Frontdoors Magazine November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 11

Generations Generosity OF

Sharon and Dr. Oliver Harper Carry the Giving Torch NOVEMBER 2017

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PUBLISHER Andrea Tyler Evans EDITOR Mike Saucier CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cheyenne Brumlow CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jamie Killin SOCIETY AND FASHION WRITER Tyler Butler ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lynne Wellish CMP

On the Cover PHOTOGRAPHY Thurlkill Studios

BEAUTY PARTNER - MAKE-UP The Sparkle Bar BEAUTY PARTNER - HAIR STYLING Julia Mendez

GENERAL INFORMATION & PRESS RELEASES info@frontdoorsmedia.com 3104 E. Camelback Road #967 | Phoenix, AZ 85016 480-622-4522 | frontdoorsmedia.com 2 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA.COM

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Give your children the gift of giving THE CHILDREN OF TODAY ARE THE PHILANTHROPISTS OF THE FUTURE. WE MAKE SURE THEY ’RE READY FOR THE CHALLENGE. We’re Generation Next, and we recognize that philanthropy is an integral part of the fabric of our society.

That’s why we work with you to make sure your children — the next generation of philanthropists — understand the power of giving and find the causes they will support passionately.

Find out how we can help your most precious legacy leave a legacy of their own.

MOLLIE C. TRIVERS

NOVEMBER 2017

generationnextaz.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS {november 2017, volume 15, issue 11}

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NEXT DOORS............................. 06 Seeing Opportunity in Empty Spaces COVER STORY........................... 10 Generations of Generosity 10 QUESTIONS WITH.................18 Jayson Matthews KITCHEN DOORS....................... 22 Where We Ate This Month OFFICE DOORS.......................... 25 Jose Moreno from the Fiesta Bowl

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GIVING IN STYLE....................... 28 Fashion in the Philanthropy Lane HEAR HERE................................ 34 News, Updates & Events CHARITY SPOTLIGHT................ 36 Make A Wish BOOKMARKED........................... 41 Who’s Reading What this Month A 2ND ACT. . ............................... 43 The Joy Bus

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executive and board member over to meet us as the representatives of Frontdoors.

One by one, they told us they were reading each issue cover-to-cover, checking out The Knock each week and expressing how impressed they are with the writing and our efforts to expand the publication and the array of stories across the community. So many people directly expressed how much they appreciate Mike and his work. They all asked how they could support us, introduce us to their peers, and what kind of stories we were looking for in the coming months.

It is with a heavy heart that we place this note where our beloved editor Mike Saucier’s column should go.

As we go to press, Mike is at the end of a very short and difficult battle with cancer.

It came on with astonishing quickness and has only taken a matter of weeks. We are doing everything we can to support his wife Fernanda and his daughter Flora during this time. And we will write more about Mike in the coming days and weeks.

This past weekend, Tom and I attended the Maricopa Integrated Health Systems ball thanks to our friend and colleague Marcia Scott. She made sure we came to the VIP reception early, where she pulled each MIHS

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This was a culmination of Mike's incredible work to build the vision of Frontdoors these past nine months, and we cannot express how grateful we are. It cannot be overstated how much he meant to creating what you see in front of you. We were undeserving of the compliments that were being bestowed upon us, and were wishing Mike could be there to hear them directly...it was truly unbelievable and incredible at the same time.

Mike is a consumate professional, a loving husband and father, a faithful son, and a wonderful friend. We hope you will join us in keeping him in your thoughts at this difficult time.

Andrea Andrea Tyler Evans PUBLISHER

@AndreaTEvans

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NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve}

SEEING OPPORTUNITY IN EMPTY SPACES Tom Evans | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR This is one of those classic stories in which some people see an empty space and others see an opportunity.

A bit over a year ago, a 6,000-square-foot office space went vacant directly next door to the Arizona Community Foundation’s offices at 22nd Street and Camelback.

This sort of thing happens every day — companies move into offices, companies move out.

ACF’s leadership was kind of excited, though, because things had gotten pretty crowded in their offices and they could use the extra space, so they started looking into how it might be utilized. The immediate thought was that some of the embedded organizations that call ACF home could be shifted over to the new space, in sort of a typical “we’re expanding the office” kind of way.

These “embedded” organizations — the Rodel Foundation, the Arizona Foundation

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for Women, Arizona Grantmakers Forum and Social Venture Partners-Arizona — are their own independent nonprofits, but have partnered with ACF to have it provide office space and additional infrastructure.

This helps the organizations reduce overhead costs and allows them to put more resources toward their missions.

Somewhere along the line, leaders at Rodel and ACF had an idea. What if we do something more than just shift some offices around? What if, instead, we create a center for collaboration, where nonprofits can work together regardless of their missions to have a bigger overall impact — “a place where ideas are born,” as it now says on the door?

And with that, the Bert A. Getz Center for Collaborative Philanthropy came to life. The center, named for groundbreaking Arizona philanthropist and ACF founder Bert Getz, was recently completed and is having an opening celebration in early November.

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Photo: Arizona Community Foundation

The four organizations that call the center home all have very distinct missions, without a great deal of overlap. But that doesn’t mean collaboration can’t help all of them.

“We all are looking for ways to collaborate and leverage resources so that we can have the greatest impact,” said Laurie Liles, president & CEO of the Arizona Grantmakers Forum. “By co-locating we interact more. By interacting more we start having conversations. And by having conversations we find ways we can collaborate and work together.”

The center houses the four embedded nonprofits but is also available as a resource to other nonprofits looking for a NOVEMBER 2017

place to gather and interact — if you book in advance, because the center is already abuzz with activity.

And while Jackie Norton, Rodel’s president & CEO, said the term “collaboration” is sometimes overused, it reflects the new reality that nonprofits are facing.

“I think there’s a collective recognition that if you want to teach kids to read or if you want to cure cancer, one person can’t just do it alone,” she said.

