Who would have ever thought that the world’s largest crane would make an appearance in Chandler, Arizona? Just a mile from Fulton Ranch the crane (and its operators too) are hard at work on construction of the new Intel facility otherwise known as Fab 45.

Intel Corp’s $5 billion investment in a new facility not only brings thousands of factory and construction jobs to the area but also higher wage and higher skill positions. When the facility opens in 2013 the factory will be the most advanced high-volume semiconductor manufacturing facility in the world.

Since many of our homeowners are working on this project we thought you may want to see pictures of what they are creating AND of course pictures of the largest crane in the world.

Isn’t it FAB(45)ulous?

Valley Homebuilder recognizes the Caddys as the this week’s deserving winner of their Fence Patrol Program

The family of a disabled woman in dire need of a pool fence is this week’s Fulton Homes Fence Patrol winner. The free pool installation will happen Tuesday, May 31 at 7a.m. Connie Caddy, from Queen Creek, is a disabled woman with no income. Her husband, Greg, works for the prison system and frequently volunteers for out of state work to make ends meet. And, the couple is taking in their 18-month-old grandchild, while her son is deployed in Afghanistan.

Connie’s husband is often gone for months out of state for work, leaving her at home by herself watching young children. Connie also babysits her two nephews who are 4 years and 4-months-old. She’s very afraid they may fall victim to the curiosity of an unprotected pool.

The Caddy family has endured many financial struggles. Most recently Connie, who nominated her family, explained, they had to replace the transmission in their vehicle which ate up most of their pool fence savings money.

“We are glad to alleviate the anxieties of the Caddy family who are in desperate need of a pool fence,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Fulton Homes is particularly concerned with families with toddlers that are constantly around the pool. We couldn’t be happier to name the Caddy family as this week’s Fulton Homes Fence Patrol winners.”

Drowning related deaths is one of the leading causes in children across the country. According to childrensafetyzone.com, in the first four months of 2011, there have already been 17 water related deaths in Maricopa County including five children. There have also been a total of 34 water related incidents. In 2010, 48 deaths, including 20 children, resulted from 140 water-related incidents.

Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent of Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The Fulton Homes Fence Patrol has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drowning. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

Arizona Pool Fence Laws state that all residential pools must be enclosed by a barrier. Families with children under six must also have a barrier blocking access to the pool from the house. Some cities allow door alarms in place of the pool barrier. Also, certain homes are exempt depending on when they were built. However, most homes must be brought up to code if remodeled or sold.

Interested parties in the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol have until July 4, 2011 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.

Rachel Torne Triumphs Academically Despite A Long Battle with Scoliosis and Bullying.

Erik Hedrick Receives Award for His Infectious Enthusiasm for Education and Positive Influence on His Students

Erik Hedrick of Pima Elementary in Scottsdale has been selected as this week’s Fulton Homes “Teacher of the Week” award recipient for his unbelievable involvement throughout the school.  Hedrick has been honored for being a great role model on the Ben and Matt Show on KNIX on Friday, May 6.

Students across the Valley have been recognizing the teacher that’s made a difference in their lives with the 11th Annual Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week program, run in partnership with KNIX Country Radio. The popular program, which serves to honor outstanding educators, is now running through the school year, ending in May of 2011.

Fulton Homes has recognized Erick Hedrick for the amount of care he puts into his art of teaching. Hedrick is a fifth grade teacher at Pima Elementary and all around the school the students are well aware of how lucky they are to have Hedrick as a mentor and teacher. Hedrick was nominated by Alana Volding, a mother of one of his students, who has nothing but glowing things to say about Hedrick.

“He gives, and gives and gives,” said Volding “I would like him to be recognized for all he provides to his students and for all he gives to the Pima elementary school. He truly is a special and wonderful Teacher. We are very fortunate that he chose Pima elementary school to teach at.”

It is remarks like this that truly show how much appreciation there is for Hedrick at Pima Elementary. On top of being a beloved teacher, Hedrick is actively involved in activities around the school. Every year during the annual Family Fun Bingo Night, Hedrick is the host of the evening. The involvement does not stop here. Hedrick is involved with nearly everything going on at the school. During the school’s Ice Cream Social, Hedrick takes on his alter ego as guitar player and singer.

