We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Helen Schaefer.

Helen was a bedrock for so many in our community, and ARS was particularly fortunate to have Helen as a Founding Board Member. When ARS incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1986, Helen was instrumental in helping ARS prepare and file the application for incorporation. She served as an inaugural board member and continued as an honorary board member until her death. Her advice on many topics proved invaluable to ARS in establishing a reputation in the Southern Arizona community and achieving financial viability.

ARS was honored to perform when the Helen S. Schaefer Poetry Center at the University of Arizona was dedicated in 2007. She served as Honorary Chair of ARS’s 25th Anniversary celebration at the prestigious Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, which included performance of a work commissioned in her honor. With her husband, John, she provided generous financial support and guidance to ARS for more than three decades. ARS feels the deepest gratitude to Helen for her many years devoted to helping us become the well-known choral ensemble we are today.