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Show Low proclaims Community Fast of Compassion week; committee reports roughly $375,000 raised in first 12 years
Summary
Mayor John Leach Jr. proclaimed the Community Fast of Compassion week and committee members reported nearly $375,000 raised over the first 12 years with about $50,000 donated last year to support local helping organizations.
Mayor John Leach Jr. read a proclamation on Oct. 21 declaring Nov. 16–22, 2025, as Community Fast of Compassion week in Show Low and urged residents to donate proceeds of one or two meals to local helping organizations.
Steve Hecklethorn (committee member; unable to attend), Jared Hall (committee member; partially present), Tom (committee representative for a local helping organization identified as CCO) and other committee members described the effort’s local impact. Committee speakers said 100% of donations remain in the community and that in the first 12 years the fast has raised approximately $375,000 — averaging a little north of $30,000 per year — and that last year’s donations totaled nearly $50,000 distributed to 28 helping organizations including schools, veterans groups, the Safe House, the White Mountain Women’s Club and the Elks Lodge.
Tom, representing CCO, told the council the helping community faces unusual demand and limited funds this year, with rental costs and motel conversions increasing housing pressures. “We are very grateful for the funds we get. We help people with housing and utilities, and there’s a tremendous need out there,” he said.
Committee members said recipient organizations report direct stories of impact — for example, families receiving clothing or food, or a child receiving a jacket and expressing relief at not being cold. The committee asked for continued city support and invited residents to the Community Fast of Compassion celebration at the Show Low School District Auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m.
Speakers emphasized the year-round need for support and said the week is a way for broad community participation: people can fast and donate the saved meal money without needing to attend committee meetings. Donation locations include Show Low City Hall, National Bank of Arizona, Chase Bank, Arizona Central Credit Union and online at sholohcommunityfast.org.