“The enthusiasm and involvement Erik Hedrick displays at Pima Elementary is extraordinary, and it’s this type of amazing dedication that positively impacts the lives of students and makes a difference here in our community,” remarked Fulton Homes CEO Douglas Fulton. “His involvement shows great leadership and we are pleased to honor him as this week’s outstanding educator.”

Fulton Homes invited students and peers across the Valley to recognize those teachers who make a difference in other’s lives with the 11th Annual Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week program, in partnership with KNIX Country Radio. The popular program, which serves to honor outstanding educators, continues throughout the school year, ending in May of 2011.

Teachers nominated will be entered for a chance to win a prize package that includes $300 in cash plus prizes from Fulton Homes and the Dairy Council of Arizona. The winning teacher will be surprised and presented the award by KNIX radio personality, Carolyn Coffey. Recipients of the award will also be spotlighted on the KNIX Morning Show with Ben and Matt, where they will receive special recognition on their Friday show between 6:20 – 7:20 a.m.

At the end of the school year, on May 24, the 34 winning teachers will be honored at a special luncheon, where one outstanding teacher will be chosen as the Fulton Homes “Teacher of the Year.”  Winners are chosen based on their commitment to education, career achievements and impact on students’ lives.

For more information about Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week, visit www.fultonhomes.com and click on the Fulton Foundation link, or visit knixcountry.com, keyword “Teacher.”

Michael Pusateri Reaches Scholastic Heights Despite Having to Overcome the Effects of Tourette’s and ADHD

(Phoenix)– Fulton Homes has selected Michael Pusateri, an eight grade student at Sonoran Trails Middle School in Phoenix, as the student nominee for the Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School initiative. Pusateri has been diagnosed with both ADHD and Tourette syndrome and despite these disorders, he continues on as a great student. Pusateri was honored as this week’s winner on KOOL FM on Friday morning, April 29, 2011. Be KOOL, Stay in School is an educational partnership that offers weekly recognition and prizes to junior high school students who have overcome an extreme obstacle or difficulty. The program culminates in June of 2011 with $4,000 scholarships awarded to three deserving students. Fulton Homes and KOOL FM have teamed up again for the sixth time for their dynamic Be KOOL, Stay in School initiative.

Michael Pusateri, an eight grader, was nominated by Gretchen Gorr, a speech language pathologist who has gotten to know Pusateri quite well. Gorr spoke on how Pusateri’s combination of ADHD and Tourrettes makes it difficult to find the right combination of medication without offsetting each other. He has taken a unique method in ensuring that his medication does not affect his lifestyle.

“Michael has chosen not to take any medication at all and would rather “feel like himself” and deal with people making comments to him about his tics,” said Gorr.

Pusateri’s decision to take neither medicine is because the medication affects his personality, and he would rather deal with torment than change who he is. That is something that is quite unique in today’s society. He attends the classes with the general public in school rather than taking special needs classes. This can create an added difficulty in the learning process but he manages to overcome this.

“He tries to mask or “fight” the tics at school, so as not to cause a disruption or call attention to himself,” said Gorr. “He has fought hard to find the balance between trying to control his tics and paying attention and participating to the best of his ability”

Pusateri overcomes his struggle on a daily basis and continues to work hard in the classroom. Recently on his AIMS testing, Pusateri excelled in all areas. He ranked in the 99th percentile. He knows that he must continue to work hard, so that he can complete high school and college and after that, find out what career would suit him the best. At the moment his sights are set on a career as a doctor or a physicist.

“Michael is a courageous young man who has fought through much adversity,” remarked Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “If he continues to work hard, the possibilities of what he can achieve are endless. We are honored to name him this week’s Be KOOl, Stay in School winner.”

The Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School program recognizes students throughout the academic year who are currently enrolled in sixth, seventh or eighth grade and who have overcome tremendous challenges. Valley residents can nominate junior high students from various Maricopa County public, private and charter schools by submitting a form online at www.koolradio.com, describing the student’s triumph against extreme odds. These selected weekly winners will then be qualified to win one of three $4,000 scholarships. At the end of the school year, all qualifying students and their parents/guest will be invited to attend a dinner banquet where the winners of the scholarships will be announced.

The Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School program will accept nominations during the 2010-2011 school year, choosing 36 weekly winners who will receive a backpack full of prizes and on-air recognition from KOOL personalities Tom and Maria. Then, all 36 students chosen will be eligible for one of three $4,000 college scholarships, awarded on June 7, 2011. The weekly winners will be evaluated by a board of judges consisting of co-sponsors Fulton Homes and KOOL FM, along with representatives from local schools.  For more information go to www.fultonhomes.com, click on Fulton Foundation and click Youth Education, or visit www.koolradio.com.

Valley Homebuilder Installs Pool Fence For A Couple Dedicated to Giving Back After 9/11

(Gilbert, Ariz.) –The Eighth Annual Fulton Homes Fence Patrol continues to reward Valley families with pool fences along with free installation. This week, Fulton Homes will honor the Ferraro Family of Gilbert. The pool fence will be installed in the Ferraro’s backyard on Tuesday, May 3, at 7 a.m. After the devastating terrorists on September 11, 2001, the Ferraro’s gave up their high paying careers in Manhattan, and have dedicated their careers to servicing their community. With the recent birth of their twins, and financial struggles, the Ferrero family was in need of a pool fence and didn’t have the funds to properly install one. The installation of the new pool fence will ensure optimum safety for their children.

From now until July 12, Fulton Homes will be teaming up with KMLE Country 108 FM radio and Ironman Pool Fence to award 12 Valley families a free pool fence with installation included. The fences are specifically designed to meet city codes for optimum safety. Valley residents are encouraged to nominate themselves or a deserving family for a free pool fence. A properly installed pool barrier prevents a child from getting over, under or through it to gain access to the pool or spa.

The Ferraro family was nominated by their neighbor, Shannon Schott, who said she could not think of two more deserving people to win the pool fence installation. The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks hit close to home for the Ferraro’s. Rob Ferraro was a stock trader at the World Trade Center when the attack happened. Aimee Ferraro worked for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia at the time. They decided to give up their high-paying jobs and comfortable lifestyles and dedicate their careers to serving their communities.
Rob traded in his suit and ties for a badge and became a police officer while Aimee went into nursing. They have since welcomed a pair of twins to their lives and while they are enjoying being new parents, the hospital bills and Neonatal intensive-care unit charges are a constant stress.

“The Ferraro family would love a pool fence and the peace of mind in knowing that their children can grow up safely in their own home,” adds Schott.

“Fulton Homes is especially concerned for families with toddlers who are constantly around a pool,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “With a set of twins, the Ferraro’s already have their hands full, and just a second of distraction could lead to a tragedy. We are pleased to install a pool fence for this couple who have dedicated their careers to serving their community.”

Drowning related deaths is one of the leading causes in children across the country. According to childrensafetyzone.com, in the first four months of 2011, there have already been 17 water related deaths in Maricopa County including five children. There have also been a total of 34 water related incidents. In 2010, 48 deaths, including 20 children, resulted from 140 water-related incidents.

Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent of Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The Fulton Homes Fence Patrol has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drowning. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

Arizona Pool Fence Laws state that all residential pools must be enclosed by a barrier. Families with children under six must also have a barrier blocking access to the pool from the house. Some cities allow door alarms in place of the pool barrier. Also, certain homes are exempt depending on when they were built. However, most homes must be brought up to code if remodeled or sold.

Interested parties in the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol have until July 4, 2011 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.

Melissa Diggins Is Recognized For Her Colorful Teaching Methods And Commitment To Her Students Outside of the Classroom

(Scottsdale, AZ) – Melissa Diggins of Copper Ridge School has been chosen as this week’s Fulton Homes “Teacher of the Week”. Diggins was recognized for her outstanding dedication to her students in and out of the classroom. She received the award on the Ben and Matt Show on KNIX on Friday, April 29. Diggins was nominated by Aubrie Bailie, a sixth-grade student at Copper Ridge.

Students across the Valley have been recognizing the teacher that’s made a difference in their lives with the 11th Annual Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week program, run in partnership with KNIX Country Radio. The popular program, which serves to honor outstanding educators, is now running through the school year, ending in May of 2011.
Diggins is originally from Chicago and received her Master’s Degree in Education at Northwestern University. She has been teaching for 14 years and worked with the Scottsdale Unified School District for the past three. Diggins has been at Copper Ridge for only one year and has already impacted many of her students, including Bailie, who wrote a poem to thank Ms. Diggins.

