History
The Centurions is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, that supports a wide range of charitable organizations and projects in Southern Arizona. The Centurions maintain a membership of 100 active members that are among Southern Arizona’s most prominent business and civic leaders.Originally founded in 1968 as an associate support group of St. Mary’s Hospital, the Centurion name was chosen to honor the one hundred years of service given to Southern Arizona by Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital. The name further reflects the members’ focus on business and civic leadership in the community by the historical reference to the Roman Centurion, a leader of 100 soldiers.
In 1970 the group organized its first fundraising effort to help raise money for St. Mary’s Burn Center which, at that time, was in dire need of support. Through the efforts of the Centurions and the generosity of the Tucson community, the Burn Center gradually became the preeminent burn rehabilitation facility in the Southwest.
In the 45 years that followed The Centurions directed their fund raising efforts to a wide variety of St Mary’s and Carondelet’s projects culminating in a 2 million dollar gift for the “Fulfilling the Promise” Capital Campaign.
In 2014, the Centurions reorganized and expanded its gift giving to include other organizations in the community including Tu Nidito, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Tucson Medical Center. The Centurions plan to continue supporting a wide range of charitable organizations and projects in southern Arizona.
Past Events
2017
An Oz-some experience! A Ding-Dong Doozie of a Do
2016
Comic Con Caper
2015
The Great Disco Ball
2014
The Great Neanderthal Bash, a Stone Age Rampage
2013
The Great Outlaw Brouhaha, The Good, The Bad and the Centurions
2012
The Great Masquerade Escapade, The Ball to End All !
2011
The Great Prohibition Exposition, A Bootlegger off Broadway!
2010
The Great Pajama-Rama, A Nightie to Remember!
2009
Centurion Saturday Night, No More Blues, Brother!
2008
The Great Parrothead Ball
2007
The 007 Event, A Bond Voyage with a License to Chill
2006
Viva Las Vegas
2005
Pirates of the Catalinas
2004
West of the Pecos Fracas
2003
The Great Reggae Melee! Jamaica Me Crazy Mon!
2002
Heroes & Heroines, An Unbridled Idol Revival!
2001
Mardi Gras 2001 A Ragin Cajun Occasion
2000
Toga 2000
1999
Rock at Woodstock
1998
The Great Base Ball, A Diamond Theme on a Field of Dreams…
1997
Safari So Goodie – It’s a Jungle Out There
1996
An Olympic Tribute 1996 – The Great Marathon Decathlon
1995
The Great Silver Screen Movie Character Scene
1994
The Great Silver Anniversary Event
1993
The Great Outer Space Disgrace
1992
The Great South Pacific Ocean Commotion!
1991
The Great Raucous Caucus Debaucous – An Unconventional Political Convention
1990
The Late Great Rock N Roll Estate
1989
The Great Wild and Wooly Western Wound Up
1988
The Great Times Square Affair
1987
The Great White Hat and Dirty Rat Format
1986
The Great Downtown Clown Around
1985
The Great Funny Paper Caper
1984
The Great Flying Machine Scene
1983
Dragons and Flagons
1982
Its The Real Sting
1981
The Great Daisy Mae Melee
1980
The Great Caesars Seizure Celebration
1979
The Great Mash Bash
1978
The Great Train Junction Function
1977
The Great King Kong Caper
1976
The Great Wing Ding Airport Party
1975
The Great Depression Party of 1975
1974
The Great Gatsby
1971
Premier Showing of Cabaret / A Theatre Party
1970
Professional Bowling Tournament