Tempe Community Council (TCC) is pleased to announce that the Honorable Harry E. Mitchell of Tempe will receive the 2012 Don Carlos Humanitarian Award on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. Additional honors will be presented to local philanthropists and volunteers who work every day to provide a high quality of life for all in Tempe. The public is welcome to attend this community event. Reservations are required and tickets are $50 per person, $80 for two tickets or $400 for a table of ten. TCC also announces a venue change for the event: it will now be held in the PERA Club Pavilion at One E. Continental Drive in Tempe. More information is available from the online or by calling 480.858.2300.

Produced annually by TCC, the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award is considered one of Tempe's most prestigious distinctions and honors those individuals who give back selflessly to our community. Harry Mitchell is recognized for his belief in the importance of community building. He is known as much for his friendly and humble demeanor as he is for his 50-plus years of giving back to community. He demonstrated leadership through service on numerous nonprofit boards, including TCC, Childsplay, Salvation Army and St. Luke's Hospital. Mr. Mitchell co-founded the Tempe Sister City Corporation in 1970, which changed the lives for young people from all over the world.  He taught American Government and Free Enterprise for Tempe High School, his own alma mater, for nearly 30 years, and is remembered as a beloved and dedicated teacher. Moreover, Mr. Mitchell dedicated 24 years of his life as a public servant, serving on Tempe City Council from 1970-1978, four consecutive terms as the Mayor of Tempe from 1978-1994, Arizona Senate for Legislative District #17 from 1998-2006 and United States Representative from 2006-2010. In leadership positions, Mr. Mitchell championed human services, educational improvements, and care for our veterans.   "Harry Mitchell is a genuine humanitarian and his lifetime contributions fully reflect this trait," noted Robert C. Mings in a letter of support.
Don Carlos is a signature Tempe event that brings together the entire community to celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to giving back and serving people.  The award is named for Tempe's pioneer founder Charles Trumbull Hayden who spent his life looking for ways to improve the lives of others. TCC also celebrates our 40th Anniversary of serving this community.

The Don Carlos Humanitarian Award is special because it embodies Hayden's legacy and spirit.  Harry Mitchell was selected by an independent committee; he joins an illustrious list of other Don Carlos Humanitarian recipients including: Dr. William Payne, Leonard Monti, Sr., Margaret & William Kajikawa, Jinnett B. Kirk, Peggy Bryant, Eliza Carney, Naomi Harward, Mimi & Mac Bohlman, Virginia Tinsley, Betty & John Waters, Pat Hatton, Lawn Griffiths, Rudy Campbell, Bobbie & George Overby, Sue & Bob Lofgren, Carol E. Smith, Sue Searcy, Zita Johnson, Bobbie & Don Cassano, David B. Cutty, Joseph Spracale, Jane & Dick Neuheisel, Gail Fisher & Mel Kessler, Linda Spears, Pen Johnson, Sue Ringler, Catherine May & Dan Abbott and Alice & Ralph Goitia.