Michelle Dimuro (Jenks)

Just like everyone else, I can't believe 20 years has gone by already. I don't feel that oldÉalthough last week my five year old asked me why I have lines on my face, so I guess time really does fly.

1987-1991
I moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. During my last semester of college, I met my future husband, Ray. He was visiting his family during the baseball off-season. He was a profession umpire for ten years. His father was an umpire and his brother is currently an umpire.

1991 - 1999
After graduation I moved around between Tucson, Dallas and then ended up in Phoenix, Arizona working in Investor Relations, Public Affairs and Event Planning for a few manufacturing and software development companies. After four years of dating, Ray and I married in 1995 and had our first daughter, Jordan in 1998. She is an outgoing child, full of energy and a caring personality.

1999 - 2001
The change of the Century brought a lot of change for our family. I decided I wanted to make more of a difference professional, so in 1999 I transitioned my skills into fundraising for non-profit organizations and became the first Director of Development (fundraising) for a brand new school for hearing-impaired children. That same year, Ray decided that umpiring wasn't a fit and jumped back into the world of investments and finance by becoming a Certified Financial Planner as he had originally planned after graduating from the University of San Diego. Our family changed too with the birth of our second daughter, Alison, in 2001. Just like her sister, she is incredible with a smart whit and great sense of humor.

2002-2006
In 2002 I had the opportunity to work for Habitat for Humanity here in Phoenix. I headed up their Development office for a year when I decided that working 24/7 was too much...especially since I had two young children at home and a husband starting his own wealth management business. So, I took a step back and began working from home writing grants for Habitat. In 2004 I obtained by Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation and also branched out with a little consulting work in addition to working for Habitat. I love the flexibility and the satisfaction of helping others who really need and appreciate your efforts. I've been involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), having served as the local chapter president last year.

2007
This year I continue to work at Habitat, consult, serve on the local AFP Board and have joined a national AFP committee. I'm also teaching Sunday school for the first time and chauffeuring the girls around. They keep us busy with dance classes, swim team, karate lessons and activities with friends and family. My parents, brother and his wife, and two of Ray's brothers and their wives and children live in town, so we have a great time getting together.

I'm sorry to say that I can't make the reunion. We have two family weddings, a trip to Europe and a kitchen remodeling project that are taking up our time, money and airline miles. I'm looking forward to seeing photos posted on the web site!

Michelle