DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12
WHEN IT COMES TO CHARITY, THE ARIZONA COYOTES FOUNDATION HAS GOALS
GOMPERS + 5 ARTS CIRCLE + GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BEHIND THE DOOR {the caniglia group}
FEATURED LISTINGS
Steve Caniglia
Shelley Caniglia
3345 N. 34th St., Phoenix, AZ 85018
3216 N. Manor Drive W., Phoenix, AZ 85014
Gorgeous, builder model home in popular Arcadia area gated community! 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 4619 square feet. Gourmet chef kitchen sports large island with breakfast bar, granite countertops, Restoration Hardware-style stacked cabinets, gas cooktop and high-end stainless steel appliances. Wood and travertine flooring, box window seats and entertainment bar with wine fridge. Fully retractable sliding glass door leading from family room/kitchen to gorgeous backyard. Professionally landscaped front and back, built-in BBQ, huge covered patio, solar heated pool/spa combo with water feature, gas fire pit and travertine sun deck. Spectacular master suite with three customized walk-in closets, walk-in shower, separate tub and double sinks. 2 car garage with Tesla/EV charging receptacle and 1 car garage with built-in workshop. Owners have put over $100,000 in improvements into the property since purchasing the model home in 2012! This home is also energy star certified with far lower electric bills than a normal home of this size. This is an absolute must see!
Nestled beyond the gates of the desirable Phx Country Club, this two story Georgian home is located on the 3rd fairway of the golf course. Superior curb appeal with gated walkway, bricked and bush lined driveway and mature trees. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 6689 sq. ft. includes finished basement, 5 car garage. Formal living room with auto starter fireplace and large built in tv screen hidden behind a painting. Wood floors, custom cabinetry, french doors with new millwork, wainscoting and double hung dual pane windows throughout. Kitchen includes marble and tile countertops, custom front door refrigerator, 6 burner gas stove top, 1 electric and 2 gas ovens, farmhouse sink and secondary prep sink. Master suite has fireplace, his and hers custom fitted closets, marble floors and marble countertops in master bath. Wonderful large covered brick patio out back with built-in BBQ, brick fireplace with built-in tv and ceiling fans. Patio overlooks sparkling tiled pool and the golf course. This type of property rarely comes available on the market. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
The Caniglia Group
Shelley Caniglia: 602-292-6862 | Steve Caniglia: 602-301-2402 TheCanigliaGroup.com | UrbanConnectionRealty.com
SEPTEMBER 2018 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 9
OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10
A MATTRESS Debbie Gaby is Beginning a New Chapter of Her Fairy-Tale Life
DRESS FOR SUCCESS + 10 QUESTIONS WITH DIANA YAZZIE DEVINE + ONE•N•TEN
PUBLISHER
Andrea Tyler Evans EDITOR
Karen Werner
FAMILY PROMISE + LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA FOUNDATION + IMPACT ONE
ITʼS ARIZONA TAX CREDIT TIME! Donʼt forget to check out the Frontdoors Tax Credit Giving Guide for 2018-19. Find it on our website at frontdoorsmedia.com.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Erin Garcia CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jamie Killin, Lisa Mullavey, Judy Pearson, Carey Peña FASHION WRITER
Tyler Butler ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jillian Rivera
On the Cover
BEAUTY PARTNER — MAKE-UP
The Sparkle Bar BEAUTY PARTNER — HAIR STYLING
Julia Mendez PHOTOGRAPHY
Nicole King Thurlkill Studios
PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER
Thurlkill Studios
GENERAL INFORMATION & PRESS RELEASES
info@frontdoorsmedia.com 3104 E. Camelback Road #967, Phoenix, AZ 85016 480-622-4522 | frontdoorsmedia.com
Frontdoors Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Mike Saucier.
TABLE OF CONTENTS {december 2018, volume 16, issue 12}
20
EDITOR’S NOTE......................... 05 Grass-Cut Syndrome 10 QUESTIONS WITH............. 06 Jill Christenholz BOOKMARKED.......................... 10 Staff Picks OFFICE DOORS......................... 12 Terry Ricketts of APS CAREY’S CORNER................... 18 The Butterfly Effect
12
COVER STORY.......................... 22 Hockey With Heart NEXT DOORS............................. 30 A New Era for Golf in Arizona GIVING IN STYLE..................... 34 Gifts That Give Back CHARITY SPOTLIGHT........... 38 Gompers KITCHEN DOORS..................... 42 Tastes of the Season A 2ND ACT..................................... 44 A “Tail” of Two Second Acts OPEN DOORS............................ 48 Holidays in the Desert
28 NONPROFIT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FEATURED IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: + 5 Arts Circle
+ DA8Strong Foundation
+ Phoenix Zoo
+ Altered Tails
+ Desert Botanical Garden
+ Read Better Be Better
+ Anthem Pets Animal Rescue
+ Foothills Animal Rescue
+ Smile Train
+ Arizona Coyotes Foundation
+ Gompers
+ The Phoenix Symphony
+ Arizona Humane Society
+ Historical League
+ UMOM New Day Centers
+ Ballet Arizona
+ Make-A-Wish Arizona
+ Valley Youth Theatre
+ Center Dance Ensemble
+ Phoenix Children’s Hospital
+ Chances for Children
+ Phoenix Theatre
4 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
EDITOR’S NOTE {on the job}
GRASS-CUT SYNDROME Every month, as I work on this magazine, I amass some pretty special experiences. Like a couple of weeks ago, standing on the ice at Gila River Arena, flanked by the captain of the Arizona Coyotes and the team’s lovable mascot, Howler. As much as I prize these kind of pinch-me moments, I truly treasure talking to people who pass on a message that resonates with me throughout the month, or longer. This month that wisdom came from … a clown. To be more specific, it was from APS events manager Terry Ricketts, the head clown in the APS Volunteer Clown Troupe. As we were chatting, he mentioned something that he called “the grass-cut syndrome.” As a boy, when he’d get off the bus every Wednesday, he’d walk home and discover that his lawn had been mowed. It didn’t make much of an impression. But years later, when he was in college, he began to realize all of the work his father did. “Sometimes, we get so caught up, we just see stuff and go ‘OK,’ never understanding how much people labor to get those things done,” he said. Ricketts was talking about all of the volunteers who put on the APS Electric Light Parade, but the concept applies to so many people this month.
From volunteers who serve holiday meals, to artists who perform throughout the season, dancing in “The Nutcracker” or singing in choirs for our enjoyment. It extends to the restaurant workers who plan and serve seasonal menus, whether theyʼre baking cookies, braising brisket or preparing tamales. It also includes those who plan and put on fundraising events and work in nonprofit organizations — staffing museums, serving the underserved and so much more. In short, the world is full of people who work hard, cutting the metaphorical grass, so that organizations run and the world is a little more manageable, magical and merry. As I go about this month, I’m going to continue to look for and appreciate all of the people who “mow the lawn.” Because as great as it is to stand on the rink with the captain of the team, someone had to smooth the ice.
