Reprint: Intermountain Centers VP Nominated for National Fundraiser of the Year Award
August 13, 2024
In recognition of outstanding contributions to nonprofit fundraising, Paul O’Rourke, Vice President of Development & Communications at Intermountain Centers, has been nominated for the esteemed Fundraiser of the Year award by OneCause. This national accolade places O’Rourke among the top fundraisers in the country and will be celebrated at the Raise Conference in Nashville on September 9th.
The Raise Conference, hosted annually by OneCause, is a leading event for nonprofit professionals, offering a platform for thought leaders and innovators in marketing and development. This year’s conference promises to be particularly impactful, with a keynote speech from Deborah Barge, Chief Development Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
O’Rourke’s nomination emerged from a highly competitive process that reviewed over a hundred applications from across the United States. As one of the top five finalists, he joins a distinguished group of nominees from organizations such as Calvary Women’s Services, Foster Love, Mitzvah Circle, and the Brian Muha Foundation. The selection committee, consisting solely of previous Fundraiser of the Year winners, ensured an impartial process, with no involvement from OneCause employees.
Central to O’Rourke’s nomination is his leadership in the development of the Intermountain Sensory Park, a pioneering 1.5-acre outdoor space designed specifically for youth on the autism spectrum. This collaborative project between Intermountain Centers and the City of Tucson is set to officially open this fall and is expected to serve over 1,000 disabled youth and their families annually.
In addition to the Sensory Park, O’Rourke’s nomination highlights his role in organizing the successful Pickle Palooza event, which raised over $100,000. The funds will directly support Intermountain’s workforce development programs, benefiting disabled youth and those in the foster care system.
With seven years at Intermountain Centers, O’Rourke has consistently applied his extensive experience in marketing and public relations to further the organization’s mission. His nomination for Fundraiser of the Year underscores his ability to drive transformative change through innovative fundraising strategies.
Intermountain Centers and its affiliates—including Pinal Hispanic Council, Family Service Agency, Rio Salado Behavioral Health Systems, and Community Partners—serve over 20,000 patients across Arizona each year. Their comprehensive services address a wide range of health needs, including primary care, mental health, autism support, substance use treatment, homelessness assistance, foster care, youth development, and workforce readiness training. Last year, Intermountain Centers celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated service to the community.
Originally published in Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, August 8, 2024.