Tempe Community Council names 2026 Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards recipients

Tempe, AZ - Tempe Community Council (TCC) has named four award recipients who will be honored at the 43rd Annual Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards, presented by Salt River Project (SRP), on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at the SRP PERA Club in Tempe.

This year's honorees are:
• Dr. Judy Aldrich - Don Carlos Humanitarian Award
• Shrinithi Shaurya - Young Humanitarian Award
• David Gil - Volunteer Excellence Award
• The Arc of Tempe - Community Impact Award

Tickets are on sale now.

Dr. Judy Aldrich will receive the 43rd Don Carlos Humanitarian Award, one of Tempe's most distinguished honors for humanitarian service. For more than four decades, Aldrich has contributed her time and leadership to organizations and civic efforts throughout Tempe, including the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, and numerous community boards and commissions. At age 81, she remains deeply engaged in serving her community, including volunteering regularly with TCC's Threadz teen clothing closet, serving Tempe high school students.

Shrinithi Shaurya will receive the Young Humanitarian Award for combining technology, education and service to create opportunities for others. As an intern with the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamps hosted by DriveTime in Tempe, she helped introduce young people to artificial intelligence through hands-on learning and mentorship. Shaurya will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Ramsey Social Justice Foundation in recognition of her selection as the Young Humanitarian Award recipient.

David Gil will receive the Volunteer Excellence Award for contributing more than 1,400 volunteer hours through Swappow PLUS Foundation, supporting Arizona foster youth through mentorship and hands-on service. His work includes connecting with young people through skateboarding while helping build confidence, relationships and opportunities for their futures.

The Arc of Tempe will receive the Community Impact Award, recognizing more than six decades of service and longstanding roots in Tempe. Through social opportunities, self-advocacy and family support, The Arc helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships, strengthen their voice and thrive as valued members of the community.

"The Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards give us an opportunity to recognize the many ways people make a difference in Tempe," said Rabbanni FurQaan, TCC Board Chairman. "From a lifetime of service to the energy and ideas of a new generation, this year's award recipients remind us that strengthening a community takes many forms."

Named in honor of Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden, fondly remembered by early Hispanic residents as "Don Carlos," the awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose compassion, leadership and actions improve the lives of others.

Event Details:

43rd Annual Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards
Monday, Oct. 19, 2026
SRP PERA Club
1 E. Continental Drive, Tempe

Registration begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program.

Tickets: $110 per person | Tables of 10: $1,000
Advance purchase required by Oct. 5. Tickets will not be sold at the event.
Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For event information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities visit tempecommunitycouncil.org/don-carlos.