“I didn’t know I could enjoy social studies so much,” Bailie wrote. “With your sweet words, it’s my heart you touch.”
Diggins takes full advantage of the technology resources available at Copper Ridge and is a fan of incorporating performing arts into her teaching. She engages her students in hands-on enrichment projects, reader’s theater and student rap performances.

“I always knew teaching was my calling,” Diggins said. “I love making a difference in the lives of our future.”
Diggins attended Space Camp for Educators and led a space camp at her former school. She serves as the school union representative for the Scottsdale Education Association and hopes to help improve the Arizona education system.

“Unfortunately, the state is not properly funding education and as a result, the poor salaries take valuable teachers out of the classroom seeking a salary that will provide for their families,” Diggins said.
Diggins’ job is not over when the bell rings. She is supportive of all her students and their extra-curriculum activities outside of the classroom, as well. She attends many of her students’ out-of-school functions, sports games, performances and other events.

“Melissa Diggins is exactly the kind of dedicated educator our classrooms need,” remarked Fulton Homes CEO Douglas Fulton. “She is fully-committed to all of her students and makes sure they know that they can accomplish anything. Fulton Homes is grateful for all her hard work and proud to name Diggins our Teacher of the Week.”

Fulton Homes invited students and peers across the Valley to recognize those teachers who make a difference in other’s lives with the 11th Annual Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week program, in partnership with KNIX Country Radio. The popular program, which serves to honor outstanding educators, continues throughout the school year, ending in May of 2011.

Teachers nominated will be entered for a chance to win a prize package that includes $300 in cash plus prizes from Fulton Homes and the Dairy Council of Arizona. The winning teacher will be surprised and presented the award by KNIX radio personality, Carolyn Coffey. Recipients of the award will also be spotlighted on the KNIX Morning Show with Ben and Matt, where they will receive special recognition on their Friday show between 6:20 – 7:20 a.m.

At the end of the school year, on May 24, the 34 winning teachers will be honored at a special luncheon, where one outstanding teacher will be chosen as the Fulton Homes “Teacher of the Year.”  Winners are chosen based on their commitment to education, career achievements and impact on students’ lives.

For more information about Fulton Homes Teacher of the Week, visit www.fultonhomes.com and click on the Fulton Foundation link, or visit knixcountry.com, keyword “Teacher.”

Lorenzo Xavier Celis Is Recognized for his Academic Achievements While Overcoming the Sudden Death of His Father

(Glendale, Ariz.)– Fulton Homes is honoring Lorenzo Xavier Celis after triumphing in the wake of his father’s death. Celis, a student at St. Louis the King Catholic School in Glendale, was named the Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School winner this week. The winner was announced Friday morning, April 22, 2011, on KOOL FM.  Be KOOL, Stay in School recognizes junior high and high school students who have overcome an extreme obstacle or difficulty. The program culminates in June of 2011 with $4,000 scholarships awarded to three deserving students.
Celis often said his father, Martin Celis, was his best friend. His father was very involved in the school as a volunteer coach, even working extra hours to install new tile in the school’s church. On Celis’s first day of 7th grade, his father was killed in a car accident on his way to work. The news was shocking to the family. Since then, Celis has worked very hard to stay strong for his mother and sister. Celis was nominated by his aunt, Rosanne Aviles, who has seen her nephew go through such a difficult time.
“Lorenzo accepted his father’s death with faith and conviction that he will see him again,” Aviles said. “This is something even many adults wouldn’t be able to do.”
Aviles said Celis maintained his grades through 7th grade and even went on to win the Knights of Columbus Free-Throw Championship at U.S. Airways Arena. Now 14 and about to start high school, Celis seems more dedicated to his academics than ever—and so is his family. The Martin Celis family now hosts an annual golf tournament in honor of his name and to help raise money to put toward Celis and his sister’s scholarship funds. Celis will attend Bourgade Catholic High School in the fall and hopes to continue his education at the University of Arizona.
“Lorenzo is a joy to his family and there is no doubt his dad is beaming with pride for his son,” Aviles said.
Celis has excelled academically in his 8th grade year and also participated in basketball and football. Aviles said she tunes into KOOL FM for the Be KOOL, Stay in School winners every week and is often moved by so many great students. She nominated her nephew because she felt he was the perfect candidate.
“To lose a parent and a best friend at the same time is a struggle many people wouldn’t know how to cope with” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Lorenzo Celis overcame that tragic loss and became a role-model for young men. We are pleased to honor Lorenzo Xavier Celis as this week’s Be KOOL, Stay in School winner, and hope that his story of courage in the face of tremendous obstacles inspires all valley students.”
The Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School program recognizes students throughout the academic year who are currently enrolled in sixth, seventh or eighth grade and who have overcome tremendous challenges. Valley residents can nominate junior high students from various Maricopa County public, private and charter schools by submitting a form online at www.koolradio.com, describing the student’s triumph against extreme odds. These selected weekly winners will then be qualified to win one of three $4,000 scholarships. At the end of the school year, all qualifying students and their parents/guest will be invited to attend a dinner banquet where the winners of the scholarships will be announced.
The Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School program will accept nominations during the 2010-2011 school year, choosing 36 weekly winners who will receive a backpack full of prizes and on-air recognition from KOOL personalities Tom and Maria. Then, all 36 students chosen will be eligible for one of three $4,000 college scholarships, awarded in June 2011. The weekly winners will be evaluated by a board of judges consisting of co-sponsors Fulton Homes and KOOL FM, along with representatives from local schools.  For more information go to www.fultonhomes.com, click on Fulton Foundation and click Youth Education, or visit www.koolradio.com.
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Founded in 1975, Fulton Homes is one of Arizona’s largest privately owned homebuilders. Headquartered at 9140 S. Kyrene Rd. in Tempe, Fulton Homes builds affordable, high-quality single-family homes. According to the Phoenix Business Journal’s Book of Lists, Fulton Homes currently ranks fifth in the market, selling 669 homes from 7/1/09 to 6/30/10. To learn more about Fulton Homes, visit www.fultonhomes.com