Karen Werner EDITOR
@kwerner409
10 QUESTIONS WITH
JILL CHRISTENHOLZ Executive director of 5 Arts Circle
1. Why was 5 Arts Circle created? The idea for 5 Arts Circle came out of the blue … or rather the greens! While founder Howard Hirsch was golfing in 1999, his foursome was comparing the arts in the Valley to those in their respective hometowns. Arts funding was notably lower in Phoenix, so he challenged each to secure private
6 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
donations for the arts. That’s how 5 Arts Circle was born.
2. How did 5 Arts Circle decide which organizations to support? The traditionally preeminent arts organizations in the Valley were selected: Ballet Arizona, The
Phoenix Symphony, Scottsdale Arts, Arizona Opera and Phoenix Art Museum because they were the leaders in their genres and funding in 1999 was sparse.
to special events, lecture series, advance subscription purchases and mixers with performers. It’s also a highly social group with one common value — the arts.
3. Why do these arts organizations need support?
6. What are some misconceptions the public has about arts funding in Arizona?
They are the cornerstones of art in the Valley, but they lacked support due to our size and maturity. If these organizations are vibrant, they cause a ripple effect that allows the overall art scene to evolve and grow.
4. How has 5 Arts Circle changed since its inception nearly 20 years ago? In the beginning, the membership base was mostly comprised of snowbirds with second homes in the Valley. Today, 5 Arts membership is comprised of full- and part-time residents. Our event programming has matured from a few events with each of the five arts we support to an Arts & Beyond Series, which provides a wider range of art forms. This provides enhanced social and cultural experiences where established and emerging artists, arts leaders, promoters and enthusiasts all connect, which engages and immerses members in the local arts scene.
5. What’s contributed to 5 Arts Circle’s success? By supporting five key arts organizations, members enjoy access not available in most other cities. It’s simple: one tax-deductible annual check that benefits the arts. In addition to the simplicity, our members are exposed to the wide variety of artists, art forms and venues that would be difficult for the average person to experience on his or her own. In appreciation, 5 Arts recipients extend to our members automatic inclusion in their equivalent-tier donor circle. Attached to these specific giving levels are a myriad of benefits ranging from invitations
One big one is that there is plenty of funding for the arts. This is not the case. The metro area is still young, and we haven’t had the benefit of large corporations and abundant philanthropic families donating to the arts like in other mature cities. 5 Arts is a significant and reliable source of funding for each of the organizations we support. We provide a steady, sustainable and meaningful source of unrestricted funds that our arts recipients rely on year after year. Our contribution to the arts to date is $5 million.
7. What are you most excited about in Arizona’s arts scene right now? We are maturing as a place and the art scene is evolving as a result. We’re seeing a wider variety and diversity of artists and venues. As we grow, the support for the arts gets stronger and opportunity for new artists increases.
8. What would you like to see more of in Arizona’s arts and culture scene? For the Phoenix metro area to be a highly soughtafter place, it needs a vibrant, well-supported arts and culture framework. We need this to be an interesting and desirable place that keeps highly talented people. Art crosses all barriers of language, class and culture, making a place more resilient. It defines a place and expresses its personality. This builds diversity and makes us sought-after, which is also a desirable economic development characteristic — it’s social and economic. It’s good business and
DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 7
10 QUESTIONS WITH ... CONTINUED
the underpinning of a sustainable community.
9. What are your most important duties as 5 Arts Circle’s executive director? Besides running the day-to-day operations and overseeing the programming, I’m focused on building community awareness and making 5 Arts become a cultural connector. It involves getting mindshare for arts in general and the value proposition of 5 Arts Circle. Maintaining our high-touch experience for our members and corporate partners is front and center.
10. What’s in store for 5 Arts Circle? We’re planning some special experiences to celebrate our 20th season. We’ve implemented a new advisory board comprised of local business professionals to help us spread the word about 5 Arts. We’re focused on growth, so we can provide more funding and support for all of the arts in our community. In fact, I invite you and a guest to join us for one of our Arts & Beyond Series events to experience what we’re all about! To learn more, visit 5artscircle.org.
BOOKMARKED {what are you reading} Staff Picks ANDREA TYLER EVANS
Publisher
R E C O M M E N D S : “Tastes & Treasures II, A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona” BY HISTORICAL LEAGUE, INC.
H E R TA K E
“This cookbook is not only an incredible collection
of recipes from 24 historic venues across Arizona but also a peek into the kitchens of 19 icons in our state’s history. Included are stories and recipes from Mollie Butler (sugar cookies), Sandra Day O’Connor (Lazy B beef jerky), Erma Bombeck (bean dip) and even the recipe for mixed berry pie from Rock Springs
KAREN WERNER
Café. I have several pages dog-eared to make such shareable selections as Lattie Coor’s chicken tamale pie and Sedona Schnebly’s simple apple pie dessert while the kids are on winter break. And the proceeds from each book purchase benefit the educational programs presented by the Historical League / HistoricalLeague.org. Happy reading and cooking!”
Editor
R E C O M M E N D S : “World in My Eyes” BY RICHARD BLADE H E R TA K E “If you were like me and rocked moussed hair,
rubber bracelets and neon clothes in the 80s, you’ll love Richard Blade’s book. The Oxford-educated DJ who became synonymous with New Wave music on KROQ offers an insider’s look into the world of music and the era’s biggest stars. Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, INXS — they’re all
ERIN GARCIA
here, along with interesting encounters with Michael Jackson and Barbra Streisand and a certain moment with Berlin’s Terri Nunn that made me gasp out loud. But the biggest takeaway of Blade’s remarkable life is that his success in music, movies and television came courtesy of him being the hardest-working, smartest and NICEST guy in the business.”
Creative Director
R E C O M M E N D S : “The Heart Between Us” BY LINDSAY HARREL H E R TA K E “I like this book because it reminds readers to
cherish relationships, overcome fears and live life to the fullest. The author tells the story of twin sisters Megan and Crystal. Megan, the recipient of a heart transplant, meets her donor’s parents, who give her their daughter’s journal that
10 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
contains an unfinished bucket list of adventures. Inspired by the list, the sisters embark on a journey that brings them closer together and changes them in unexpected ways. You will find yourself on the trip of a lifetime following the character’s adventures.”