The concept of housing multiple nonprofits in one place isn’t new — the BHHS Legacy Building in central Phoenix is an example of the concept at work as well. And the Helios Education Foundation just broke FRONTDOORSMEDIA.COM | 7

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Eric Bledsoe

ground on a 65,000-square-foot building that will be designed to foster collaboration in education.

What it does show is the way the thought process has shifted in the nonprofit community over time. It used to be that nonprofits tended to stay in their own silos — whatever your mission, you went out and did it on your own.

The problems with this kind of thinking are myriad, of course. First, it’s expensive — that kind of thinking means that every nonprofit would have to build their own infrastructure, lease or build their own buildings, and be saddled with the burden of their own administration. That’s still fine for many nonprofits, but others are thinking outside the box and identifying just the sort of partnerships than can help them better focus on their missions.

Devin Booker

their impact, it can create an almost competitive environment, where nonprofits are fighting for dollars and impact in similar spaces instead of looking for ways to work together.

The one thing the nonprofits in the Getz Center have in common is simple — they all want to make the community a better place.

And by thinking a bit outside the box, it’s a safe bet they’re going to succeed.

Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

@tevans927

And, the “silo” approach can mean not only missed opportunities to boost

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NOVEMBER 2017

Redefining cancer care starts here.

Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network

HonorHealth.com/cancercare NOVEMBER 2017

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Photo: Thurlkill Studios

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Photo: Thurlkill Studios

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COVER STORY {by mike saucier}

Generations Generosity OF

Sharon and Dr. Oliver “Ollie” Harper on how their family ties shaped their remarkable impact on the Valley of the Sun

Sharon and Ollie Harper’s lives are a love story spanning the course of almost five decades. But this love story goes beyond the merely romantic. It’s one of a love of family, philanthropy and community with a young and growing Arizona as the idyllic setting.

The story begins with their childhood admiration for their parents. It continues via 46 years of hard work and charitable activity in the Valley of the Sun. Through it all is woven the upbringing of their four children and a niece they raised. It’s a story that will continue with their four young grandchildren (with a fifth on the way).

The years of service and charity work are evident in some recent honors they’re received — a Lifetime Achievement Award

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from Phoenix Theater, and their selection as co-chairs of the Arizona State University President’s Club — to go along with a lifetime of recognition for their personal and professional contributions to the community.

And, on October 31, Sharon was the recipient of Valley Leadership’s prestigious Woman of the Year designation, with her Greater Phoenix Leadership colleague Neil Giuliano named Man of the Year.

The Harpers have been at the forefront of philanthropic and community involvement with just about every significant organization in Arizona. At the center of their relationship resides a shared philosophy of giving in their upbringings that led to the good fortune for them to run into each other at a Midwestern college.

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Sharon Harper called her childhood in a small southern Minnesota town “idyllic”.

Those years were framed by a strong relationship with her parents and siblings.

“It was very foundational for everything I am today,” she said. “My parents were amazing, extremely entrepreneurial, persistent, hard working and had high ideals, and they instilled that in all the children. I feel like everything goes back to that for me. They had a big interest in community involvement and political involvement. My father was on City Council, and ran for some other offices as well. We were all engaged in helping out as children.

I really developed an admiration for people who step out into the public sector.”

While Sharon’s start was in a small town, Ollie got his near the big city, growing up in

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Yonkers, New York and attending high school and undergraduate college in New York City.

“My mom and dad were very active in the community,” Ollie said. “My mom was like a community organizer, before there was such a thing — she would get going on issues of consequence for people who live there. My dad was a lawyer for a group that was trying to bust up a corrupt union — he had that spirit about him.

“He ran a congressional candidate’s campaign in the 1950s, which gave me a view of what politics and public service were like,” Ollie said. “We were all very community spirited, giving people.”

Ollie’s father passed away when he was just 12, but he persevered, and made his way to Creighton University in Omaha to attend medical school. It was there

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where he met a young journalism major named Sharon, and also where they both encountered some of the philosophies and beliefs that would shape their lives.

“The concept they teach of being ‘Men for Others’ has been a big part of our lives, and consequently it has been for our children as well,” Sharon said.

After graduating, they moved to the Valley in 1971 to begin their adventure together — with one rather significant side trip right off the bat.

In 1973, the Harpers traveled to Kenya for a year, where Ollie practiced medicine in some extraordinary conditions and Sharon pitched in by helping vaccinate the local population.

“It was part of my grand plan,” Ollie said. “I wanted to do that after I became a doctor, and see what it was like practicing in a third — almost fourth — world country. It was very fulfilling and I enjoyed it very much.

Sharon immunized practically half the tribal

“Hold Other Human Beings in Awe and Reverence” “One experience I had in college was transformational for me. We had a young Jesuit teacher, Father Phalen, who was a wonderful teacher of philosophy. He was great. And the way he ran his class was, he would kneel for the prayer with his back to the door at the beginning of class, and once he stood up, if you weren’t through the door he would close the door and not let you in. So everybody was there on time because he was so good.

“Father Phalen gave this course on Plato, and he said to the class, ‘I want this to stick with you forever’ — talking to the class — ‘You should hold other human beings in awe and have reverence for them. That stuck with me — awe and reverence for human beings, no matter who they are.”

— Ollie Harper

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A Friendship for the Ages

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Sharon and Ollie Harper spend a great deal of time with their longtime best friends, Cindy and Sen. John McCain.

They own property together in the Verde Valley along Oak Creek where they spend most of their weekends, and the Harpers have been involved and supportive in almost all of Sen. McCain’s political pursuits. The Harpers were even co-chairs of Sen. McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign.

population of Africa, and would do a lot of complicated stuff from a medical standpoint, because over there you’re it — there’s no referral hospital to send people to.”

“He’s been a great inspiration,” Ollie said.

