Wayne Latham Family




Spotlight on Special People

The Wayne Latham Family

Family Donates Grant Resource Databases to Cottonwood Library

Thanks to the generosity of the Wayne Latham family of RiverFront Realty, the Cottonwood Library now houses two online grant resource databases that provide financial opportunities for the community. Non-profit organizations may now find grant funding prospects fast—on a dedicated computer at the library. The Foundation Center and AZ Grants online databases provide instant access to information about thousands of grantmakers and their giving interests. Verde Valley residents no longer need to travel to Flagstaff or Phoenix for these services.

Besides donating $4,500 for this community resource, Latham pledges to donate 10% of his earned commission to any home buyer or seller’s favorite local charity, Cocopai Resource Conservation and Development, or the Katrina Relief Fund, upon successful completion of escrow with RiverFront Realty. Home buyers or sellers need only mention Cocopai’s Cottonwood Library Online Grant Project.

Latham and wife Sheila, a fourth grade teacher at American Heritage Academy, have two children, Ben, 13 and Sarah, 11. Like most families, the Lathams have a limited amount of resources to cover financial responsibilities including giving back to their community. Latham says financial giving decisions are discussed with the whole family, and the children understand that giving is one of life’s important lessons. Wayne maintains there is a difference between need and want. The kids have all they need, but giving sometimes comes before things they want. The Lathams want their children to learn to give, be humble and think of others.

Born in England to an Air Force father and homemaker mother, Latham spent much of his Vietnam era childhood in the Philippines. He says his mother is his best friend and has always been a shining example of the importance of caring for others. “My mom has a giving heart and is always doing things for other people,” he says.

Latham moved to the Verde Valley in 1987. He first worked as a program coordinator for Rusty’s Morning Star Ranch. Later he worked in construction, but an injury forced him to choose a new career. Ten years ago, he became a real estate agent, and thoroughly enjoys the work. He purchased the RiverFront Realty building “on the curve” four years ago. He picked the name RiverFront Realty after talking to the late Dr. Eric Shook, who had named his veterinarian business RiverFront Animal Hospital. “Dr. Shook didn’t have any objections to me using the name, too,” says Wayne, “and with Cottonwood’s extensive Riverfront park system, it just seemed an appropriate name and location to choose for my business.”

Latham’s wish for Cottonwood in the next 10 years is that the community grows gracefully. His biggest concerns are transportation and water. “The traffic is already frustrating,” he emphasizes. He feels that a cap might be placed on the growth, but adds, “Nobody seems to know how or be willing to do so.” He would like to see more transportation corridors for new growth, and thinks the area is already at a point of playing catch-up. “I don’t want to see growth choke the town,” he says.

If Latham could get every person to do just one thing, it would be to do a little something extra for the community. “It doesn’t have to be big, just one thing--small or large, time or money. If everyone did that, it would make such an over all difference,” he says.

Anyone who talks to Latham a few minutes knows that he thinks a lot of his family. Besides hanging out with Sheila and the kids--which is his ultimate favorite thing to do—Latham enjoys golfing, working in the yard, and just being home. His favorite quote is, “A vision without the ability to execute is merely a hallucination.”

Cocopai Vice President Diane Joens, Cottonwood Library Director John O’Neill, Extraordinary Homes’ Carol Abrahamson and Cocopai Coordinator Bob Arambula put the library online grant resource project together. They sent letters to local businesses describing the project’s outreach to Verde Valley non-profits and asked for financial assistance. Latham said, “I jumped at the chance to help with this project.”

Joens say, “Wayne often assists charity organizations in the community. He is a strong, community-minded leader. The action team looks forward to continuing our work with Wayne and the non-profit organizations during this two-year project.” Community members who would like to learn more about the grant resource databases may call O’Neill at 634-7559, extension 105.

Every day is Thanksgiving for Latham. “I just feel blessed, blessed for my family and home and to live in Cottonwood. I don’t know where to start being thankful, so the best thing I can do in return is help the community.”