By Carrie K. Snider
A community like Buckeye relies on a lot of volunteers — and thankfully, many are willing to step up to the plate. The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and individuals vital to the community at its annual awards ceremony one October evening at the Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center.
Earning Citizen of the Year was Cassie Wilkins, executive director of All Faith Community Services, which offers resources and support to those in need. In addition to providing food and clothing, Wilkins said the organization helps people of all ages find jobs.
All Faith is celebrating its 30th year of service to the Buckeye community.
Brendan Franks, CEO of AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys, won the Community Service Award.
“It's humbling to accept this award on behalf of the many individuals and groups making a difference every day in Buckeye,” he told InBuckeye. “The mission is ongoing: Let's continue to support one another and strengthen the bonds of this incredible community.
In total, the chamber presented 30 awards:
Business of the Year:
Hometown ACE Hardware – Jessica Melton
Buckeye Heroism:
Stewart Crewse – Buckeye Police Department
Chairman’s Award:
Stephanie Holguin – Casa del Leyva
Chamber Champion:
Frederick Lake – National Bank of Arizona
Citizen of the Year:
Cassie Wilkins – All Faith Community Services
Community Partner:
City of Buckeye
Community Service Award:
- Alexandra Flickinger – Arizona Game & Fish
- Brendan Franks – Arizona Law Now
- Colin Kemp – Arizona Game & Fish
- Deryl Tomsic – Mirna’s Place
- Gary Taylor – Mirna’s Place
- Stacy Berg – JustServe.org
Educator of the Year:
- Cassandra Donnelly – ThrivePoint
- Kevin Kilborn – Saddle Mountain
- Samantha Hoard – BUHSD
- Stormy Hatt – BESD
Education Support Staff:
- Elayne Matthews – BESD
- Gladys Whitten – BESD
- Josh Hanger – Saddle Mountain
- Seanna Cole – BUHSD
Education Volunteer:
- Dave Sousa – BUHSD
- Lori Carter – Saddle Mountain
Member of the Year:
Gina Ragsdale – Buckeye Valley DAR
Municipal Employee:
Krystian Zebrowski – Buckeye Human Services Manager
Municipal Volunteer:
Kathleen Rossetti – Community Service Department Advisory Board
Nonprofit of the Year:
Girasol AZ – Gennieva Mendoza
Past Chairman of the Board:
Jeff Douglas – Republic Services
Political Partner:
Rep. Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye)
Spirit of the Chamber:
Erin Kuiper – Copper Star Realty, Incoming Chamber President/CEO
Volunteer of the Year:
Maria Riebs – Economic Development Coordinator, City of Buckeye
As seen in the latest InBuckeye Print Magazine.
InBuckeye Magazine November/December 2025
