Valley publishers, Kat and Mike McMahon experience first-hand the power of connecting communities through spotlighting local businesses and showcasing the work of area nonprofits in the magazine they manage.
“We’re very philanthropically driven and have always believed in giving back or paying it forward,” says Kat.
In this way, Kat and Mike have been able to combine their philanthropic spirits with careers. Known for dishing up uplifting content, they are allowed to frequently share the accomplishments of area nonprofits, SARRC included, in their Paradise Valley Lifestyle magazine as well as North Scottsdale Lifestyle magazine.
Over the years, Kat and Mike have volunteered and attended many of SARRC’s signature events, including the Autism Speaks Walk in Partnership with SARRC, the Annual Community Breakfast , and participate in the Grandparents Group.
As parents of three adult sons, one of whom has autism, they were immediately drawn to the positive outcomes they were hearing and seeing during their experiences at SARRC’s special events.
“Having a son, and nephew, on the spectrum was our initial draw to SARRC,” says Kat. “We were introduced by Neil and Lynn Balter and have helped with the Walk, attended the Annual Community Breakfast and in 2017, dipped our toes in the water as [Breakfast] Table Captains!”
Subsequently, they saw how investing in SARRC through a planned gift could have an impact on the future of its programs and services, so Kat and Mike decided to become Legacy Circle members.
“SARRC’s ability to diagnose and help families, at such an early age, gives families a tremendous advantage to help their children learn to navigate a neurotypical world early on. Their studies are also cutting-edge, discovering things that will continue to advance treatments.
“Anything we can do to help raise awareness in the world of autism is enough motivation for us to help future growth,” says Kat. “We’ve experienced, firsthand, how autism impacts individuals and family members and it can be a tough journey. If we can continue to support advances, we’re all about it!”
If you would like to learn more about becoming a Legacy Circle member and ensuring the continued vitality and growth of SARRC’s services from one generation to the next, please contact Devin Dye at [email protected] or (602) 218-8183.