“Both in just watching him interact with us, and of course with the world on the national scale. Our kids just worship him, and think he is such a fine person.

They’re crazy about him. To see that kind of relationship, it’s very inspiring.”

“Our families have grown up together — 32 years now, the Harpers and the McCains,” Sharon said. “And so that’s been intertwined in our lives and we’ve had the opportunity to be around such a great family, and I think they feel the same about us.”

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When they came back to Arizona to start their family and professional careers in earnest, Ollie continued to do volunteer medical work while simultaneously building a successful medical practice. He’s volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul’s Clinic for the Working Poor for more than three decades, spending Thursday evenings making sure that working people suffering from poverty have access to quality doctors. He also volunteers for the Mission of Mercy.

In the meantime, the entrepreneurial influence of Sharon’s mother took root, as she saw opportunity in the real estate industry.

“The shift from my journalism background really occurred when Ollie was busy with his medical practice,” she said.

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“The entrepreneurial spirit made me see opportunities in the real estate industry. With influence and guidance of Ollie, I initially gravitated toward the development of medical office buildings.

That’s how we started Plaza Companies in 1982, and now we are much broader in the sectors we serve.”

Shannon since she was a child. Their children have gone on to their own pursuits over time, both in the Valley and around the world. Joe and Michael in particular traveled extensively, both living in South America for a period of time. The family continues to be close, and Sharon and Ollie frequently travel to see each of them.

For Sharon and Ollie, two things grew particularly quickly over the course of time.

The first was Plaza Companies, which has evolved into one of the most respected real estate firms in the region, boasting signature projects such as SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, Vi and Silverstone, an impressive portfolio of medical offices, and most recently a partnership with Holualoa Companies to redevelop Park Central Mall.

But there was another aspect of their lives that has perhaps best defined their legacy in the community — their extensive community involvement, for organizations too numerous to list. Ollie’s involvement with healthcare-related entities has included not only serving impoverished populations, but helping to shape the Phoenix-based medical programs of his alma mater Creighton University as well as his work with the University of Arizona.

And the second was their family. They have four children — Christy, Lise, Joe and Michael — and have raised their niece

And Sharon’s involvement has placed her at the top echelon of the business community. She has served as chair of

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Phoenix Theatre Applause! Gala 2017 Photo: Andrea Tyler Evans

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COVER STORY CONTINUED

Dr. Harper practicing medicine in Kenyan mud hut.

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both Greater Phoenix Leadership and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and has been extremely influential with some of the Valley’s most established philanthropic organizations.

“One of most prestigious and rewarding and grateful opportunities for me was when I was invited to be a Trustee for the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust,” Sharon said. “To have a leader like Virginia and her focus in community, and now be one of eight trustees that are carrying on that tradition, that has been very meaningful.

“And being involved with higher education has been tremendous for us, both for Creighton University and for ASU,” she said. “We’re very proud to be co-chairmen of ASU’s President’s Club, and of course Plaza Companies’ partners with the university in the development of SkySong.

And, it has been rewarding being a nonJesuit chairman of the Board of Trustees for Brophy College Preparatory.”

“Being at the intersection of philanthropy, government, business, education – that’s really our story,” Sharon said.

Sharon said that their philanthropic work

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has been driven by a vision for Arizona and how it will be a home for future generations.

“I want it to be a community that is well known for great education, from preKindergarten to higher education,” she said.

“A place that our children grow up with the talent and skills for the new economy, and they stay here because we’ve laid a platform for companies to want to be here. I want us to have a pipeline of talent, to care about arts and culture, to be involved in human services that bring other people in the community up, to emphasize education, and to ensure we have great leadership and a great lifestyle.”

All of the hard work over 46 years in the Valley and 48 years of marriage has rewarded Sharon and Ollie Harper in ways both personal and professional.

“There’s something within me that says at end of day, I hope I did something right today,” Ollie said. “Just that conscience of being part of who I am, and doing something that’s good for others and good of the community. I always ask myself, ‘Am I doing what’s right? Could I be doing more?’

It’s just part of who I am.”

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10 QUESTIONS WITH…

Jayson Matthews Director of Ending Hunger, Valley of the Sun United Way

WHAT YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT HUNGER BUT DIDN’T ASK. What’s the role of United Way in dealing with hunger in the Valley?

What are some of the statistics around hunger in the Valley?

Valley of the Sun United Way supports the emergency food system, including food banks. We work with communities to co-create solutions to the root causes of hunger and poverty. We serve an important role as an advocate for communities by directly speaking with elected officials and community leaders.

And we provide volunteer opportunities that allow caring people to directly interact with people in need.

To start, there are about 1 million Arizonans that are food insecure, with about 625,000 in Maricopa County. Of these numbers, 60% are working 32+ hours a week. This looks like 1 in 4 children, 1 in 5 adults, and 1 in 7 seniors who are food insecure. Food insecurity isn’t starvation, it’s not knowing when you are going to eat again.

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Unfortunately, food insecurity has a greater

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impact on women with children, communities of color, those with disabilities, and seniors.

And, chronic food insecurity and chronic health problems are linked, especially the problems of diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

What are some of the biggest misperceptions about hunger?

Many people believe that if someone is hungry in the United States, it is because of the choices they have made – not because of any systems, external circumstances, or bad luck.

Most people who receive emergency food don’t want to be in that circumstance. It is a stressful, humiliating, and hard way to live that is compounded by our society’s tendency to sometimes vilify the poor.

How does hunger tie in with other problems in the Valley?

Food insecurity is a “canary in the coal mine” for poverty. People are food-insecure because of insufficient income that fails to cover all of their basic needs. What we see is that if a household only has so much monthly income, they will begin to prioritize critical living expenses beginning with shelter, water, electricity, natural gas, telephone, transportation to get to job/school, medications, THEN food.

