Serving the community is of the utmost importance toChristian Weems. Throughout her life, Christian has dedicated herself to meeting the needs of others. In recent years, she has served her local Chandler, Arizona community through participation on city committees. Christian also actively participates in the church and in disaster relief efforts.
Support for Hurricane Katrina Victims
Immediately after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, Christian went to work to help displaced residents. She quickly organized a group of youth to assist a project to make and deliver hygiene kits. Members of the community donated every single item used in the kits. When all was said and done, the group compiled 2,500 kits they sent to the people of New Orleans.
Service through the Church
Christian is actively involved in her church community and has assisted with a number of efforts on its behalf. As a member of the women’s organization, she oversaw the welfare of over 300 women. Her efforts ensured these women received much needed love and support.
A master at organizing events, the church also called up Christian to assist with large church activities such as hosting large dinners. She was instrumental in hosting a family carnival as well. During this event, over 1,500 people enjoyed activities including a chili cook off and activity booths.
City of Chandler Domestic Violence Commission
A cause near to Christian’s heart is the prevention of domestic violence. This issue affects communities across America. Oft thought of as spousal abuse, domestic violence can also extend to children and extended family members.
The city devised this unique Commission to advise City Council members on domestic violence issueswithin the larger community. Primarily the Commission exists to further an understanding of domestic violence in the community. It also assesses the quality and effectiveness of domestic violence services available to victims. Goals of the Domestic Violence Commission include:
- Promoting a clear understanding of laws and resources available within the community
- Facilitating prevention and response efforts to serve the needs of domestic violence victims
- Serving as a forum for communication, education and dialogue on domestic violence issues
- Identifying and coordinating the roles and services of local agencies that serve domestic violence victims
During her tenure, Christian Weemswas one of the 11 committee members that make up the group at all times. Six members are individuals who reside in the Chandler community. Representatives of organizations that work in the area of domestic violence make up the remaining five members.
City of Chandler Solid Waste Services Committee
Christian also served the City of Chandler through the Solid Waste Services Committee. During her service, she helped repurpose a useless swath of land once used as a garbage dump into a city park. The innovative project named Paseo Vista Recreation Area has received attention through many local media outlets.
In collaboration with other committee members, Christian worked tirelessly to fight against a garbage transfer station planned for construction next to a residential neighborhood. Residents were concerned property values would plummet if the station came to fruition. Not to mention having to live with an
onslaught of noise and pollution. The effort to retain a peaceful community paid off as the transfer station was never built.
Christian Weems: Behind the Scenes
After attending and graduating high school in Saint Louis, Missouri, Christian relocated to Arizona. There
she attended Arizona State University and majored in art with an emphasis in painting and ceramics. Her favorite classes were those in ceramic hand building.
During these courses, Christian had the opportunity to learn from professor and world renowned master Kurt Weiser. She notes having the opportunity to learn from Professor Weiser was an incredible privilege. In 1996, Christian graduated with her bachelor’s degree after achieving a 4.0 grade point average and summa cum laude honors.
She achieved her goal of graduating with honors by identifying a goal and going after it. Christian let nothing get in the way of realizing her dreams. Her perseverance has served her well over the course of her lifetime.
Christian has put her art degree to good use. She has worked with a number of architects to design custom homes. This work has followed with the opportunity to engage in amazingly beautiful interior design.
In addition, Christian has painted wall murals and applied faux finishes to the interiors of a number of homes. One of her clients included former manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Bob Brenly. The Diamondbacks’ third base coach Matt Williams is also a former client.
In 2008, Christian founded Lizzie Larue, a company that made hair bows geared toward little girls. After showing their product at the Las Vegas ABC Kids Show, Kitson Kids in Los Angeles decided to sell the bows. Lizzie Larue products made up the top-10 best sellers for Kitson Kids.
Christian also enjoys volunteering as a wedding planner. She coordinates food, décor, music and overall itineraries for brides and grooms. While most couples must spend thousands of dollars on such services, Christian does this work at no charge. The popular wedding website, theknot.com, has featured her work.
In her spare time, Christian enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Warren, were married in 1994. After starting a family, Christian has enjoyed the opportunity to raise her children as a full-time mom. Sharing her love of art with her kids, she has served as an art masterpiece teacher in their classrooms from time to time.
Christian has also enjoyed helping her sons build wooden race cars for the annual Pinewood Derby. This family tradition offers a great opportunity to spend quality time together. Designing, crafting and painting a car takes a lot of work! Though it is well worth the effort to see her sons smile when they cross a finish line first.
Christian Weemsgets a lot out of helping others. She has dedicated her life to serving her community, and she supports her family with an equal passion. Christian Weemsencourages all who are willing and able experience the rewards of service to community.