BOOKMARKED {what are you reading}
JUDY PEARSON Contributing Writer R E C O M M E N D S : “The Wolves at the Door” BY JUDITH L. PEARSON H E R TA K E
“A courageous woman, an evil villain, international
intrigue … all of the ingredients for a thriller. However, this is the true story of one of America’s greatest female spies. ‘Wolves at the Door’ follows the life of Virginia Hall, the American architect
of the Resistance in central France during WWII. And she did it all on one leg — Virginia lost her left leg in a hunting accident before the war. ‘Wolves’’ has been called ‘Riveting!’ by Publishers Weekly, humbling since I’m the book’s author!”
SPECIAL KID’S PICK Special children’s book selection from Read Better Be Better, an Arizona nonprofit that helps children improve literacy skills and become better learners.
JEREMY WILLIAMS Sixth grader at Arizona Desert Elementary School
RECOMMENDS: “The Gift of Nothing” BY PATRICK MCDONNELL
H I S TA K E “Mooch the cat wants to get a gift for Earl the dog. Mooch doesn’t know what to get for Earl. So Mooch decided to get Earl nothing. My favorite part is when Mooch stuffs air in Earl’s gift. This book inspires me because it doesn’t have to be a big gift. All you need is family and friends.”
DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 11
OFFICE DOORS {valley changemakers}
TERRY RICKETTS Events manager at APS Karen Werner | Editor
For 32 years, the APS Electric Light Parade has brought families, organizations and businesses from across the Valley together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. The largest free one-day family event in the state, the parade draws more than 100,000 spectators who watch floats, marching bands, other performance groups and cars bedecked in electric lights take to the streets, beginning on Central and Montebello Avenues in Phoenix and ending at 7th Street and Indian School Road.
12 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
Behind this magic lies a lot of hard work. Dozens of volunteers spend months sorting and cleaning many thousands of lights, checking inflatables and making sure everything will be ready come December’s first Saturday. Leading the charge is Terry Ricketts, an events manager at APS who has been with the organization — and the parade — for 27 years. Ricketts speaks with a smooth, energetic voice that gives away his training in radio and TV. He also served in the Air Force, acted as Ronald McDonald for a while and was executive director
A beloved annual tradition, the APS Electric Light Parade attracts more than 100,000 outdoor viewers a year.
Photo Credit: James A Ritter, Public Information Specialist
Walter, the World’s Largest VW bus.
For more than 20 years, the APS volunteer clown troupe has partnered with community organizations, participated in parades and provided face painting and balloon-twisting at charity events.
of the Phoenix Clean and Beautiful (now Keep Phoenix Beautiful) program. Though his work has often revolved around motivating and uplifting communities, his job at APS is truly a perfect fit.
a couple of times. “The technology has blossomed. Years ago we would do unbelievably power inefficient lighting. We would try to make sure that the circuits didn’t blow every time something moved,” he said.
Ricketts works with the APS Clown Troupe, spending countless hours at parades, schools and hospitals, tying balloons, high-fiving kids and offering a helping hand. He performs as a character known as Benjamin FranKlown, who teaches children about fire safety. And while Ricketts is passionate about all of his work, the Electric Light Parade holds a special place in his heart.
Then along came net lighting and LEDs, which Ricketts calls “a gift from heaven.” Today, the parade utilizes thousands of lights that run on very little power. Another innovation is the illuminated helium balloons that go down the parade route. “The crowd just goes crazy,” he said. “All kinds of shapes, sizes and colors. We were really on the cutting edge for that.”
“It’s the most unbelievable parade ever,” he said, explaining that the parade is actually the property of the city of Phoenix. “APS was just smart enough to come along and go, ‘Oh, lights, power. This is something we should do,’” he said. “Giving back to the community is important. And with this, we hit every income level, religion and ethnicity.” Ricketts has seen the parade evolve over the years, back from when it just circled Civic Plaza
To say Ricketts loves the holidays is an understatement. In fact, he starts listening to carols in July. “We’re that family that decorates every room in the house,” he said, noting that they bedeck a dozen trees. “I admit that it’s an addiction and my wife feeds my addiction. But I just love that.” Ricketts’ spirit is so infectious he has no problem corralling dozens of volunteers — mostly Clown Troupe members and other APS volunteers — DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 15
OFFICE DOORS CONTINUED
to give up months of Saturdays to prepare for the parade. “It’s almost like a family getting together,” he said. “We do a little cookout every Saturday and paint the floats and staple on all the colors and everything that glitters and then staple in the lights and make sure the generator is where it’s supposed to be.”
CHILDREN’S CANCER NETWORK’S
INSPIRATIONS 2019
Ricketts takes pride knowing he, his volunteers and APS are all giving back. An economic driver, the parade supports small businesses along the parade route. But the benefits go beyond that. “We’re in what we call the memory business and we create memories for children,” he said. Years ago, Ricketts noted that people could see and hear the parade, but it wasn’t hitting all of the senses. So they started spraying pine, candy cane or vanilla scent down the centerline of the parade route. “It’s to hit all the senses we can,” Ricketts said, “and have people, just for a moment, lose themselves in what’s going on. That’s the payoff to me.” Each year, generations of families kick off the holidays with the Electric Light Parade, most not giving much thought to the months of preparation that go into it. But that suits Ricketts fine. “They don’t need to understand how much work we put into it. They don’t know what a struggle it is to put all this stuff together and be on time and get down the street and make sure everything stays lit the entire time,” he said. “They just want to see something cool, and that’s what we do. It’s magic.” The kind of magic Terry Ricketts goes on to make all through the year. Whether he’s marching in one of the dozens of parades the Clown Troupe takes part in around the state or teaching fire safety as his alter ego, Benjamin FranKlown, Ricketts is grateful. “For the past 25 years, I’ve played,” he said. “I dress up, wear makeup, make people laugh and have a job where I go in the community and do special events and projects. How could it be any better than that?”
16 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
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CAREY’S CORNER {carey peña reports}
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT A woman in despair helps another in need, and both lives are transformed Carey Peña | Contributing Writer
“As long as you are not going backwards, you are going forward. It doesn’t matter how fast you move, as long as it is forward that you are going.” Nicole Carty knows what it feels like to take painfully slow steps. Hers is a story of recovery and redemption. And a story of how one person’s belief in you can be transformative. I’ve been following Nicole Carty’s story since it was first brought to my attention over a year ago. She was the victim of terrible domestic violence. “When I broke my face, he still came up to see me in the hospital,” Carty told me about her abuser. “My mouth was wired shut. When I got out of the hospital, I realized … that was enough.” Like so many heartbreaking stories of abuse, Carty says she stayed with the man who controlled her and beat her up for years because she didn’t want to break up her family. Finally, she and her kids left. But the next chapter wasn’t any easier. Carty fell into the world of addiction, and after a family member kicked her out, she and her children ended up on the streets. 18 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
KEEP MOVING FORWARD The first step out of darkness for Carty came when she entered a Valley rehab facility called Lifewell. “That’s when I realized I could wake up without drugs and I could function as a normal person,” Carty said through tears. After three months of therapy and hard work, she was able to take another step forward. But it was slow. There were still many obstacles to overcome. “My teeth were rotted out. I had two front teeth — that’s it. And I didn’t have any work history.” She ended up landing a job at Taco Bell and received assistance from UMOM New Day Centers, a Valley nonprofit that focuses on helping homeless families. At UMOM, Carty had a chance meeting with a woman who didn’t look at her as damaged goods, but as a human being full of potential. BECOMING A BUTTERFLY When Nicole Carty met business dynamo Alisa Glutz, her life changed forever. Glutz is a Scottsdale mortgage lender, empowerment speaker and author of “Color My Credit.” She spends a considerable amount of time volunteering at places like UMOM, helping women learn how to become financially independent.