We see many parents who “diet” by cutting back their daily calorie intake so their children can eat more. We see many seniors who cut back on more expensive fresh and healthy food options so they can afford medications AND their monthly expenses.

What kind of situations and challenges are facing those who are dealing with hunger?

The emotional distress that comes with the stigma of not being able to feed yourself and your children. We see this most clearly in low-income, school-aged children and low participation rates in free and reduced rate school breakfast programs. No one likes to be

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seen as the kid who can’t afford their breakfast, so the kids skip the meal and play with friends instead. The stigma that comes with poverty has a ripple effect on stress, anxiety, and confidence for children and adults alike.

Unfortunately, this causes many in need to hide in the shadows until a bigger crisis emerges.

What makes the issue of hunger such a challenge in our community?

Hunger is a big challenge because of numerous misperceptions about poverty, lack of understanding of the food system, and our country’s overall bad relationship with food.

All of this adds up to a complex problem that requires adaptive leadership, collective impact, and changes in multiple systems. This isn’t easy! It’s more than a canned food drive.

What would you tell people to help them understand the challenge better?

1.) Be more aware of your personal advantages and disadvantages when it comes to food options, cost, and time.

2.) Hear the stories of people who are down on their luck and work with them to improve their lives. This step requires all of us to do a little more work when we help others. While critical, financial donations and volunteerism aren’t enough to end hunger. We need to hear the challenges and remarkable stories of resiliency firsthand in order to be strong advocates for big change.

How are nonprofits working together to solve it?

Maricopa County has an amazing group of nonprofits that address hunger and food insecurity. Our Emergency Food System, which includes food banks, congregate meals, and home delivered meals is one of the best around – and they always need your donations and volunteer time. In addition, the Valley of the Sun United Way is working directly with the communities of Maryvale, Central City, and Guadalupe to co-create long-term solutions

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that address the root causes of hunger.

People mostly associate hunger with the holidays, but isn’t hunger a yearround issue?

Yes! While awareness of hunger is highest during Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Emergency Food System and Valley of the Sun United Way are helping families, children, and seniors every day of the year.

Partner with Valley of the Sun United Way. Your donation at www.vsuw.org supports our work of building community gardens, teaching people how to grow food, training trainers to deliver food and financial literacy, building community resiliency AND supporting the Emergency Food System. Valley of the Sun United Way can be a great resource for volunteer opportunities. This is how we can end hunger and break the cycle of poverty.

What’s the best way for people to help fight hunger, both from a donation and volunteer standpoint?

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NOVEMBER 2017

16th Annual ONE Nonprofit Director of the Year Awards Nominations are NOW OPEN! The Organization for Nonprofit Executives (ONE) annually recognizes nonprofit leaders in Arizona who exemplify outstanding leadership and service in their communities.

2016 Award Recipients Doug Carter Joyce Millard Hoie Karen Jayne

Do you know a very special nonprofit CEO or Executive Director who displays amazing leadership, grit, creativity, and compassion?

Help give him/her the recognition they deserve!

Submitting a nomination is the perfect way for peers, staff, board members, and community members to promote the achievements and community impact of your nominee’s inspiring, dedicated work. Plus, eligibility now extends statewide!

It’s easier than ever to nominate!

You can set the nomination process in motion even if you don’t know all the details about the nominee! Visit www.oneaz.org and choose your nomination type to get started.

The first deadline is December 9, 2017 and the final deadline for full nominations is January 9, 2018.

Please nominate a deserving nonprofit leader today!

For questions, please call (602) 264-8578 or email one-admin@oneaz.org

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KITCHEN DOORS {where we ate this month}

MASTERPIECE DONUTS & COFFEE Arcadia I’ve been to a few states and tried their donuts. I’m going to talk about Masterpiece Donuts in Arizona — their donuts are delicious. When you first walk in there are iPads and you can customize or order whatever donuts you want, or a coffee and yogurt. When you customize your donuts there’s a choice of M&M’s, Oreo’s, peanut butter drizzle and more. After that you give them the receipt and they make the donuts that you wanted, and then you come up to the front when they call your name, and then get the donuts. While you’re waiting they have a chalkboard to draw on. The donuts are very unique and the bread is very good, especially with the peanut butter, chocolate or vanilla drizzle — and the Oreo donuts are the best. This is what Masterpiece Donuts is like (it is VERY GOOD).

— Thomas H. Evans (age 11), Resident Donut Expert Photo: Tom Evans

COLD BEERS & CHEESEBURGERS Locations Valleywide There’s a reason that Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers is taking over the Valley sports bar scene — they’re doing it right. When you start with a premise as simple as the name, it’s hard to go wrong. Cold beer, by nature, is good. Cheeseburgers, when done properly, are also good. And the cheeseburgers are indeed properly done there, with an exceptional variety to choose from. There’s even one with bacon, peanut butter and jelly on it, which a companion has told me is delicious (I haven’t had the gumption to order it myself). The new(ish) location on 7th Street’s restaurant row is just about the best sports-watching experience imaginable, with an extraordinary number of televisions in easy viewing range and enjoyable patio spaces.

Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers is an example of truth in advertising, and quality in simplicity. — Tom Evans Photo: Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

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Photo: Lincoln

Lincoln at Camelback Inn Arcadia Lincoln at Camelback Inn is undoubtedly a fantastic steakhouse with their New York sirloins and filets, but their menu also has some unique gems you might not expect — including vegan options and on-trend starters. Plates like the avocado shrimp toast, beet poke and sweet corn and bacon soup are far from status quo for a steakhouse, but are delicious nonetheless.

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They’re also serving up charred cauliflower steaks and butternut squash filets that will make plant-based diners feel right at home. You can’t forget the craft cocktails either, like the fig-titious Old Fashioned or the Copper State Sour. — Jamie Killin

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You can help a child every month. Become a monthly donor today, give.unitedfoodbank.org.

