Volunteering is part of the culture at TEP, strengthening our vision of improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.
The impact is measurable, given the financial value of each volunteer hour is worth $32.07 in Arizona, according to Independent Sector. That means the 13,146 hours of employees’ volunteer time last year translates into the equivalent of $421,592.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, meet three of our active volunteers.
Adam Melton
Adam Melton didn’t really think about serving on a nonprofit board until he joined TEP more than nine years ago.
“When I worked in other law firms, you do one-time volunteer activities and that’s what I thought of as giving,” said Adam, Assistant General Counsel for the company. “It wasn’t until coming to TEP, where there was an intentional push of board service and making it available to employees, that I thought about it in another way. I’m so grateful for TEP for that.”
Once Adam decided that he wanted to join a board, he took his time exploring the different options available to him. While they were all great causes, he hadn’t found one that he personally connected to until he heard that Ronald McDonald House Charities was looking for board members.
Adam’s connection with the Ronald McDonald House is a personal one. His son was born with a rare medical condition that required 11 surgeries and required travel from Phoenix to Chicago every three to four months. Initially, Adam and his wife were staying in hotels, unaware of the option to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.
“I assumed that Ronald McDonald House was meant to support needs-based care and families with children when in fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s for anyone medically traveling for their children,” said Adam. “It was such a safe, warm, welcoming place. We didn’t have to worry about food or transportation, and it was such an impactful experience. We were so grateful, and it made an impression on us.”
After he expressed his interest in serving on the board, Adam met with the CEO and there was an immediate connection.
Today, Adam serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Southern Arizona. This is his third year of service.
“You quickly realize people who are involved in nonprofit board service are there to do what they can to help,” said Adam. “It’s staffed with people who are like-minded and diverse in terms of experience and education. Everyone is using their own talents to further the mission. It’s really rewarding. I always come away from every board meeting feeling re-energized.”
Volunteerism has always been important to Adam. In addition to his board service, he is involved in the Boy Scouts and competitive club soccer. He enjoys the connection and community that he feels.
“It’s really easy to get caught up in our own heads and our own lives,” he said. “It’s easy to recognize that there are many people in our community that just need help, and it’s also easy to assume that someone else is helping. When you’re volunteering you know that you’re actively making something better. If I want something to be better, why would I wait for someone else to do it if I could do something?”
Diane and Sophia Geerligs
Fifteen-year-old Sophia Geerligs remembers volunteering for the first time when she was about six years old, helping to hand out backpacks to other children.
It probably wasn’t the first time her mother, TEP employee Diane Geerligs, brought her to help out. And it certainly wasn’t the last – the mother-daughter duo collectively logged 113 hours of volunteer times last year alone.
Because of her dedication, Sophia was presented with TEP’s Rising Impact Award at this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Event. This award honors an outstanding youth volunteer, under 18 years old, who has made a difference in the community.
“Volunteering gives you a big realization of how you can help the world and help other communities just by being there and making interactions with people,” said Sophia, a ninth grader at Canyon del Oro High School.
Volunteering runs in their family.
Diane remembers her grandmother volunteering at church or other places, guided by the motto of being “a helpful hand, not a handful.” Diane’s mother, too, was also a natural at giving back.
When Diane was looking for a new job about nine years ago, TEP’s culture of volunteering was an attraction.
“I love where I live so that translates into loving your community and that spirit of giving back,” said Diane, a Right-of-Way Agent.
The Geerligs gave time to a wide range of events, from installing smoke detectors to packing food boxes, building homes for Habitat for Humanity and participating in parades. They also assisted at fundraisers and galas, including for Amphi Foundation and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
In addition to the spirit of giving back, Diane sees how volunteering provides her daughter with new skills and insights.
“I’m blessed that I can experience these things as a 15-year-old,” Sophia said. “I know others don’t get to experience what I experience.”
Jennifer Fahrmeyer
Since she was a teenager, Fahrmeyer has made volunteering a big part of her life. In 2024, she racked up 128 hours.
“If there’s a volunteer event happening, chances are you’ll find Jennifer there, along with many members of her family,” said Tara Barrera, TEP Community Program Coordinator.
Fahrmeyer was recognized for her exemplary volunteer service at the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association Awards breakfast in January.
TEP nominated Jennifer for a Community Service Recognition award recognition because she has participated at almost every TEP-organized event, including the Hunger Walk coordination, serving as a reliable volunteer whenever needed. Jennifer regularly brings a cadre of family and friends to join in volunteer events to magnify the impact.
“This year has been probably my best year for volunteering,” Jennifer said. “I felt compelled to do as much as could.”
Jennifer has long volunteered for particular efforts, including 4-H Junior Livestock Auction and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. But she also added some new organizations in 2024, including Salvation Army kids shopping and GAP Ministries anniversary event. She does food distribution for Interfaith Community Service with the Customer Care team.
Other organizations she supports are Tucson Rodeo Committee, Tucson Youth Football, Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation, Pima Sheriff Auxiliary Volunteers, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Pima Animal Care Center, Erik Hite Foundation, and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Jennifer is also a regular blood donor for the American Red Cross, giving about 56 donations in her lifetime. She’s considering plasma donation, as well.
Because her stepchildren are now out of the house and her husband works odd hours, Jennifer enjoys using her spare time to volunteer.
“If I’m at home, I think, ‘I could be volunteering,’” Jennifer said. “I always feel that volunteering costs me nothing other than my time, so why not give it?”