Left: Alisa Glutz and Nicole Carty. Below: Carty with one of her empowerment groups.
Carty in her graduation cap and gown (above) and with her daughter (left).
Above: Carty before her personal transformation.
DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 19
CAREY’S CORNER CONTINUED
Glutz, who has appeared several times on my podcast, Carey Peña Reports, says after her own divorce she learned hard lessons about starting over financially. Since she’s now an expert in all matters financial, she is determined to share her knowledge with others — including women like Nicole, who are rising up from rock bottom. SHE CALLS IT THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT “Understanding the butterfly effect a good credit score could have in building or rebuilding your life pushed me to make credit education and empowerment my main area of focus,” Glutz said. “Nine times out of 10, the women who raise their hand to start the journey towards improving their credit find assumptions and beliefs were holding them back.” Glutz began counseling Carty, who continued to expand her résumé and build both credit and self-esteem. When Glutz shared all of this with me in December 2017, I immediately wanted to help in this beautiful metamorphosis. I posted on Facebook about Carty’s story and more than 75 people asked how they could help. Community members provided a holiday makeover including hair, makeup and new clothing. Carty has also been able to get her teeth fixed. And she lost more than 100 pounds (Carty credits a donated Orangetheory membership with helping her keep the weight off and manage stress). “Not only has Nicole’s journey been heartwarming and inspirational, it has helped me realize the power of hope and its role in moving us forward in life,” Glutz says. “The most important impact is how it has affected her children, especially her little daughter.” Earlier this year, Carty and her daughter were baptized and Carty was able to complete her associate degree. Thanks to her newly restored credit, she was also able to purchase a home.
20 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
“I am not a financial success,” Carty said candidly. “But I am relying on God and working hard. I am working for Music Serving the Word and am very blessed to be there. I volunteer and am teaching a Bible study to women going through difficult times.” GIVING GRATITUDE Both Glutz and Carty are grateful to have met one another. For Glutz, the ability to show people all that is possible, especially through financial freedom, is her life’s work. “Going through a divorce or any difficult trial in your life can push you in a place of despair and depression. I believe now the only real cure from this despair is to serve others and find ways to step out of the victim role and pour into someone else in need,” she said. “In many ways, helping other women has saved my life and that continues to drive me every day. I often wake up with the feeling that someone, somewhere needs to hear my message.” Carty heard the message and was ready to receive it. “The more that life gets better, the more it gets better,” she said with a smile. It’s a smile that has taken some time to repair, but is beautiful nonetheless. Editor’s Note: Carey Peña has followed Nicole Carty’s journey for more than a year. See her story and interviews with Alisa Glutz at inspiredmedia360.com.
Carey Peña CONTRIBUTING WRITER
@CareyPenaTV
COVER STORY {by karen werner}
WHEN IT COMES TO CHARITY, THE ARIZONA COYOTES FOUNDATION HAS GOALS
AHRON COHEN Arizona Coyotes president and CEO
OLIVIA MATOS Arizona Coyotes Foundation executive director
There’s an easy camaraderie as Ahron Cohen, Olivia Matos and Oliver Ekman-Larsson take to the ice to pose for pictures along with the Coyotes team mascot, Howler. Howler wears number 96 on his jersey, representing the year the Winnipeg Jets moved to Arizona and began their quest to turn the Valley into a hockey town. It’s a goal this likable group is trying hard to achieve. Cohen joined the Coyotes in 2015 and was named president and CEO of the club last summer. “I’ve seen the positive momentum that we’ve developed,” he said. Still, as someone who grew up in Minnesota, “where hockey is a religion” and moved to Arizona to attend law school at Arizona State University, he admits this isn’t a traditional hockey market. “That’s what I love 22 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
OLIVER EKMAN-LARSSON Captain of the Coyotes
about this opportunity,” he said. “It’s a fun process and a challenge to develop a strong fandom for our team and get more people playing hockey.” The team hasn’t had it easy. With its move from downtown Phoenix to Gila River Arena, ownership changes and other challenges, conversation about the Coyotes has often centered on elements other than hockey. But things seem to be on the upswing. “We have an exciting young team and we’re playing really well right now, which is exciting,” Cohen said. Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson is emblematic of this new era. The soft-spoken 27 year old started playing the sport in his native Sweden when he was 5. After playing with the Coyotes for nine seasons, he was named team captain
Part of the teamĘźs ongoing effort is to help grow hockey in the state of Arizona, including introducing the sport to more children.
COVER STORY CONTINUED
24  FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
this past September. “The organization has been through a lot,” he said. “The first couple of years I felt like hockey wasn’t big but they’ve been doing a really good job of promoting the team and being involved in the community. I think that’s why the sport is growing.” Community involvement is critical to Cohen’s vision for the organization. “This past year Phoenix had the fastest growth rate for hockey participation out of any city in the entire country. We are pretty proud of that,” he said. Building on that growth, Cohen established three core pillars for the Coyotes organization over the summer. “Building a competitive team, building fandom throughout the state and making a positive impact on our community. They’re all equally important,” he said. Cohen also required that every Coyotes staff member donates at least 15 hours a year to the community. Helping to make good on these goals, the Arizona Coyotes Foundation exists to demonstrate tangibly that the team cares about its community. Over the past 19 years, the Coyotes have raised millions of dollars that have helped hundreds of charities promote healthcare, education and culture for local children and servicemen and -women. “My goal is for us to be as much help to the community as we can be,” said Matos, the foundation’s executive director. Building a team that wants to make a difference and do more than win on the ice and provide an entertaining sport is key to that. “Our team is here to be a part of the community and to give back whatever we can, to be a good role model to all of the community members and provide support,” Matos said.
