Basil and Mimi Maher Shine at Rotary Awards Ceremony

The Rotary Club of Sedona honored local philanthropists Basil and Mimi Maher with the Make-A-Difference Award and Paul Harris Fellow recognition during its meeting on September 10. The club also made significant donations in the Mahers’ names, contributing $1,000 to the Sedona Red Rock High School Scorpion Booster Club and $2,000 to Rotary International.

Basil Maher expressed a deep commitment to Sedona, despite their initial intent to remain private citizens. “Some people have said, ‘Sedona either embraces you or chews you up to spit you out,'” he noted. The Mahers, originally from New Jersey, relocated to Sedona in 2020. Since then, Mimi has founded BCT Sedona Multifamily LLC with the mission of creating workforce housing for essential local workers.

Mimi Maher described current projects, including a multifamily building on Jordan Road and another on Van Deren Road, each consisting of eight units along with plans for an additional 20 single-family homes. The name “BCT” originated from Bobcat Trail, a name that has since become associated with their housing initiatives. “BCT Sedona started originally, not as a company. It began with trying to find housing for our people,” she said.

One impactful story came from Tom Swaninger, the superintendent of Sedona-Oak Creek School District, who found assistance from the Mahers during his relocation. “I was in a little bit of a panic… and they had one open,” he recalled. Swaninger emphasized that the Mahers’ support extends beyond him, positively impacting numerous teachers, law enforcement, and counselors seeking housing in the area.

Basil Maher was quick to acknowledge Mimi’s central role in their housing endeavors. “BCT, I have to explain, is Mimi,” he stated, underscoring her leadership and vision. Rotary Youth Services Chairwoman Jennette Bill highlighted the couple’s contribution to the Wildcat Extended Day Program, noting that their funding was critical to its continued operation.

In addition to the Scorpion Booster Club donation, the Mahers are also facilitating financial support for West Sedona School’s preschool program, potentially expanding its capacity to 40 children. Swaninger described this as a transformative opportunity for families, with potential benefits spanning generations.

Basil Maher discussed the need for more sustainable funding to support the Sedona-Oak Creek School District (SOCSD). He proposed an endowment fund to ensure adequate resources for teacher salaries and program funding, estimating a need for an additional $1 million annually.

The Mahers have also expressed interest in converting Building C on the district’s Big Park Community School property to teacher housing, a project that has faced hurdles. The district will seek voter approval in the upcoming election on November 5 to potentially sell this property to a private entity.

Basil indicated the Mahers would be keenly interested in pursuing the property if the sale were approved, though future plans remain unspecified. A special meeting of the SOCSD Governing Board is scheduled for September 23 to discuss this option with the community.