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OFFICE DOORS {leadership}

JOSE MORENO

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNITY RELATIONS, FIESTA BOWL

Jamie Killin | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “I will literally pick up trash for free until 2 a.m. if it gets my foot in the door.”

but he didn’t reap the benefits of his tenacity immediately.

That’s the pitch that launched Jose Moreno’s career in sports.

It was a few months later when she called and offered him a volunteer opportunity with the Colorado Rapids. That opportunity led to a year and a half internship with the Denver Nuggets and a career in sports community relations.

Moreno, who now serves as the senior director of marketing and community relations for the Fiesta Bowl, was always passionate about sports — and his willingness to do anything to break into the industry was what eventually landed him an internship with the Denver Nuggets.

After hearing an executive director for the team speak his freshman year of college, that’s the pitch he made to her, NOVEMBER 2017

“If it’s a goal, if it’s a dream just keep pushing and pushing and it might not happen in your time frame but if you want it bad enough it can be there,” said Moreno of the advice he gives others hoping to break into the sports industry.

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for 3 1/2 seasons before starting the community relations department at Grand Canyon University.

If it’s a goal, if it’s a dream just keep pushing and pushing and it might not happen in your time frame but if you want it bad enough it can be there.

Now, at Fiesta Bowl Charities — which recently announced its plan to donate $2.5 million to the community this year — he’s applying his experience in nonprofits and sports to make a difference in the community.

Moreno began playing sports while growing up in Tucson and recognized early on its positive impact in his life.

“Sports has always been a big passion for me,” he said. “Growing up in Tucson I played baseball all year round, all the time, played football and it was kind of my outlet.

I was raised as a kid by a single mom and so for me that was my way that I kind of stayed out of trouble.”

From there, he went on to go to school and play baseball in Colorado, during which time he completed his internship and got his start working with nonprofits at the YMCA. “I grew up attending the YMCA myself as a kid and getting involved in programs after school and I knew that when it came down to college that I wanted to work for an organization that was flexible — I was playing baseball and going to school at the same time — and I liked working with kids.

I loved the sports side of it so I started off as a camp counselor and I worked my way up, I was the sports coordinator and team coordinator and then I became the youth and family director outside of college.”

“I love what I do every single day, it never feels like a job to me,” he said. “I’m just so thankful every day for what I get to do and I want to stay in this world, I want to stay in community relations. I wish I had $2.5 million of my own to give out but I’m fortunate that I work for an organization that believes in philanthropy and I’m able to be a small piece of that puzzle to serve and I want to continue doing that and hopefully just make an impact every single day.”

From building fields to providing half a million dollars in grants to teachers across the state through its Wishes for Teachers program — the Fiesta Bowl’s impact on the community is clear.

Moreno recalls a time when Fiesta Bowl Charities was building a field at a school and one of the facilities employees observed that the field could produce the next Heisman Trophy-winner who may have otherwise not had the opportunity to practice.

“We always remember that we’re making a big impact, but we don’t see it half the time and the reality is we could,” Moreno said. “One of these kids could be playing in one of our bowl games, could be in the NFL because they have a field now that they can practice on, so for me obviously it brings a lot of joy.”

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WELCOME TO FRONTDOORSTV Inspired Media 360 has teamed up with Frontdoors Media to launch FrontdoorsTV. Together, we will highlight amazing people and charities around the Valley.

Our 15 minute show takes you inside the pages of Frontdoors Magazine to highlight compassion + charity + community and fun.

Produced by Inspired Media 360.

Click here to view the latest episode!

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GIVING IN STYLE {fashion in the philanthropy lane}

INFINITEandHEARTS A TAPESTRY OF STYLE Tyler Butler | SOCIETY AND FASHION WRITER The Phoenix Heart Ball has come a long way in its 58-year history. Originally founded by the late Peggy Goldwater, the purpose of the event focused primarily on research for pacemakers, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and bypass surgery. At the time the event was launched, these innovations were leading the way in helping to keep hearts healthy.

Throughout its acclaimed history the event has raised more than $30 million through its outreach efforts and has risen to be one of the most prestigious galas in the nation — creating a unique point of pride for the Phoenix community.

As time has passed though, so has the allocation of these valuable fundraising dollars. These days this important event contributes most heavily towards preventative and instructional programs designed to educate children on nutrition and exercise; to teach adults about risk factors and cholesterol reduction; and to alert the community about how to recognize the signs of heart attack and stroke. And just as the purpose for this elegant event has evolved, so has the

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fashion this event is renowned for.

In fact, there is a story in of itself that can be seen through the gowns worn by the Heart Ball committee chairs. And much of the fashion on display at the gala is driven by the color and theme cultivated by the Chairwoman herself. The emergence of an event theme over the past few years has brought a distinctive elegance to each year’s event. Whether it is Hearts in Rhythm, Passionate Hearts, Share Your Heart or in the case of the 2017 event, Infinite Hearts, the theme and colors have been a driver in making this long standing, popular event fresh and new each year.

Outside of the traditional red related with the American Heart Association, there have been many color schemes that have added drama to the Heart Ball. For many years Neiman Marcus was the designated go-to for gowns and dressed countless committed community leaders for this special occasion.

And Saks Fifth Avenue has also played a role in keeping this event and the crowd supporting it abreast of cutting edge and revitalized traditions in fashion.

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Over the years of saving lives, the gowns worn have weaved a tapestry of dedication, character, style and community.

Each year attendees carefully select or create unique gowns to make a statement and also to showcase their commitment to this valuable organization. Moreover, in the past several years themes have emerged as a way to differentiate each year’s unique flair. Chairwoman for the 2009 gala, Beth McRae, chose purple and gold and kept the theme in sync with the events milestone. “The 50th Anniversary inspired the color scheme – purple as a regal color and gold for the 50th. I had a special Heart Ball crest designed that we used in our collateral materials and as part of the Ball décor,” Beth said.

