About
History
Honoring Yuma’s Nurses: A Legacy of Excellence
The Yuma County Nurses Foundation (YCNF) is proud to celebrate and recognize the incredible nurses in our community.
Since 2009, nurses, healthcare providers, employers, and community leaders have come together during National Nurses Week in May to honor the vital contributions of Yuma nurses. Our annual Gala and Award Ceremony has become a cherished tradition; one that continues to grow in size and significance. In 2025, the Yuma County Nurses Foundation was officially established to carry forward the legacy of the two nursing organizations that originally launched this celebration:
- Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA) – Rio Colorado Yuma Chapter 7
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) – Ángeles del Desierto Chapter
Together, we remain committed to honoring the heart of healthcare: our nurses.
Gala & Award Ceremony Timeline
-
2009 – 1st Annual Gala
- Award: Yuma County Nurse of the Year: Rudy Valenzuela
- Special Recognition: Carol Houggard (also a speaker and honored at the 2025 Gala)
-
2010 – 2nd Annual Gala
- Award: Yuma County Nurse of the Year
-
2011 – 3rd Annual Gala
- Award: Yuma County Nurse of the Year
-
2012 – 4th Annual Gala
- Award: Yuma County Nurse of the Year
-
2013 – 5th Annual Gala
- Expanded to 2 Awards combined:
- Yuma County Nurse of the Year
- Christi Brito: Light of Nursing
- Expanded to 2 Awards combined:
-
2014 – 6th Annual Gala
- Awards Expanded:
- Christi Brito: Light of Nursing
- Excellence in Leadership
- Excellence in Mentorship
- Excellence in Clinical Practice
- Yuma County Nurse of the Year
- Awards Expanded:
-
2015 – 7th Annual Gala
- Same five awards as 2014
-
2016 – 8th Annual Gala
- Same five awards as 2015
-
2017 – 9th Annual Gala
- Same five awards as 2016
-
2018 – 10th Annual Gala
- Same five awards as 2017
-
2019 – 11th Annual Gala
- Awards Expanded to Six:
- Christi Brito: Light of Nursing
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Clinical Practice
- Ray Kronenbitter: Nurse Advocacy
- Yuma County Nurse of the Year
- Awards Expanded to Six:
-
2020–2022 – Gala on pause due to COVID-19
-
2023 – 12th Annual Gala (Post-COVID Return)
- Six Awards Continued:
- Christi Brito: Light of Nursing
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Clinical Practice
- Ray Kronenbitter: Advocacy
- Yuma County Nurse of the Year
- Six Awards Continued:
-
2024 – 13th Annual Gala
- Our Largest Gala to Date:
- Over 50 nurse nominees
- Same six award categories
- Outgrew the Pivot Point venue
- Our Largest Gala to Date:
-
2025 – First Annual Yuma County Nurses Foundation Gala
Mission
The Yuma County Nurses Foundation exists to organize an event to celebrate all Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Yuma County, Arizona in honor of the American Nurses Association’s National Nurses Week. This celebration occurs every May and includes a dinner, the presentation of awards, and recognition of Yuma County Nurse of the Year.
Purpose
The Yuma County Nurses Foundation created in 2024 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization inspired by the tradition of the Yuma County Nurses Celebration that began in 2009. The Yuma County Nurses Foundation is dedicated to continuing the tradition of honoring all Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Yuma County.
Yuma County Nurses Foundation : Core Values
1. Excellence in Nursing
We are committed to advancing the highest standards of nursing practice, education, and leadership in Yuma County.
2. Recognition & Celebration
We honor and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and impact of nurses who serve our community with integrity and heart.
3. Community Commitment
We foster meaningful connections among nurses, healthcare institutions, and the broader community to support a strong and united nursing presence.
4. Advocacy & Empowerment
We advocate for the professional growth, well-being, and continued education of nurses and nurse leaders across all stages of their careers.
5. Inclusivity & Respect
We embrace diversity and promote an inclusive environment that respects and values the unique contributions of every nurse.
6. Legacy & Tradition
We are proud to carry forward the tradition of honoring Yuma County nurses each May, preserving the legacy of those who paved the way and inspiring future generations.