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 The name further reflects the members’ focus on business and civic leadership in the community by the historical reference to the Roman Centurion, a leader of 100 soldiers.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.