Valley Homebuilder has announced the Dinie family as the first winner of the summer season in the Fence Patrol Program!

(Mesa, Ariz.) –In an effort to save lives and prevent drownings, Fulton Homes is giving away twelve pool fences to those in need during the Eighth Annual Fulton Homes Fence Patrol. The Dinie family of Mesa is this year’s first winner. The Dinie’s pool fence is scheduled to be installed on Tuesday, April 26 at 7 a.m. From now until July 12, Fulton Homes will be teaming up with KMLE Country 108 FM radio and Ironman Pool Fence to award Valley families a free pool fence with installation included. The fences are specifically designed to meet city codes for optimum safety. Valley residents are encouraged to nominate themselves or a deserving family for a free pool fence. A properly installed pool barrier prevents a child from getting over, under or through it to gain access to the pool or spa.
For the Dinie family in Mesa, there has been a need for a fence around their pool for the past year, but due to some financial struggles, it just has not been possible. Amy Dinie nominated her family for the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol program. Amy’s husband, Frank, lost his job recently and due to this unfortunate circumstance, the purchase of a pool fence had been pushed aside.
“We intended to buy a fence with our tax return, but after Frank lost his job, we had to use the return on other essentials,” said Amy Dinie.
The Dinie family consists of Amy, Frank, and their four children: Michael, 10, Rachael, 9, Rebecca, 6, and Sarah, 2. With that many children and an inviting pool without a fence, a lot of anxieties can exist.
“We don’t go one day without worrying about Sarah wandering out into the backyard and falling into the pool,” said Dinie.
With the installation of this fence, there is no longer a need to worry about a child slipping out and getting into the pool and now the Dinie family can go back to living a life without the fear of a pool related incident happening.
“At Fulton Homes, we believe that parents must remain vigilant in regard to watching their kids around water and a properly installed pool fence is essential,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Drowning incidents can happen in a matter of seconds and they can happen to anyone. With four children in the mix, we understand how much a necessity a pool fence is and we are pleased to be able to provide one to the Dinie family.”
Drowning related deaths is one of the leading causes in children across the country. According to childrensafetyzone.com, in the first four months of 2011, there have already been 14 water related deaths in Maricopa County including five children. There have also been a total of 31 water related incidents. In 2010, 48 deaths, including 20 children, resulted from 140 water-related incidents.
Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent of Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The Fulton Homes Fence Patrol has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drowning. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.
Arizona Pool Fence Laws state that all residential pools must be enclosed by a barrier. Families with children under six must also have a barrier blocking access to the pool from the house. Some cities allow door alarms in place of the pool barrier. Also, certain homes are exempt depending on when they were built. However, most homes must be brought up to code if remodeled or sold.
Interested parties in the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol have until July 4, 2011 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.