Coyotes players Jakob Chychrun, Christian Fischer and Antti Raanta spread holiday cheer at Phoenix Childrenʼs Hospital. Credit: Norm Hall Photography
Ekman-Larsson sets the tone for the team’s community involvement. An active champion for the Boys & Girls Club of Scottsdale, he loves spending time with kids and getting them out to hockey games. “He’s a really special person and a special leader,” Cohen said. “I’ve been around pro sports long enough to know not
everybody is like that. We’re really fortunate to have him in this community.” But it’s not just Ekman-Larsson who volunteers. The whole team is involved with the foundation. Last year, the Coyotes donated $2.7 million back to the community and it has even higher goals this year. “Philanthropy is of the utmost importance to us,” said Cohen. “If we’re not successful in terms of making a positive impact in our community then we’ve completely failed. We could win the Stanley Cup. We could sell all these tickets and do well financially. But we’ve absolutely failed if we haven’t done everything we can to make this Valley and this state a better place to live.” Case in point is the $250,000 gift the Arizona Coyotes Foundation gave in April to support Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders. The sixth busiest cancer clinic in the country, the Center serves young patients every day who are in the fight of their lives. “I have a 2-year-old son and it breaks your heart as a parent to think about what some people have to deal with,” Cohen said. “If we want to be that community asset, we need to find a way to make their lives a little easier and do what we can to support them.” Matos agrees. “The whole organization was excited when that opportunity came along to be a piece of creating this entity that will save thousands of children,” she said. More than simply writing a check, the foundation has had a chance to witness special moments with patients and see what the staff does on a day-to day-basis. In fact, Matos became close with the family of a boy named Bruce who came to a game for Hockey Fights Cancer Night. “He had his final chemo treatment this year and they invited me to come to celebrate,” Matos said. “I got to be there with his family while he rang the bell to signify the end of his treatment. It was one of those moments where you’re like, ‘Wow, this makes a difference.’” Seeing that difference makes it easier for the organization to raise funds. From 50/50 raffles
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Oliver Ekman-Larsson spends time with young fan Bruce at Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Credit: Norm Hall Photography
COVER STORY CONTINUED
DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 27
to golf tournaments to the annual Face-Off Luncheon to the Celebrity Waiters Gala, where the players trade in their hockey sticks for serving trays to serve food and drinks to guests, the foundation works to raise money to support Arizona nonprofits in meaningful ways.
Niklas Hjalmarsson plays street hockey with local kids. Credit: Janelle Etzel Photography
Coming in January will be a new playground for the New World Education Center in Phoenix. The Coyotes are partnering with Carvana and KaBOOM!, spending $100,000 plus the time to build a playground to promote physical fitness and outdoor fun for kids. It will be the third playground build for the Coyotes, having already done one in Glendale and another at Larry C. Kennedy School in Phoenix. The Coyotes Foundation is also building DEK hockey rinks throughout the state. “We’ve already
COVER STORY CONTINUED
done four and we’re in process of building four more,” Cohen said. “We want to give kids an opportunity to be physically active and get excited about team sports and our sport.”
important to give back to the community because they give you so much, and they support you,” he said. “If you treat the people the right way, they are going to treat you the right way.”
In a world where pro sports are often mired in controversy, the Coyotes players are effective ambassadors for the organization. “They’re genuine, humble people,” Matos said. “It makes my job so much easier because we have people like Oliver and like Antti Raanta, who have good hearts. When we’re trying to teach kids about not only hockey but about the importance of giving back, I have perfect role models to show them, rather than being concerned that I’m not necessarily doing the child justice.”
This is why the Coyotes organization is taking its shot at the hat trick of building a successful team, increasing fandom and making a difference in the state. “Obviously it’s fun being in sports and doing all the things associated with being with a sports team, but for me the best part is knowing that every day when I wake up we have an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives in this community,” Cohen said. “It is the most gratifying part of my job, in all honesty.”
Ekman-Larsson sees philanthropy as another way for the team to develop roots in the desert. “It’s
To learn more about the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, visit nhl.com/coyotes/community/foundation.
CONNECTING WOMEN WHERE THEY WORK, LIVE OR PLAY Join us where you live, work or play to connect with like-minded women to share information, ideas, contacts and opportunities. Learn more at: eastvalleywomen.org | centralphoenixwomen.org | womenofscottsdale.org
NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve}
A NEW ERA FOR GOLF IN ARIZONA To understand the game’s future, look at what’s happened to the past Tom Evans | Contributing Editor
True story: Golf was originally going to be in the five “Cs” that define Arizona’s economy, but no one could figure out how to make the spelling work. OK, I’m joking. But only by a little bit. Golf has played an instrumental part in Arizona’s growth 30 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
and development over the years, and still is one of the defining activities our state has to offer. But it’s almost 2019 now, and appetites have changed. As the world has gotten faster, many people who used to play the game frequently — myself included — find it more and more
Whether played at a traditional course (opposite) or a high-tech venue (above), golf remains a popular sport.
difficult to carve out four-and-a-half hours on any given day for a recreational activity, even one as peaceful and relaxing as golf. And golf courses have tough math to begin with. They require vast swaths of land and an extensive amount of water, have high maintenance needs and use a lot of heavy equipment. As society has changed, and golfers have changed, many golf courses have not been able to adapt. Many have even closed for good. But people still love the game. That’s why you see new ventures such as Topgolf opening up with a tremendous amount of success. They’re moving away from the QUIET PLEASE signs and reshaping the golf experience to make it shorter, more action-packed, and even to integrate it with music and entertainment.
with an alcoholic beverage, for example, compressing the golf experience into less than an hour. And whereas an 18-hole course might never have marketed a nine-hole round in the past, shorter play experiences are now common at courses across the Valley. You’re even seeing the change play out on some of the Valley’s most famous tracks. Take the venerable Papago Golf Course, for example, where I played my senior Divisional Championship tournament in 19XX (none of your business; suffice it to say it was a long time ago).
Anyway, the course has undergone a fits-andstarts restoration over the past decade which has resulted in fewer trees (which means less water usage); cleaned-up and refined fairways, greens and bunkers; new training facilities; and at long last a new clubhouse. The latter two upgrades are Traditional golf courses are taking notice. due to the course becoming the new home of the A number of them — the Arizona Biltmore, for Arizona State University golf team effective this fall, example — have started offering more abbreviated as the ASU Karsten Golf Course is redeveloped. golf experiences than just the traditional 18 holes. The Biltmore has run four-hole specials that come The newly revamped Papago — now a partnership DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 31
NEXT DOORS CONTINUED
between the city of Phoenix, ASU and the Arizona Golf Association — now features a stateof-the-art practice facility, event space, a new bar and grill, and extensive golf memorabilia. If you head almost due north a few miles, you’ll run into the completely rebuilt golf links at The Phoenician, one of the most recognizable landmarks on the golf landscape for decades. Over the past year or so, the 27hole facility was trimmed back to 18 holes in the existing footprint, with a reduction of 45 acres of turf (again, water savings) and the installation of a new irrigation system, according to the course’s management company. But beyond that, The Phoenician will trick out the traditional golf experience with a new “Shark Experience,” including interactive course information and golf tips, high-definition touch-screen monitors and Bluetooth speakers with connectivity to online radio, live TV
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and sports and much more. So you’ll be able to rock out with your driver out, just like Old Tom Morris back in the day (or not). We still have the Waste Management Phoenix Open — which clearly was ahead of its time. And we still have some fabulous traditional golf courses. But with all of the options for both the casual and serious golfer out there now, there’s no question golf will continue to evolve while still having a major imprint on Arizona’s future.
Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
@TEvans927
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Help us make a difference in the lives of homeless families while maximizing your tax dollars! The Arizona Tax Credit allows you to give a portion of your tax dollars to charity and receive a DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR TAX CREDIT on your state income tax owed. Save the Family’s Qualifying Charity Organization (QCO) Code is 20320. To learn more and donate, visit us online at www.savethefamily.org/donate, or call (480) 466-7706. www.savethefamily.org www.savethefamily.org | 480-898-0228 480-898-0228 125 E. University Drive125| E.Mesa, AZ Drive 85201 University Mesa, AZ 85201
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GIVING IN STYLE {fashion in the philanthropy lane} 2
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK When proceeds go to charities and causes, you can feel good about holiday shopping Tyler Butler | Fashion Writer
Now, more than ever, brands of all sizes are using the power of their business to support worthy causes. And products that benefit our community are clearly more attractive when paired with this “pay it forward” philosophy. So shop til you drop and give back at the same time!
1. PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HOLIDAY CARDS Pack of five cards for $5 | Purchase at pchartworks.org Designed by Phoenix Children’s Hospital patients, these special cards are available online and in the following locations: Phoenix Children’s Hospital gift shop, any Valley Cobblestone Auto Spa or IHOP
location, and all Desert Financial Credit Unions. Proceeds from card sales benefit the Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
2. RUBY FARIAS DESIGNS RFD PLUSH BLANKET $60 | Purchase at rubyfariasdesigns.com Ruby Farias Designs creates one-of-a-kind painted and embellished clothing and accessories for those who want to stand out and be confident in who they are. Ruby designed this custom print for her home décor series. 34 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
Made from ultra-comfy plush materials, this gift ensures ultimate snuggablilty. Twenty-five percent of plush blanket sales and any other home good items sold through Dec. 24 will be donated to Make-A-Wish Arizona.
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3. COUTURE APRONS SANTA BABY APRON $198 | Purchase at coutureaprons.com The perfect hostess apron for all your holiday parties, this apron is 100 percent cotton with faux fur trim and comes with a detachable necklace and neck strap, plus a flower pin-on. Wear with a pair of leggings and
you have a complete outfit. Add coupon code GIVE and receive free shipping in the U.S. Plus, Couture Aprons will donate 20 percent of the purchase to Chances for Children.
4. SUGAR MAMA JEWELS CULTURED PEARL NECKLACE $99 | Purchase at etsy.com/shop/SugarMamaJewels This 17-inch-long white cultured pearl beaded necklace with gold-plated pave lobster clasp is the perfect gift for the classy woman in your life. The best part is that the necklace can be worn alone or with one
of the available “Extra Bling” charms. Great for travel because you can change up your look from day to night and always be in style. $5 from each necklace sold will be donated to the Arizona Humane Society.
5. SLEEKSKIN AESTHETICS SMILE TRAIN BEAUTY PACKAGE $100 | Purchase by calling (480) 315-1364 or emailing sleekskin@aol.com Give the gift of a smile this holiday season. Sleekskin Aesthetics is proud to partner with Smile Train for this custom holiday gift package. The package includes free Sleekskin skin consultation, sugar plum facial,
complimentary microdermabrasion treatment, facial massage and a bonus eye hydration treatment. $20 of every package purchased goes toward repairing a cleft palate for a child in need through Smile Train.
6. UNIIK PILLOWS ASSORTED OPTIONS AVAILABLE $20 for a pillow cover or $30 for cover and insert | Purchase at uniikpillows.com Uniik Pillows is a local mother-daughter business that designs and creates eclectic throw pillow covers. All their covers are printed with a digital printing process that permanently adheres the ink to the fabric, allowing the
covers to be washed. The covers also have hidden zippers, so customers can quickly and seamlessly change out their décor for different seasons and holidays. Twenty percent of all proceeds go to Anthem Pets Animal Rescue. DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 35
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7. ONEHOPE WINE NAUGHTY & NICE WOOD GIFT BOX DUO $149.99 | Purchase at onehopewine.com Have you been naughty or nice? This gift package includes two bottles of California Celebration Brut Sparkling Wines in red sparkle and white sparkle
in a branded special-edition wood gift box. Proceeds from the box buy meals for children in need.
8. FLEUR NOIR ARTISAN JEWELRY STERLING SILVER HAND-HAMMERED GEMSTONE EARRINGS $36 | Purchase at etsy.com/shop/FleurNoirStudio Fleur Noir Artisan Jewelry offers clean, modern jewelry with a boho geometric style. These earrings are hand-formed and hammered using sterling silver wire. The sterling frame is hand-polished and a
faceted gemstone is wire-wrapped with a sterling bead on each side. The earrings come in a choice of peach moonstone, aqua blue amazonite or strawberry quartz. Five percent of sales help Foothills Animal Rescue.
9. BLUSH CANDLES ASSORTED OPTIONS AVAILABLE $19.99 | Purchase at blushdirect.com The Blush Candles difference becomes clear the moment you light one of their fragrant hand-poured, soy-blend candles. It starts with a proprietary blend of soy and paraffin waxes. They then saturate their wax blend with fragrance and
hand-pour the wax into a stylish glass container. Ignited by a lead-free wick, the candles create a richly scented experience that has earned repeat customers for almost a decade. Fifteen percent of sales support DA8Strong Foundation.
