History of the Benefactors of
Red Rock State Park
In Late 2003 Red Rock State Park volunteer leaders and staff saw the need to obtain outside funds for projects and activities that would not be funded by Arizona Parks but were consistent with the Park’s mission. They took the initial steps to form a “Friends” group for the Park.
The group adopted a mission statement and selected the name “Benefactors of Red Rock State Park,” which best reflected the relationship of the new organization to the Park. A Board of eight members was established and officers were elected. In April 2004 the Internal Revenue Service approved the Benefactors as a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization.
You’ll see this sign as you enter Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona
Since the 2004 inception, the Benefactors have underwritten a wide variety of projects at the Park. The organization also played a major role in the advocacy and fundraising efforts that were ultimately successful in preserving the basic operation of the Park, during drastic reductions of State financial reports during the Great Recession.
The Benefactors have continued adjusting their roles and activities to address the most pressing needs of the Park, at any given time. The organization generously supports the School Connection Program, sponsoring transportation expenses and park entrance fees for schools with high needs, allowing otherwise under-served students to advance environmental literacy and experience hands-on studies in nature.