Last year, Chairman Jennifer Weidner Carmer chose the theme of Hearts in Rhythm, which celebrated the legacy of women who have worked together to better their community. The selected colors of pink and grey with a little pop of leopard print represented a tribute to her mother as well as a fun twist adding the cheeky sentiment that “animal print goes

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with anything...it’s a neutral.” It also served as a reminder that heart disease does remain the number one killer of women. In addition to the 2016 event being the 25th anniversary of Neiman Marcus in Arizona, it also showcased the serious work being done by this passionate group. Carmer said, “The Arizona State Legislature passed AZ bill SB1337 that requires graduating students to complete hands-only CPR training. Because of this new legislation, the 2016 Heart Ball had the unique privilege to be the inaugural year to fund the life-saving CPR in Schools Sponsorships.”

This same spirit of purpose is present in this year’s Infinite Hearts themed gala. Dynamic chairwoman Char Hubble said that “the inspiration for the 2017 event comes from this being the 58th Heart Ball on the 18th of November. The infinity sign is shaped like an eight so it just seemed like the most appropriate theme.” This years’ event is doubly innovative as Hubble’s selection of color, which is aimed to most represent her as the Chairwoman, will be unlimited because she believes that ”every day should be filled with color and beauty.”

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GIVING IN STYLE CONTINUED

The collective power and personality of the women who have chaired this event over its celebrated history is remarkable. Not only have they led the way for progress in this vital area of health, but they have done so with panache. The innovation through fashion and design used to promote and grow this mega-event is present each year as a new color scheme and theme is imagined. And there is undoubtedly a connection between giving and style that can be seen through these generous dogooders. Hubble said it best when she explained, “Philanthropy helps a person show their inner beauty, while fashion helps show your outer beauty and one needs both of those things to be the best version of themselves.”

It is clear that the women leading this charge have a magnanimous philanthropic NOVEMBER 2017

essence as well as the style and approach to keep the storied Phoenix Heart Ball leading the way as one of the nation’s most glamourous fundraising galas. The presence of great inner beauty shown through their commitment to philanthropy and pizazz as shown through their constant development of the theme continues to astonish supporters and keep this event and the cause it supports at the forefront.

Tyler Butler

SOCIETY AND FASHION WRITER @tylerjbutler

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GIVING IN STYLE EVENTS Arizona is a hotbed for philanthropy. As fashion emerges as a major driver for economic change and fundraising endeavors there becomes an opportunity to showcase the events that are combining these arenas for the greater good. Giving In Style Events will feature upcoming events and showcase what these designer offerings are accomplishing for our community and how they are impacting trendsetters.

PHOENIX HEART BALL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

The 2017 Phoenix Heart Ball is quickly approaching, and there are never enough details about the Valley’s most elegant event to suit its supporters. As always, the Heart Ball funds programs for prevention and education provided by the American Heart Association.

from The Classics Americana Songbook, Big Band and Jazz Standards to Classic and contemporary Rock to Classic Soul, R&B, Motown and today's contemporary pop, rock, and R&B hits — from Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra to Kings of Leon and Coldplay, Taio Cruz and the Black Eyed Peas.

This year the event, to be held at The Phoenician resort on November 18, is sure to be the most sophisticated party of the year, capping off the 2017 charity event season with a bang. Pamela OvertonRisoleo will be the 2017 recipient of the Peggy Goldwater Award recognizing her dedication to serving the community, which includes her commitment and efforts supporting the American Heart Association.

Entertainment by The JB Project will be a crowd pleaser as this group has the ability to cover, with authenticity, material ranging

So the colorful theme is set to impress, a top notch venue is booked and ready, a worthy honoree has been selected and a versatile entertainment group is scheduled to regale Phoenix’s elite. The Phoenix Heart Ball will be a spectacle this year not only because of the mission, but also because of the diverse colors and unique theme.

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Click Here for More Information — Tyler Butler

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HEAR HERE {news, updates and events} The best stories we saw this month about those who give generously and work for a better future.

VALLEY VOLUNTEERISM – THE BLAIR FAMILY It’s been six years since Elizabeth Blair was diagnosed with Stage IV nonHodgkin’s lymphoma and four since she was considered to be in remission. Shortly after her diagnosis, her sister, Kate began waging her own personal war against childhood cancer by working tirelessly to organize various volunteering efforts in order to raise money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Camp Rainbow. With the support of the rest of her family, Kate’s philanthropic efforts have been nothing short of amazing.

Why did you start fundraising?

After my sister was diagnosed, I became aware of the number of children who are diagnosed with cancer every day. I wanted to do my part to create more awareness and funding in hopes of finding a cure.

What types of fundraisers have you organized?

I wrote my own cookbook and began selling those at a local farmer’s market, I give manicures and pedicures in my own front yard, I’ve secured a partnership with READ MORE ONLINE

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HEAR HERE CONTINUED

NEW QUIRKY COMEDY FEATURES VALLEY AS BACKDROP “Raising Buchanan,” a quirky comedy featuring notable Hollywood actors such as Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor René Auberjonois, is set to begin production this month at locations around the Valley.

The film was written and directed by Rocky Mountain Emmy-award winner and Tempe local Bruce Dellis. Dellis has previously been recognized as Arizona Filmmaker of the Year by the Phoenix Film Foundation and has been nominated for 13 Rocky Mountain Emmys, winning four. He has written and directed several short films but this is his first time serving as both writer and

director for a full-length feature film.

The film’s plot centers around Ruth, a cellist with some serious money problems who steals the corpse of deceased president James Buchanan hoping to net a large ransom but finds that no one is too interested in getting him back.