Tyler Butler FASHION WRITER
givinginstyle.net
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WHEN YOU GIVE UP TO $800 TO DUET, YOU GET BACK UP TO $800 ON YOUR TAXES. Your donation to Duet delivers compassion, dignity, and hope right here in our community to homebound adults, family caregivers, faith communities, and grandfamilies. Duet is a Qualifying Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Organization. •
Donate to Duet and keep your donation receipt
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File AZ Form 321 with your tax return
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Receive a dollar-for-dollar Arizona tax credit; individuals can receive up to $400 and couples filing jointly up to $800
•
You do not have to itemize
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This tax credit may be claimed in addition to school and foster care tax credits
duetaz.org/donate | (602) 274-5022
“We brought our grandchildren into our home so they could be safe and healthy. We try to provide as many activities and as normal as a life as possible, and Duet gives us the tools and support to do that. — Stanley, a grandparent raising three grandchildren
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back}
GOMPERS
Developing opportunities for people with disabilities Jamie Killin | Contributing Writer
THE CAUSE Gompers empowers people with disabilities — from children to seniors — with a wide variety of programs that range from transportation and inhome services to school and employment services. “We serve a very wide population in terms of both age and disability level,” said president and CEO Mark Jacoby. “I do think that sets us apart and makes us unique.” Not only does Gompers offer a plethora of services, the organization’s approach is unique. “We have 500 individuals with disabilities and we don’t talk a lot about people’s disabilities,” said Jacoby. “What we talk about are people’s abilities. In my mind, when you talk about somebody who has disabilities, you start with what they can’t do, and when you start with abilities, you start with what they can do.” Through Gompers’ programs, members
are realizing more of their abilities than ever, with members finding employment, becoming increasingly independent and even experiencing some critical ‘firsts’ many of us take for granted — like attending their first baseball game or catching their first fish. Gompers is shifting the narrative by helping people with disabilities find their place in the world, one that’s alongside everyone else. Through advances in programming and approach, the organization is helping to lead the way in how society views people with disabilities — which is becoming increasingly understanding. “People with disabilities should not be treated any differently than you and I,” said Jacoby. “The services that we provide have to continually transform and shift in order to keep up with that mindset.”
THE STORY Gompers is now a multi-location organization serving hundreds of members annually, but
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when it got its start more than 70 years ago, it was still a small grassroots nonprofit.
For more than 72 years, Gompers has provided services to people with disabilities, helping them achieve their highest level of independence and productivity.
“It started the same way a lot of other organizations like us started, which is a bunch of parents coming together saying, ‘I can’t find services for my kid. We’re going to do this on our own,’” Jacoby said. It wasn’t until years later that the organization found its first home, thanks to the generosity of union workers who banded their donations together. “Legend has it that several hundred if not thousand members of the union donated an hour’s pay to our organization,” said Jacoby.
“That was really the only way that we were able to start our first campus.” In return, the union asked that the organization name the campus or itself after Samuel Gompers — the first president of the American Federation of Labor, hence the name Gompers still has today. Gompers continued to grow, opening its current Phoenix campus two decades ago, then its employment services campus a decade ago, and most recently, its third Peoria location last year through the acquisition of the Blythe Center Campus.
THE FUTURE Moving forward, Gompers will continue to focus on programs that are making an impact on
the lives of nearly all of its members — like the employment services program and assistive DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 39
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT CONTINUED
From day training for adults to employment services and more, Gompers helps people with disabilities find their passion and maximize their abilities, says Gompers president and CEO Mark Jacoby (bottom right).
Give & Get
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“We get to watch them flourish and be able to all of a sudden realize ‘I have a voice and I get to tell you what I want to do, not you staff get to tell me what I want to do,’” said Jacoby. Gompers has even implemented a new program called Readtopia to help members read, and come spring will be the only organization in the country to have rolled out this special education reading curriculum to adults. “We’ve had people who have tried to take reading lessons over and over who would take the book and throw it across the room,” said Jacoby. “Thanks to this program, now they’re actually holding onto the book.
In addition, the employment services program is doing so well that an increasing number of Gompers members are being placed in jobs, acclimating to their careers and no longer needing Gompers’ support. “Our job here is to put ourselves out of business,” said Jacoby. “I would love for us to be able to get every single person at all three of these campuses to a point where they don’t need our service anymore, and we’ve done our job.” To learn more, visit gompers.org.
Jamie Killin CONTRIBUTING WRITER
@JamieKillin
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The assistive technology implementation has allowed participants to tell staff about their career ambitions, point out places they’re in pain, start their own businesses and excel in jobs that used to be difficult or impossible for them.
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KITCHEN DOORS {tastes of the season} Lisa Mullavey | Contributing Writer
THE TOASTED MALLOW Gilbert | thetoastedmallow.com Cool temperatures and crackling fires bring cravings for hot chocolate and gooey s’mores, both of which are not complete without the sweet and puffy goodness of marshmallows. The Toasted Mallow has made handcrafted marshmallows the star of this unique shop which boasts a large drink menu and a s’more bar where you build your own, toasted to your liking. You can also take home a variety of gourmet marshmallow products. On a recent visit, my kids had traditional s’mores which were perfectly toasted on top of homemade graham cracker cookies. Trust me when I say this is not your average s’more; they had to keep batting my fork away. To tie a bow around our experience, we purchased a package of vanilla cocoa marshmallows rolled in graham crackers and dipped in milk chocolate so we could make our own s’mores at home.
MACAYO’S MEXICAN TABLE Eight Valley locations | macayo.com Many people associate tamales with the holidays because they’re customarily served on Christmas Eve. To get into the holiday spirit, my husband and I visited Macayo’s for their tasty tamales. Having recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary, this family-owned restaurant serves traditional Mexican food made with local ingredients. After noshing on chips and salsa, I ordered their Simply Perfect Margarita, a traditional recipe with a taste true to its name. My husband ordered the Cucumber Cilantro Margarita, a refreshing twist on the original. For our entrées, we both had a green corn and a beef tamale with rice and refried beans. Made from scratch, Macayo’s recipe has the perfect balance of masa (corn dough) and filling. The green corn tamales come topped with a savory green sauce which is the perfect complement for the sweetness of the corn, and the beef tamales are served with a delicious red sauce. We both left full and officially ready for the season. Macayo’s tamales can be ordered by the half and full dozen.
URBAN COOKIES BAKESHOP Phoenix | urbancookies.com It all started in 2005 with a husband and wife, an idea and a dark chocolate walnut cookie called the Urban Cookie. Today, Brady and Shaun Breese’s bakeshop offers a wide variety of cookies in addition to baked goods such as donuts, cupcakes, dessert bars and seasonal items. I stopped in to get some of their cookies to go. I chose two each of their milk and dark chocolate chip, double chocolate with sea salt, peanut butter, and dark chocolate walnut. Let’s just say that these cookies didn’t last long at home. While they were all amazing, my favorite was the double chocolate with sea salt. Pair these with an ice-cold glass of milk and set by the fireplace for a treat Santa and his helpers will be talking about until next year. Dietary restrictions? Urban Cookies Bakeshop has vegan selections as well as gluten-, dairy-, soy- and nut-free options.