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Founded in 1975, Fulton Homes is one of Arizona’s largest privately owned homebuilders. Headquartered at 9140 S. Kyrene Rd. in Tempe, Fulton Homes builds affordable, high-quality single-family homes. According to the Phoenix Business Journal’s Book of Lists, Fulton Homes currently ranks fifth in the market, selling 669 homes from 7/1/09 to 6/30/10. To learn more about Fulton Homes, visit www.fultonhomes.com

Ira Fulton made a fortune building homes. Now he and his wife are spending it on scholarships and school buildings — and hitting up their friends, too .

One of Arizona’s largest homebuilders, Ira Fulton, and his wife, Mary Lou, have given generously to Arizona State University and Brigham Young University. “I’m a pushover for kids,” says Ira, our No. 46 top giver, “because if we don’t educate them, we’re in trouble.”

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (which owns BYU), the ASU alumnus expanded a California clothing store chain, which he sold in 1995, before making Fulton Homes one of the largest homebuilders in the booming Phoenix market. The 74-year-old philanthropist, who has no plans to retire soon, told BusinessWeek reporter Bremen Leak why he’s so eager to give away his fortune. Here are edited excerpts.

It’s been said that if you had stopped writing big checks, you’d be a billionaire by now, so why the constant smile?
You know something, I’ve been giving away half of my profit since ’91 to education, and my company averages over 45% gain in equity every year. It’s just crazy. I give it away, but it comes right back to me. I think it’s because it motivates me to get out and work harder.

Something else — you can’t take it with you. Before my mother passed away, I said: “Mom, I’ve figured out how to take it with me.” She said: “How?” I said: “Traveler’s checks,” and she hit me. I love giving it away. Every time I go out and make a new land transaction, I look at the profit I’ve made, and I say: “That would get me so many scholarships or build me another building!” I convert everything to buildings or scholarships.

Aside from donating money to ASU and BYU, what else have you been up to lately?
I’m glad you ask. In the past couple years I’ve been involved with the [Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii] because it helps pay scholarships for boys and girls to go to college. [The PCC is affiliated with BYU Hawaii through an international work-study program.] We have 700 boys and girls that could not go to college if we didn’t give them a job at the PCC. We have 11 villages there, and they literally dress up and perform their native customs for all the tourists. Last year we celebrated our 30 millionth tourist since it opened. We have quite a program there.

How do your wealthy neighbors respond to your giving?
All my friends, they have it. They just… I asked them the other day: “Have you ever seen a Brinks truck at a funeral procession? I haven’t.” You can’t take it with you. I’m on them all the time about that.

How do you know what these universities do with it?

They have to report back to me. I meet with the deans personally. I meet with the faculty. I’m not just going to give them a free lunch, because I don’t believe in free lunches. I believe if you teach somebody how to work, they’ll feed themselves forever, and that’s what I want to do.

When did you first learn the importance of generosity?
My mother was very generous. We had a little hamburger stand in Tempe [Ariz.], and she raised seven of us out of it. We just didn’t have any money, but we were able to eat, have clean clothes, and get an education. But my mother never, never turned anybody away.

I remember when I was a little boy, I used to scold Mama. I’d say: “Mama, you give away our food, and we work so hard for it.” And she’d say: “But they’re hungry.” Because of my mother, I became a very charitable person. I can hardly say no to anybody — if they’re in need. I can say no to people who want to twist my arm for an investment. But to help people that are down and out — you’re blessed for that, and I believe that.

Recently, you and Mary Lou celebrated your 51st wedding anniversary — something not all successful businesspeople achieve. Have your mutual giving efforts brought you two closer together?
Oh, yes. We’re 100% in everything. We’re just one.

What do you hope to accomplish with your giving?
I’m educating a lot of great men and women who will go out and be our future CEOs and CFOs, and within the church, our bishops, our general authorities, our mission presidents. Like I told the prophet [Gordon B. Hinckley] the other day: “I’m going to let you spiritually save their soul, and I’m going to educate the soul.” And he said: “Ira, you’ve got a deal.”

My goal is to get other people to have the same feeling I have about giving, to make things better in this world. We’ve been blessed so much. Everybody has. They just forget where it comes from.