There are many leaders in our community; people that give of themselves unselfishly. Not for the accolades or the recognition, but rather for the knowledge that they gave from the heart and in the process were able to affect others in our community in a positive way. They’d probably not want the exposure for their good works, but we felt it was important to recognize their accomplishments in order to encourage others to recognize that by opening your heart to others, we can all accomplish great things.
When you combine the accomplishments of these two sisters it is amazing to think of all of the selfless hours were dedicated in the pursuit of helping others. Most people will know recognize Carrie Hemme and Chris Cooley as the owners of Michael Alan Furnishing and Interior Design, but that, as they say, is their day job.
Locally, Hemme has been and continues to be involved in many local organizations. Groups such as the Women’s Council of Realtors, Hospice of Havasu, River Cities United Way (100% of Michael Alan employees donate to the local United Way). While working to promote empowering women, Hemme also expands her reach by offering her time and support of projects that help drill water wells for providing water to villages in India. She is also involved in helping fly medical supplies to the needy in Mexico. If she finds a need, she also finds the time and energy to help out a good cause.
Chris Cooley also finds the time to support the community with her involvement in the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builder’s Association. It was Chris, along with her husband Aaron, that founded the annual 24-Hours Sleepless In Havasu for a Cure for Cancer Event. Sponsored by Michael Alan and Serta Mattress Co., last year’s event raised over $25,000 in support of low cost mammogram screenings.
Mike Carr has been a resident of Lake Havasu since 1972. Involved in the insurance industry for 35 years, he owned London Bridge Insurance, now NFP Property casualty. Active in nearly every organization in town—United Way, Toys For Tots, Kiwanis Club, Western Arizona Humane Society and many more. But his real passion is following in the footsteps of his father, Herb Carr. Herb helped found the local food bank. In fact, the food bank building was named and dedicated to Herb for all of his outstanding efforts. Today, Mike carries on that same sense of commitment and was helpful in raising money for the new Annex and continues to collect food and money for the local food bank.
A native of California, Christine Watson-Buntemeyer moved to Lake Havasu 22 years ago. Always looking for ways to help others, Christine has given back to the community through her active service on the Havasu Community Health Foundation board. She has also devoted time to the K-12 Foundation and the interagency crisis line. Mostly though, Christine is known by many for putting clothes on the backs of hundreds, if not thousands of families in need. What started as a storage shed where people could drop off clothes 3 years ago grew into 10 storage sheds, and at present, a 2,400 foot location. The organization, Calvary’s Closet, donates clothing to those in need—homeless, low income, nursing homes, assisted living, anyone in need.
Anyone can pitch in and help out another fellow human being—they just need to have a big heart—the bigger the better.