Class 34 Community Project

Each year, the current Gilbert Leadership class seeks to address a need in our community through a project that will create a lasting impact, reflect the legacy of the class, and give back to the community. A key component of the leadership program, the class works together to plan, organize, fund, and ultimately complete their service project during a day of service.

Recent Projects Include:

• Renovation of the Community Room at Page Commons (Class 33)
• Buildout of The CATALYST - Gilbert's Business Resource Center (Class 32)
• The Hope Walk at Gilbert's Riparian Preserve (Class 31)
• The Friendship Garden at Gilbert Regional Park (Class 30)
• Landscaping, exterior painting, and renovations at Friends of the Needy at St. Anne's Annex (Class 29)
• Landscaping and renovations at Heritage Center at AZCEND (Class 28)
• Pocket park installation with ramada and mural at HD South - Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum (Class 27)
• Safe Exchange Zone installations at both north and south Gilbert Police Department precincts (Class 26)

OVERVIEW

Class 34 is partnering with the Town of Gilbert to refresh and enhance the McQueen Activity Center’s outdoor event space to better serve families, youth, and community members. The improvements will help keep rental and event costs low, ensuring the venue remains an affordable option for milestones such as weddings, family celebrations, nonprofit events, and community gatherings.

The McQueen Activity Center serves as an essential gathering place for families, children, and community members, especially those who benefit from affordable and accessible programming. Despite years of heavy use, the outdoor event space has not received a major renovation since 2004. Updating this space ensures it remains safe, welcoming, and functional for families of all income levels, while preserving a community resource that prioritizes inclusion, affordability, and opportunity.

PROJECT SCOPE

Planned upgrades include:

• Fence renovation and privacy enhancements
• Paver patio installation
• Gabion baskets and landscaping
• Improved lighting and irrigation
• Gravel surface treatment

By improving the space, we are helping the center continue to offer quality events throughout the year, with proceeds reinvested in community programming and scholarships for low-income families.

View Project Flyer

WHO WILL BENEFIT

This project supports families, children, and community members by ensuring the McQueen Activity Center remains an affordable, welcoming, and high-quality space for programs, events, and life milestones, including:

• Gilbert residents and families
• Youth programs and schools
• Community groups and nonprofit
• organizations
• Local businesses and civic leaders hosting affordable events
• Visitors utilizing the McQueen Activity Center

This project creates lasting value by keeping programs accessible, strengthening family-centered services, and supporting children and households who benefit most from low-cost community resources.

PROJECT BUDGET & TIMELINE

• Total Project Goal: $20,000
• Target Completion: April 2026

You are invited to contribute in ways that are meaningful to you, including:

• Monetary donations
• In-kind donations, such as materials, services, or professional expertise that directly support the project. Needed Supplies:
  • Paint
  • Patio and Landscape trim pavers
  • Gravel/Rock and soil for dirt areas and Gabion baskets
  • Gabion Baskets and benches for patio area
  • Privacy screens for noise and visibility reduction
  • Plants and shrubs for beautification and privacy
  • Pergola for shade and event usage
  • Additional lighting for the space to be developed
  • Triangle shade for the grass area
  • Additional event decor such as backdrops, trellis, bar cart

Funds are restricted solely to the completion of this project, and any remaining funds will be allocated to the program to help cover scholarships for low-income students.

Contributions are philanthropic in nature and do not include marketing or promotional benefits.

View Project Flyer

• Ana Barraza - Banner Health
• Brandy Bierly - Capstone Hospitality
• Greg Bouslog - Valley of the Sun YMCA
• Keith Bradshaw - The Town of Gilbert
• Nicole Charmoli - Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
• Joshua Cooper - SERVPRO of Gilbert
• Jacqueline Cruz - House of Refuge
• May Dobbins - Vitalant
• Ashley Doering - Town of Gilbert
• Monica D'Ortenzio - Town of Gilbert
• Alan Fields - Higley Unified School District
• Ariel Harton - Town of Gilbert
• Brian Hoyt - Town of Gilbert Police Department
• Holly Kempton - LifeLite Financial
• Derek Konofalski- Sleepytime Studios
• Jeff Kressaty - Salt River Project (SRP)
• Bernadette La Mazza - Chandler-Gilbert Community College
• Amanda Leno - Thrive Counseling Services, LLC
• Dawn Mackay - Gilbert Public Schools
• Nanda Micaletti - Arizona Forward
• Immanuel Ndiba - Salt River Project
• Stuart Preston - Tech-y Digital Marketing LLC (dba Cingularis)
• Clay Richardson - Self-employed
• Tim Shaffer - Open Hearts Family Wellness
• Ken Snow - Town of Gilbert
• Nathan Thue - Arizona Total Home Restoration
• Audie Whipple - SRP

Founded in 1991, Gilbert Leadership brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to develop their leadership potential and to expose participants to the issues impacting our community. By understanding the needs and concerns in a wide variety of areas, these individuals will be better able to contribute their resources to making a difference in many ways.