“The script is outrageously funny and courageously insightful in its way,” said Auberjonois, who is playing the lead role of President James Buchanan. “The role is one of the most challenging I have had in a long career, but I’m psyched to sink my teeth into it and look forward to

READ MORE ONLINE

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GIVING BACK {charity spotlight}

MAKE-A-WISH ARIZONA Jamie Killin | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

THE CAUSE Wishes are a part of the human experience — everyone wishes for things — but for children affected by life-threatening medical conditions a wish can make all the difference.

According to Make-A-Wish Arizona, studies show that children who are told they’ll be granted their wish fare better medically than those who are told their wish won’t be granted right away.

“When we’re talking about a wish, yes this is a great thing to do for a child and for a family and it’s a kind thing and it’s a wonderful gift but it really does have impact on the child and the child’s ability to fight the illness and recover from their illness,” said Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona.

After achieving their goal of granting a wish a day, the organization is heading into a new fiscal year with the expectation that they’ll be able to grant 400 wishes this year.

“They only get one wish in their lifetime,” said Reich. “That’s one of the requirements for being a wish kid is you can’t have received a wish from us or another 36 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA.COM

organization so we have to do it right, we have to do it really, really well so they get that magic look in their eye that says ‘My wish was granted, this was it,’ because that affects their healing.”

While coordinating the wishes has become easy — with a dedicated team of volunteers who serve as the face of the organization to children and families having a wish granted — resources are always needed to help the organization reach its goal of granting a wish for every eligible child.

Each wish costs roughly $5,000 and takes six to nine months to implement.

“We’re really good at the logistics part, we’ve been doing this for 37 years,” said Reich. “It still takes time, it takes six to nine months to grant a wish, and it takes money.

Wishes are expensive because the whole family is impacted by this child’s illness so once the child makes the wish the entire family gets to participate in the wish, whatever it is.”

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THE STORY The global Make-A-Wish organization began in Arizona just under 40 years ago, when the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the community came together to grant the wish of seven-year-old Chris Greicius who had been diagnosed with leukemia and wanted to become a motorcycle cop after watching the show “CHiPs.” “Chris’ leukemia was getting more and more severe and it was apparent that Chris wasn’t going to grow up to be a police officer so Tommy (his mother’s friend and a customs agent) engaged friends of his at the Arizona Department of Public Safety and they put together just an amazing day for Chris where he got to ride in a helicopter and he got to take his toy motorcycle on an obstacle course and get motorcycle wings, he went to the office of DPS and was sworn in as a DPS officer. He is to this day the only civilian that has been sworn in as a DPS officer,” said Reich.

his family had him buried in the replica of a DPS uniform that had been made for him.

The idea spread, in part thanks to a segment on the NBC Magazine television show, and according to Reich, it went the ’80s version of viral.

Soon after, families from around the world were hoping to have their child’s wish granted and Make-A-Wish America and Make-A-Wish International were formed.

Now, 300,000 wishes have been granted worldwide — with a wish being granted every 34 minutes.

“The mission gets to the heart of all of us, about if we were facing this, what would we want,” said Reich. “We would want someone, that whole fairy godmother idea to wave the magic wand, to come and grant a wish for us and that’s what we do, so I think it’s pretty compelling.”

Four days later, Greicius passed away and NOVEMBER 2017

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NONPROFIT EVENT EXPO

Presented by Sun Studios and Frontdoors Media

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. Come kick off the holidays with Frontdoors Media and join us for the first-ever Nonprofit Event Expo. We’re bringing together a full spectrum of vendors to provide the nonprofit community and event planners with a look at some of the best resources available to make their fundraisers sparkle.

Plus, you’ll get a close look at one of the most unique new event venues in the Valley — Sun Studios of Arizona, a fullservice production studio that also doubles as an exceptional event venue that can accommodate hundreds of guests.

FEATURED PRODUCTS WILL INCLUDE: Rentals, Catering and Other Key Event Services SUN STUDIOS OF ARIZONA 1425 West 14th Street, Tempe, Arizona 85281 Hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks will be served.

RSVP to Whitney Thistle at whitney@frontdoorsmedia.com by November 10.

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GIVING BACK CONTINUED

THE EVENT Make-A-Wish Arizona hosts several events each year, including Walk for Wishes, which took place last month in Phoenix and Tucson. The Phoenix walk alone hosted 2,500 attendees and raised over $135,000.

“It’s a really fun way for our families to see each other, for us to support the kids and it does raise good money for us, we have wonderful sponsors,” said Reich.

The event is free, but allows community members to raise money either on a NOVEMBER 2017

team or as individuals on behalf of the foundation.

“We raise money to support wishes but we also have a chance to just kind of celebrate in a very low key, fun way,” she said.

Make-A-Wish Arizona will also host its fourth annual Wish Ball on Friday, March 23 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Click Here for More Information FRONTDOORSMEDIA.COM | 39

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BOOKMARKED {what are you reading - author’s luncheon edition}

WHAT ARE THE AUTHORS FROM THE 2017 AUTHOR’S LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY THE ARIZONA WOMEN’S BOARD READING? PUBLISHER ANDREA EVANS FOUND OUT! The Arizona Women’s Board is committed to the prevention of kidney disease through awareness, education and research, and to the improvement of the quality of life for Arizonans with kidney disease. Funds are raised through the annual Friends of Erma Bombeck Authors Luncheon and used exclusively for Arizona patients.

