The Lower Verde River Valley Hall of Fame is now richer by seven members after the annual induction dinner Wednesday, March 27.

Some 300 people attended the 16th annual ceremony, which honored Gail Appeldorn, Gerry Colbert, Debbie Fisher, Phyliss Kern and Tony Pistilli, all of Fountain Hills; Mary Derby of the Verde Communities; and the late Mike Harrison of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The Legacy Award was presented to Juan Gonzalez of Señor Taco. This year a Humanitarian Award went to Susan Dawson and Christine Schaeken, founders of Rescue Pals. Mike Scharnow emceed the event.

Prior to the induction ceremony, River of Time Museum Foundation Board President Barb Hansen announced the dissolution of the foundation.

“The foundation was started as the fundraising arm for the museum,” she said. “We no longer are raising money for the museum, and the museum is holding a number of events through the year to raise funds. So we have decided to dissolve the foundation and give the money we have raised over the years to the museum.”

Hansen presented Museum Executive Director Cherie Koss with a check for $115,000. That amount brings the total to $193,000 donated from the foundation to the museum.

“We (The foundation board) believe the museum is well-grounded and with good leadership, and now is the time to step back,” Hansen added.

While the foundation no longer will be behind the Hall of Fame, the event will continue with a museum board member responsible for organizing the annual event. Hansen, as a member of the board, may assume that role since she has organized the induction and dinner for the past 16 years.

Koss said the funds will be rolled over in to an account with the Arizona Community Foundation as an investment.

“We have no immediate plans for the money,” she said. “We are so grateful for everything the foundation has done for the museum, and I am truly honored they feel secure in doing this. They have trust in us that we will continue to be good shepherds of the money.”

The dinner was catered by Phil’s Filling Station. Fountain Hills High School Key Club members under the sponsorship of Kate Pruett, served the meals.

The foundation recognized Noreen Kurdzialek with flowers and a gift certificate. She has volunteered her bartending services at the annual dinner since its inception. She is now retiring.

Foundation members will meet next week for its final meeting. Board officers are Hansen, Vice President Mike Scharnow, Secretary Jean Linzer and Treasurer Jackie Miles. Board members are Vicki Beseke, Bernadine Burnette, Alan Cruikshank, Ed Kehe, Joanne Meehan, Jerry Miles, Sharon Morgan, Dr. Peter O’Reilly, Jay Schlum, Debbie Skehen, Robert Thomson and Dori Wittrig. Koss is ex-officio member.