into the office,’” Elliott said. “This is amazing. You really surprised me on this one.”
Murphy was notified by phone, since he was at the Arizona Town Hall at the Grand Canyon.
The awardees will be honored at a gala Feb. 7 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Here’s a little bit about each of the award winners.
Helaine Levy
Levy was honored for her extensive leadership abilities, her commitment to philanthropy and her ability to “inspire individuals to perform beyond their perceived expectations, while encouraging them to become leaders,” said one nomination letter.
Also noted is Levy’s involvement with founding the Nonprofit Loan Fund of Tucson and Southern Arizona, which makes it possible for not-for-profit organizations to borrow funds to assist with cash flow.
She has participated in at least 22 volunteer and philanthropic activities and has served in at least 20 leadership roles.
Bob Elliott
Elliott, a longtime civic leader, was honored for his integrity, leadership abilities and contributions to the community.
According to one nomination letter, “Bob is an enthusiastic and talented leader who excels in any organizational or business setting... Bob inspires leadership not by what he says, but by what he does and has accomplished in the Tucson region over several decades.”
Elliott, a former UA basketball and NBA player, has served in at least 13 leadership roles in groups, including the Tucson Airport Authority, the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Tucson Urban League. He recently published a book titled “Tucson, A Basketball Town.”
Jim Murphy
Murphy, retired CEO of the Pima Council on Aging, was honored for more than 50 years of service to the Tucson community in public office and community volunteer work.
“He has worked to serve the vulnerable of our community, especially children and the elderly, which touches all of our lives,” said one nomination letter. “He inspires others in his devotion to our community and the people of our community, always positively.
Tucson is a much better place for all because of Jim Murphy.”
