Memorial Fund
Deborah Chamness Memorial Fund
Born on November 18, 1971, Debbie Chamness dedicated her life to supporting the educational needs of children with developmental disabilities for over 30 years as a teacher for the Mesa School District. After a heroic ten-month battle with a terminal disease, Debbie passed away in 2023. She was a lifelong education activist and had a strong love of animal rights causes and animal welfare efforts. Her family and loved ones are proud to honor her legacy through the Debbie Chamness Memorial Fund to support the educational and animal welfare causes she believed in and supported so dearly during her incredibly accomplished life.
Debbie was inspired to become a teacher while attending Northern Arizona University in the 90’s. In 2007, Debbie earned her Masters Degree of Education Bilingual/Multicultural Education. This was a special moment for her family, friends, and colleagues. One does not become a teacher for financial rewards; it is a calling, a quest, and an opportunity to deeply impact other lives, and Debbie thrived at her life’s work.
Debbie’s lifelong commitment to helping students with developmental disabilities defined her love of teaching and helping children was her passion. She leaves a powerful legacy as a Teacher of the Year in the Mesa School District, a dedicated union member and organizer, and a fierce advocate who achieved so much during her years fighting the good fight in her classrooms, in legislative offices, and on the streets. If you needed something – a kind word, sage advice, basic directions, a really good joke, or even cookies – she was there and offered it all with a fantastic smile and a genuine desire to help. She loved and respected her students, friends, family, and colleagues in a truly deep way, and in the spirit of that love, the Debbie Chamness Memorial Fund carries on her legacy.
The Fund’s interest and support areas are:
- Animal rights, rescue, and adoption programs and services in AZ.
- Providing educational resources and instructional supplies to K-12 public school teachers in AZ through Treasures 4 Teachers.
- Scholarships for teachers and educational professionals teaching K-12 in public schools who are pursuing necessary credentials and certifications (beginning in 2027).