Bilbie Family Foundation continues helping neighbors in need
Todd Smith, center, celebrates his hole-in-one alongside his sons, Cade, left, and Austin Smith. His ace earned him a 7-night worldwide getaway, sponsored by Show Low Ford.
The Bilbie Family Foundation has awarded four grants so far this year to members of White Mountain communities facing financial hardships, continuing its commitment to finding and helping those whose needs may otherwise go unnoticed.
The grants have assisted with needs ranging from unexpected medical expenses to repairs for handicap-accessible vehicles.
“The BFF always seems to find folks that simply fall through the cracks of normal charitable giving,” said foundation co-founder Richard Bilbie. “We thrive on seeking out hidden need and providing a little relief to those folks who are less fortunate and perhaps are afraid to ask for help—or maybe even pride gets in the way.”
Austin Goodman, Clarissa Goodman, Bobby Dennee, Zendaya Nelson, Richard Bilbie, Cory Kimmel, Cari Bilbie, Presley Goodman, Kalyn Maure and Eli Maure are shown.
The Bilbie family’s tradition of giving back began long before the foundation was created. Richard Bilbie and Cari Eisenhour married in 1995, and their family, including daughters Kalyn and Clarissa, have called Show Low and the White Mountains home for nearly 50 years. “I used to own Bilbie’s Interiors in Show Low, and we gave a lot of money to the community through the business,” Richard said in an earlier interview. “We just want to help out those people that are often overlooked.” Richard and his wife, Cari Bilbie, along with their children Kalyn and Eli Maure and Clarissa and Austin Goodman, make up the foundation’s Board.
Eli Maure, Kalyn Maure, Justine Mills, Cari Bilbie, Clarissa Goodman and Richard Bilbie are shown.
Fundraising for the grants is largely raised through the foundation’s two annual golf tournaments. The events bring together golfers, sponsors, local businesses and community members who make the foundation’s work possible. “This year our tournaments were very successful, and we have many players and community members to thank,” said Cari. “Without their support, we would not be able to make the same impact.”
Among those supporting the foundation this year were the Barry and Laura Nicks family, Fosty and Diane Martinez family, Randy and Jody Gaskill family, Samantha Ross, Shawna Bolton, Lindsey Roberts, Scott Martinson of Cambric Construction, Show Low Ford, Licano’s Mexican Food and Steak House, Silver Creek Electric, Charlie Clark’s Steak House, Northland Therapy, Mike Hawk and Team Toy Box Racing, Rim Country Mechanical, Realty Executives Arizona Territory — Team Nicks-Bilbie, Elevate Electric, Pinetop Ski and Snowboard, The Ranch House Saloon, the John Brophy family, RFG Contracting, Mountain Top Development, Yellowhair Buckles and Show Low Block.
The success of these events and the generosity behind them allow the Bilbie Family Foundation to continue doing what it was created to do: find a need, lend a hand and make a difference right here at home.
For more information or to donate, please any of the board members or go to bilbiefamilyfoundation.org.
Contact the reporter at tgibbons@wmicentral.com.