Wiley Cash Author of The Last Ballad IS READING

Grant (a biography of Ulysses S. Grant)

BY RON CHERNOW

Rocco DiSpirito Author of The Negative Calorie Diet IS READING

A Fine Balance

BY ROHINTON MISTRY

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BOOKMARKED {what are you reading - author’s luncheon edition}

David Grann Author of Killers of the Flower Moon IS READING

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

BY ALFRED LANSING

Craig Johnson Author of An Obvious Fact IS READING

The Which Way Tree

BY ELIZABETH CROOK

Adriana Tragiani Author of Kiss Carlo IS READING

Frank Sinatra Has a Cold and Other Essays

BY GAY TALESE

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A 2ND ACT {stories of perseverance}

THE JOY BUS Judy Pearson | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Every Sunday, when Jennifer Caraway was a little girl, a vehicle called “The Joy Bus” picked her up for Sunday School. Jennifer never imagined that the name of that happy vehicle that brought little children to church, would one day become her 2nd Act. Fast forward several decades. “My friend Joy was battling aggressive, stage four ovarian cancer. I was desperate to do something, anything, to help her. I’ve worked in the food service industry my entire life. It was just natural that my avenue for comforting Joy in her illness would be through food.”

Furthermore, Jennifer is a firm believer in not only the medicinal value of food, but in the immense comfort it can bring those who need just a little extra love. Joy had a huge support system. Everyone loved her.

So much so that her husband cut back his working hours to spend more time with her, and her best friend quit her job to help with care taking duties. Meanwhile Jennifer

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saw others, also battling cancer, who didn’t have that kind of support system.

Joy fought hard, trying one clinical trial after another. And then the day came when, as with so many women facing that diagnosis, her time on this earth ended.

But not before Jennifer – inspired by Joy’s courage and grace – had given birth to a most creative way to honor her friend and help hundreds of other cancer patients.

Remembering “The Joy Bus” that brought her and her childhood friends to the goodness in church, Jennifer launched The Joy Bus Meal Delivery Program.

“We meet the crucial needs for social support and proper nutrition after a cancer diagnosis,” Jennifer says. “We’re the ONLY organization of our kind in Arizona, working to improve the quality of life of homebound cancer patients. We not only provide delicious, healthful food but companionship and education on the

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A 2ND ACT CONTINUED

A 2ND ACT CONTINUED

healing power of food, too.”

Through their partnerships with community organizations and Crooked Sky Farms, The Joy Bus delivers freshly prepared meals to homebound cancer patients each week in eco-friendly and chemical free packaging.

And all prepared by a hardworking corps of compassionate volunteers.

Jennifer marvels,“I am continuously inspired by the people involved with our mission. We focus on the ‘food is medicine’ approach. But our volunteers add an amazing dose of friendship because of the kindness of their hearts.”

It’s a wonderful mission. But it’s not all there is to Jennifer’s creativity. She also opened the Joy Bus Diner.

“We had grown to the point where we needed an industrial kitchen,” she explains.

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“So I figured, why not create a business where 100% of all money raised goes back to the meal delivery program?”

Located on Shea Boulevard just east of the 51, the Joy Bus Diner serves up some of the most delicious and nutritious breakfasts and lunches around. Joy’s husband even brought in a picture of his beloved wife to add to the decor.

When The Joy Bus Meal Delivery Program began, hospital case managers and social workers referred 12 to 15 homebound patients per week. But the popularity of the program has caused that number to grow to 40 homes per week.

One of those patients was Carrie, a former ballroom dancer. She knew her disease and treatment had ravaged her appearance, and she didn’t want Jennifer to see her on meal delivery days. But

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Carrie thrived on the camaraderie they were developing. So when Jennifer would leave the kitchen heading to Carrie’s, she would call her and the two women would chat away on the phone the entire round trip.

One day, the Joy Bus Diner was having a celebrity chef fund raiser. It happened to fall on a day that Carrie – a true foodie – was feeling particularly good. She got all dressed up to attend the event, absolutely losing herself in the presence of so many accomplished chefs. Such relationships are not rare in Jennifer’s world.

“We’ve built a community,” Jennifer says.

“Even after patients recover, they come to the diner, as do their families and friends.

On any given day, everyone in the place has a connection.” It’s a new twist on six degrees of separation. Cancer is so prevalent in our world, it’s difficult to find someone who hasn’t been touched in one

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way or another.

The Joy Bus is limited only by capacity.

Today, the deliveries are made within a 15 mile radius. But Jennifer hopes to expand to 50 homes a week, with additional kitchens to serve more homebound cancer patients throughout Maricopa Country.

And although Joy isn’t on hand in person, her spirit certainly is, every time The Joy Bus brings goodness to those who need it most.

Judy Pearson is a journalist, published author, and the founder of A2ndAct.org. Her organization supports and celebrates women survivors of all cancers as they give back to the greater good in their 2nd Acts. Her passion is finding those who have have healed themselves by helping others.

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2017-18 Tax Credit Directory A Tax Season Giving Guide for Arizona presented by

It’s finally here, just in time for tax season! It’s our 2017-18 Tax Credit Directory, providing a key resource for Arizona residents looking to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state income taxes while helping a broad spectrum of nonprofits. Our Tax Directory provides an overview of tax credits, how they work and why they are important, and includes listings from dozens of organizations across the tax credit categories.

CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW THE DIRECTORY! 46 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA.COM

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2017-18 Tax Credit Directory

Q: HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE TAX CREDIT OPPORTUNITY? A: GIVE TO ALL 4 CATEGORIES!

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2

Arizona Qualified Charity Tax Credit / $400 per Individual or $800 per Couple Example - Mr. & Mrs. Smith give $800 to one organization or give $200 to 4 Qualified Organizations

Foster Care Tax Credit / $500 per Individual or $1,000 per Couple Example - Mr. & Mrs. Smith give $500 to 2 Qualified Foster Care organizations or give $1,000 to one organization

3

Public Schools Tax Credit / $200 per person or $400 per couple

4

Private School Tuition Organizations / $1,087 per person or $2,183 per couple

Mr. & Mrs. Smith owed $2,000 on their taxes, donated the maximum combined amount to all tax credits of $4,383 on their Arizona Tax Returns and will now receive a refund of $2,383. No catch, dollar for dollar assistance to your favorite organizations and schools.

Deadline is April 15, 2018, Tax Day, to make these contributions and submit your forms to get your Tax Credit when you file.

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