Philanthropy As we look back on this year, we want to highlight a couple of our key supporters
Commemorating the Legacy of Lolly Almquist: A Champion for Older Adults
Pat Raskob, a Leader in Philanthropic Investing We would like to take a moment to recognize one of our most steadfast supporters, Pat Raskob. If you’ve had a chance to visit the Caregiver Skills Lab at PCOA’s offices at The Katie, you might have seen the names of Pat Raskob and Tom Paulus on the wall. Their support of this project is just a small marker of their sizeable impact. In 1981 Pat created The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson and was its first professional director raising $1 million annually until she started Raskob Kambourian Financial Advisors in 1986. The turning point in her journey came when Marian Lupu reached out and brought her attention to the pressing needs of the aging population. In her own philanthropic efforts, Pat had noticed it was much harder to fundraise for older adults. “People don’t want to think about aging,” Pat remarked. Pat decided to step up and make a difference and involved her
in fundraising committees and playing a pivotal role in various initiatives aimed at supporting older adults, earning PCOA’s Sticking Your Neck Out Award. Clark described Lolly as "an amazing force for good in this community" articulateness, and kindness. In 2012, Lolly Almquist and her family were honored at the Generations Gala, and highlighted her intelligence, where she received the prestigious Generations of Commitment Award from PCOA. This award celebrated her decades of tireless advocacy on behalf of older adults, a legacy that has been carried forward by her daughter Kristin T. Almquist, who helped to start the Council of Aging Foundation, a former side arm of PCOA’s operations. She is also survived by her two sons, Arthur and Peter. One of her other notable roles was as a member of the Tucson Unified School District Board, where she served two terms
Earlier this year, Tucson bid farewell to one of its most beloved philanthropists and community advocates, Laura 'Lolly' Almquist, whose lifetime of service to others has left an indelible mark. Lolly passed away, joining her husband John, who had preceded her in death just a year earlier. Their shared legacy of altruism and community service made them household names across Arizona. Lolly Almquist's journey of giving back began when she and her husband relocated to Tucson in 1958. Over the decades that followed, she immersed herself in various organizations and causes, including PCOA, where she was an integral leader during the early days of PCOA’s formation and continued to volunteer her time for decades to come. W. Mark Clark, President and CEO of PCOA, spoke with the Arizona Daily Star of Lolly's immense impact on the organization,mentioning her active participation
children in the mission. She is currently embarking on a new venture with her daughter Pam, a certified caregiver, to create integrated aging services here in Tucson. Pat's own desire to make an impact led her to invest in PCOA’s work, along with her husband Tom. “I like to make something possible that wouldn’t otherwise exist”, Pat says. When PCOA acquired the building that would later become The Katie, it was a natural fit for her to jump in and help make the Skills Lab a reality. "We don't have enough caregivers," Pat remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for well-trained professionals to care for our aging population. Pat thinks outside the box, and her work is not done. In reflecting on what the future holds, Pat said " I hope to continue assisting in joyful aging for years to come!"
after being elected in 1977. And in 1980, she was named Tucson Woman of the Year in recognition of her extensive volunteerism. Her dedication to serving our community, from children to older adults, earned her the admiration of many, including Arizona representative Raúl Grijalva, who fondly remembered Lolly as a 'dear friend' and a 'truly special person.' Lolly Almquist's legacy is one of compassion, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to community service. In honoring Lolly Almquist, we not only celebrate her remarkable life but also recommit ourselves to the principles she held dear - that by serving others, we can truly make the world a better place.
November/December 2023, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
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