History
Tom Crawford’s Leadership Children’s Foundation (TCLCF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children. TCLCF gives money throughout the year to children's causes that help preserve childhood and improve the quality of life for young people across the nation. From child abuse prevention and treatment to the fight against childhood diseases, TCLCF has directed over two million dollars to global organizations dedicated to helping children.
The organization was co-founded by Thomas K. and Tammy Crawford. Beyond generous financial gifts, the Crawfords invested their time and energy into the pursuit of helping others -- especially children -- to live fulfilling lives.
Tom passed away in July 2006, and In honor of his legacy of giving, combined with his love for the game of basketball, tournament organizers have created the Desert Duel Memorial Tournament to not only highlight the superstars of tomorrow, but to continue to raise money for children in desperate need of help today.
To give a gift in honor of Tom's legacy of giving, please follow the link below.
Tournament Director, Tammy L. Crawford
Tammy Crawford is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Solutions, Inc. (LSI). LSI is focused on the organization and execution
of elite corporate leadership events, as well as managing philanthropic events that fund children's charities.
Tammy currently serves on the board of directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Childhelp USA, and Tom Crawford's Leadership Children's Foundation.
Tammy's previous experience includes serving as the CEO of Leadership Network Corporation, a leading industry leadership event organization company.
Concurrently, she founded and served as President of Tom Crawford's Leadership Children's Foundation, which has contributed over $2 million in donations
to children's charities. Previously, she served as Director of Sales for Baxter Travenol. She holds a biology degree from the University of Arizona.
Advisory Board
Brad Anderson
Former NFL player and
SVP, CB Richard Ellis
John Barravecchia
CFO, GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance
Marlin Broek
Athletic Director, Valley Christian High School
Tammy Crawford
Co-Founder, Tom Crawford's Leadership Children's Foundation
Art Dye
Founder, Arizona Stars
Kevin Eastman
Assistant Coach, Boston Celtics
David Jobe
President, CSP Information Group, Leadership Conferences and Events Division
Paul Klink
Founder, Terra Partners, LLC
Mike LaBauve
World Renowned Instructor, The LaBauve Golf Academy
Sandy LaBauve
World Renowned Instructor, The LaBauve Golf Academy
Pam LaMarsh
Tom Crawford's Leadership Children's Foundation
Jon S. Lewis
Author, Grey Griffins Series by Scholastic, Inc.
Dr. Joshua Lewis
Emergency Physician, Maricopa Medical Center
Jesse Lewis
Sales Executive, Federal Express
Tom Page
Founder, Phone Bank Systems, Inc.
Justin Peterson
Founder, Just 4 Hoopin'
Rekha- Reddy Sareen
Jeff Scheider
Founder, Big Shots
Anthony Scanio
Vice Principal and Athletic Director, Mesquite High School
Steve Schwanz
President and CEO, Franchise Capitol
Michael Stack
Chairman, Quaker Steak & Lube and President, Stack Enterprises
Ashley Sullivan
Tom Crawford's Leadership Children's Foundation
Chris Volk
Tom Crawford - a legacy of compassion
On July 2, 2006, time stopped, if just for a moment. At the end of long bike trail down the mountain terrain of Deer Valley, Utah, Tom Crawford spotted a sign marking a double black diamond trail. His trek was just about over, but something about that sign drew his attention. Alluring, it was an irresistible challenge that called to Tom the way our bodies scream for oxygen, sustenance, and shelter. Sure, there was a much easier route where he could coast down, grab something to eat and head home. But faced with that fork in the road, Tom took the only path he knew – the challenging path that few dared take.
Yet the same decision that would ultimately lead to his death that day is the same headstrong will that made Tom great. His passion for life – for daring to tackle opportunities that conventional wisdom and sage advice would say are impossible – drove him to be a fiercely dedicated husband and father, a successful entrepreneur, a humble philanthropist, and a man who sought the heart of God with an unquenchable thirst.
After a successful career in corporate America, Tom spurned the safety of his position leading one of the most respected franchise finance companies in the United States to join his wife Tammy in founding Leadership Network Corporation, where their dream and guiding philosophy was to “Change People’s Lives for the Better”.
“People didn’t realize the wonderful things he did. Tom was a quiet force in our industry who had an impact behind the scenes, and we’re going to miss him,” said Jennie Jones, a longtime friend and executive with S&D Coffee.
Beyond mere words, Tom lived to serve others. Whether stranger or close friend, if someone was in need, Tom would be first in line to be their champion – and always anonymously, seeking no glory for himself.
“As early as age 5, Tom knew the art of sharing,” recounted Pam LaMarsh, Tom’s cousin, and the Director of the Leadership Children’s Foundation. “When he received anything new he wanted you to not only see it, but to play with it. Around that time he received a Shetland pony. Instead of riding around showing off his new prize, he insisted everyone get on and ride the pony. He got more joy out of seeing someone else on the pony than he got from riding it himself.”
Tom moonlighted as an actor, writer, professional speaker, and comedian, infusing his creativity, dry wit and playful spirit in all his endeavors. He will be sorely missed.
