Golden Rule Banquet

A little more about this year’s Honorees:

Dr. Michael Crow, ASU President: Paul Eppinger Honoree: Since 2002, Dr. Crow has demonstrated excellent educational leadership transforming ASU into one of America’s best public metropolitan research universities, and has made it a model in the US. Noteworthy is his support for the teachings of all faiths and secular traditions, and his recognition of the value of the student interfaith organization – Sun Devils are Better Together (SunDABT), for promoting peace, human rights and understanding between and among faiths in the largest and most diverse campus in the country. Additionally, Dr. Crow’s philosophy that ASU’s pursuit of access and excellence for all students “are measured not by whom we exclude, but by who we include”. A truly Golden Rule moment was when without hesitation he accepted to ASU women refugees displaced from schools and traumatized by the war in Afghanistan. Thus, as president he has made a meaningful impact towards a more just and equitable global future. 

Catholic Charities: Darl Andersen Honoree: Being guided by the Golden Rule for many years in providing life-changing services to Arizonans that protect and nurture children, help strengthen families, and assist individuals in a variety of services through early education and youth leadership programs, Catholic Charities works with its affiliate, Housing for Hope to provide affordable housing. They also serve veterans and their families, sex-trafficked survivors, victims of domestic abuse, and given much needed assistance to refugees.

Childhelp: Humanitarian Honoree: “Every child is worthy of love” – the commitment of Childhelp, an organization that has impacted the lives of over 11 million young and vulnerable children in AZ, TN, VA, and CA. Hotlines are in the US and Canada. Two Hollywood actresses from the sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Sara Buckner O’Meara and Yvonne Lime started the organization in 1959. They were touched by the neglected orphaned Amer-asian children wandering in the streets of Tokyo who were discriminated against because of their mixed heritage. In recognition of their outstanding work through the decades, the Arizona Interfaith Movement proudly honors Childhelp

Native American Fathers and Families Association (NAFFA): Strengthening the Family Honoree: Poverty, substance abuse, violence, human trafficking, and divorce are among the many factors causing families to be torn apart. To help in strengthening American families, Native American Fatherhood & Families Association (NAFFA) began in 2002 with the mission of strengthening families and their relationships through education. Their method is to uplift, encourage, assist, and teach. All NAFFA curricula use time honored cultural principles and practices as a foundation to build resilient families. Since then, the Arizona non-profit has helped families and individuals using four curricula: Fatherhood Is Sacred® Motherhood Is Sacred® (FIS/MIS), Linking Generations by Strengthening Relationships®, Addressing Family Violence & Abuse™ and Suicide Prevention™. The result of these programs has been an increased awareness of the sacred purposes of families. With no direct government funding, NAFFA has over 60,000 parents enrolled in local chapters and 2,000 facilitators have been certified to teach the FIS/MIS curriculum across the US. With all they have accomplished, the Arizona Interfaith Movement will recognize NAFFA with Strengthening the Family Award. 

Anaik Sachdev and the Loving Library: Youth Pioneer Honoree:Anaik launched the Loving Library on his 8th birthday to help people experiencing loneliness and isolation while battling COVID in the hospital. Being an avid reader himself, especially about music and the Phoenix Suns, his passion soon transformed into a mental health option that has blessed thousands of patients through difficult times.