42 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
KITCHEN DOORS CONTINUED
Citizen Public House Scottsdale | citizenpublichouse.com A contemporary version of a tavern, Citizen Public House serves topnotch drinks and cuisine in Old Town. They recently debuted several seasonal menu items that my friend and I were eager to try. We met after work and started our evening with a few cocktails. I ordered the light and balanced Nutty Rhum ‘Nog made with key ingredients J.M. VO aged Rhum, Amontillado sherry and hazelnut milk. I especially enjoyed the garnish — homemade brittle made using local dates and hazelnuts. The flavor of this tasty drink popped when I took a bite
of the brittle before taking a sip. My friend had a Small Town Hero, a full-flavored and pleasantly aromatic drink made with bourbon, ginger liqueur, Italian wine and orange bitters. For our entrée, we ordered their seasonal Smoked Duck Breast which came beautifully plated, boasting red and green hues. The duck was served atop creamy rosemary millet and sautéed spinach, finished with a Marasca cherry demi-glace and pickled apple slices, and garnished with pea puree and watercress. This dish was exceptional, and their seasonal menu is a must-try.
A 2ND ACT {survivors giving back}
A “TAIL” OF TWO SECOND ACTS Weaving passion into profession Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer
Much like the mountain trails she explores on her horse, Susana Della Maddalena’s second act has taken a winding route. She has a legendary love of animals and was living a good life in Los Angeles until the day every woman fears. In 1991, as a healthy 31 year old, she found a lump in her breast. “Because of my age and lack of family history, my doctor didn’t take the lump seriously,” Della Maddalena said. “Over the next six months the lump got larger, and still doctors assured me it was nothing. I pushed to get the ‘nothing’ checked more thoroughly. It was finally diagnosed as very aggressive breast cancer.” Della Maddalena had never known anyone with cancer and, needing support, came to Phoenix to live near her parents and be treated at Mayo Clinic. She had a bilateral mastectomy and 44 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
grueling rounds of chemo. Just after treatment began, she came across a letter that had been written by her oncologist. “It said my outcome didn’t look good,” Della Maddalena said. “I was terrified, in the absolute depths of despair. But in Gilda Radner’s book, ‘It’s Always Something,’ she talked about a place called the Wellness Community, near my home in Santa Monica. So when I was well enough to go back to California, I decided to visit.” It took several trips around the block before she found the courage to go in. The second Della Maddalena entered, she knew it was the place for her, a place where everyone “got it” when it came to surviving cancer. Two years later, the other shoe dropped. Della
After battling cancer and changing careers, Susana Della Maddalena (top and bottom left) has devoted her life to helping animals at Altered Tails, a Valley nonprofit that provides affordable spay and neuter services to pet owners, shelters and other organizations.
Maddalena’s cancer had metastasized to her vertebrae and spine. The treatment included a stem cell transplant, and a 10 percent chance of it actually keeping her cancer at bay. Miraculously, it did. She came back to Phoenix to work in banking, and it was then she became acutely aware of the importance of pouring her energy into something that made her happy. That’s when Wellness Community founder Harold Benjamin called to ask if she’d consider co-founding a location in Phoenix. At the time, there weren’t many places where survivors could get free services. One of the organization’s tenets is that services be offered in a homelike environment. With the help of some very philanthropic Phoenicians, Della Maddalena and co-founder Jane Del Vecchio (now Jane AnthonyRivera) were able to launch the organization
in a beautiful historic home on Palm Lane. The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club (started by Radner’s husband, actor Gene Wilder, after her death) merged in 2009 to become the Cancer Support Community. And then Della Maddalena was ready to begin her second second act. She had been volunteering for Friends of Animal Control when she was hired by PetSmart to be the executive director of their charity arm. It was Della Maddalena’s innovative idea to create a donation prompt at cash registers. The small amounts donated by individual shoppers add up to impressive amounts each year. From PetSmart, Della Maddalena became the executive director of the Humane Society in Oklahoma City. And then in 2017, she returned to Phoenix to become the executive director of Altered Tails. DECEMBER 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 45
A 2ND ACT CONTINUED
“We provide high-quality spay and neutering for 75 percent less than vets,” Della Maddalena said. “Our service includes an exam, the surgery and pain control after surgery. We also chip and vaccinate the animals. It’s easy to see why we did over 18,000 surgeries last year. Traditional veterinarians would charge $500 for these services for a Rottweiler. We charge owners just $95.” What’s more, Della Maddalena said, “We offer financial assistance to those who can’t afford the surgeries. We don’t want price to be a barrier.” One of her favorite Altered Tails “tales” involves a little dog called Scrappy. His owner saved him from the middle of the road and was going to just foster him until a good home could be found. But soon it was Scrappy saving his owner. She was a survivor of domestic violence, and he became her emotional therapy dog. Because of generous donations, Altered Tails was able to cover Scrappy’s surgery costs, just as they do for hundreds of other dogs and cats each year. “Our work has resulted in Maricopa County shelter intakes going down by 45 percent and euthanasias going down by 86 percent,” Della Maddalena said. Her love of animals has helped her heal as well. And it’s certainly made for lots of wagging tails. To learn more, visit alteredtails.org.
Judy Pearson CONTRIBUTING WRITER
info@A2ndAct.org
46 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
OPEN DOORS {publisher’s page}
HOLIDAYS IN THE DESERT Filled with tradition Andrea Evans | Publisher
The fanfare of Ballet Arizona’s “Nutcracker.” The sounds of Handel’s Messiah performed by The Phoenix Symphony. The beauty of Center Dance Ensemble’s “Snow Queen.” A stroll through Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden.
On Christmas Eve, we like to go up to Desert Ridge for the “snow” fall in the middle of the shopping area and then wind our way back home via the Arizona Biltmore to see the holiday lights. We also have Phoenix Theatre’s production of “Elf” on our list this year — it’s been getting rave reviews.
There are so many wonderful holiday traditions here in the Valley of the Sun. And when you take those out-of-town friends and family to these performances and events, you are supporting the organizations’ missions to provide art and cultural experiences year-round.
What are your Valley holiday traditions? We’d love to make sure we are finding new things to cover throughout the year. Maybe you’ll see yours pop up on our Facebook page this month.
Now that my children are 12 and 7, I have found that we have settled into a list of “must-do’s” during the holiday season. Number one on the list is ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo. We strive to go early so we can get the visit in to see Santa in one fell swoop. Next up is usually seeing “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” at Valley Youth Theatre. We’ve been the past four years but this year will be extra-special as my daughter is the 7 year old playing the part of Roo in all 25 shows! (If you’re looking to catch up with me, you can find me there this month.) 48 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | DECEMBER 2018
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!
Andrea
Andrea Evans PUBLISHER
@AndreaTEvans
Center Dance Ensemble’s Snow Queen
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Ballet Arizona’s Nutcracker
Valley Youth Theatre’s Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail
Snowfall at Desert Ridge Marketplace
Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias
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