Frontdoors Magazine – Holiday Issue 2025

GIVE THE GIFT OF THE CANYON

This holiday season, surprise someone special with a one-of-a-kind treasure. Original works from Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Celebration of Art make unforgettable gifts— unique, inspiring, and filled with the spirit of the canyon.

PRESENTING SPONSORS

LYNN AND DAVE RAHN AND THE BECKMAN FOUNDATION

KAIBAB SPONSORS: Jeanne and Nigel Finney; COCONINO SPONSORS:

Terri Kline, The Picerne Family, Stephen and Elizabeth Watson; VISHNU SPONSORS: Kathy Duley and Caroll Huntress, Andrew and Pamela Kerr, Loven Contracting, Margaret T. Morris Foundation, Dan, Donna, and Tyson Winarski; MEDIA SPONSORS: Fine Art Connoisseur and Plein Air Magazine.

A CAMELBACK MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION

Frontdoors Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Andrea Tyler Evans and Mike Saucier.

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Karen Werner

OWNER & PUBLISHER

Aaron Klusman

PUBLISHER PRO TEM

Tom Evans

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Neill Fox

ART DIRECTOR

Cheyenne Brumlow

CHIEF OF STAFF

Alicia Chandler

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Zenobia Mertel

CONTRIBUTORS

Alison Bailin Batz

Julie Coleman

Michelle Jacoby

Shoshana Leon

FRONTDOORS TV HOST & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Carey Peña

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Lindsay Green

BEAUTY PARTNER

The Sparkle Bar

PHOTOGRAPHY

Scott Foust Studios

FRONTDOORS MEDIA ADVISORY BOARD

Latasha Causey

Russ Dickey

Rusty Foley

Sarah Krahenbuhl

Larry Lytle

Monique Porras Mason

Brad Vynalek

PHILANTHROPIC HONORS ADVISORS

Deborah Bateman

Linda Herold

On the Cover

Luis De La Cruz, the executive director of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, with his wife, Nataly, and sons, Mateo and Sebastian.

Photo by Scott Foust

Photo by John Segesta

ORGANIZATIONS FEATURED IN THIS

+ Arizona Food Bank Network

+ Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

+ ASU Kerr

+ BHHS Legacy Foundation + Helping Hands for Freedom

+ LISC Phoenix

+ Musical Instrument Museum

+ National Kidney Foundation of Arizona

+ The Phoenix Symphony + Stitches of Love + Valley Youth Theatre

Andrea I Remember

CULTURE

the Valley Way

TO THE CHAIRS Upcoming philanthropic events

Dressed to Dazzle

TO THE GOOD LIFE Timeless Traditions, Modern Magic

Fortunate Son

Leslie McReynolds, CEO of National Kidney Foundation of Arizona

2ND ACT

Collective Fight

DOORS Banking on Valley Nonprofits

section

A New Call to Service

Silver Roots, Golden Season

DOORS Let’s Eat!

Mary Thomson, SVP of Program Development at BHHS Legacy Foundation

LOOK

Pattern of Kindness

The Arts Experience

Inspirational. Educational. Captivating. Community-Building.

“The first time I saw the piano being played – at five years old –I was completely captivated and told my mother that I wanted to be a musician. Artistic expression became my love and my life’s work –I see art as a form of healing that can transform people and the world!”

– Carmen Guerrero, Zúm Zúm Zúm Band Founder, Executive Director Cultural Coalition, Inc. / 2023 Piper Fellow

A Legacy of Light

There’s a special magic to the holiday season, a warmth that radiates not just from twinkling lights, but from a collective impulse to give, connect and uplift. It’s a joy to lean into that spirit.

This issue, we have a particularly meaningful reason to celebrate: We’ve partnered with BHHS Legacy Foundation to honor its remarkable 25th anniversary.

For a quarter of a century, the Foundation has been a cornerstone of our community, quietly and powerfully turning possibility into progress. The numbers alone are inspiring — over $150 million invested in vital nonprofits and programs, 426,000 children supported through their Backpack Buddies program, and 577 organizations empowered to serve. But the real story is the lives changed and the futures brightened, a testament to 25 years of profound, sustained impact.

This issue is filled with stories that capture the heart of that impact. You’ll meet Luis De La Cruz, who graces our cover with his adorable family. He shares his remarkable journey from the foster care system to becoming a devoted father, now building futures for families far beyond his own.

We also shine a light on the important work of the Arizona Food Bank Network. As a record number of our neighbors face hunger, their efforts to provide nourishment and hope are more poignant than ever. In Next Doors, you’ll read about how LISC Phoenix is transforming Valley neighborhoods by investing in community-led change. And in our story on Helping Hands for Freedom, you’ll see how a father’s profound love for his son blossomed into a mission to help military families heal.

Of course, the season is also about celebration — and you’ll find plenty of inspiration for that, too. Creating Culture offers ideas for making the most of the holidays, from classic to delightfully quirky. Style Unlocked features fashions to make every entrance unforgettable, while

Key to the Good Life serves up expert tips from a “MasterChef” finalist for making every gathering one to remember.

The holidays are also a time of reflection, holding space for both joy and remembrance. This issue is deeply personal for us, as it’s our first without our late publisher, Andrea Tyler Evans. In a heartfelt tribute, her husband, Tom Evans, shares a beautifully honest remembrance of Andrea, whose impact on her family, friends and this community was, and remains, immeasurable.

Andrea’s passion is a powerful reminder that a legacy isn’t just about looking back; it’s a promise to the future. It’s the same promise BHHS Legacy Foundation has kept for 25 years and renews today — planting new seeds in our neighborhoods, schools and clinics that will grow into the next quarter century of a healthier, stronger Arizona.

That is the true gift of the season. We wish you and yours holidays filled with peace, joy and abundant generosity.

KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF

HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR 25 YEARS

BHHS Legacy Foundation has invested more than $150 million in nonprofits and programs across Greater Phoenix and the Tri-State region of northern Arizona.

Help build healthier communities with your donation to Legacy Connection. Visit BHHS legacy.org or call 602.778.1200 to donate now.

The Andrea I Remember

BY TOM EVANS

Andrea Tyler Evans, co-owner of Frontdoors Media, was both our publisher and a guiding light for the community. She died on Aug. 17, 2025 after a 13-year battle with cancer. But she was also a wife, a mother and a friend. Here, her husband shares a portrait of the woman he knew and loved.

Iwant to share a glimpse of the Andrea I knew. I was lucky to see every side of her big, beautiful personality, and above all, I’m grateful she chose to share her life with me.

I don’t want to talk about cancer. As I first started writing this, I kept feeling like I was being pulled into telling the cancer part of her story. I guess that’s because it had so much of an impact on our lives, more behind the scenes than anything. It was a thief that stole something very precious from me.

The Andrea I loved could be precocious. She was almost always the last one to leave a party. When I met her, she was just as comfortable at a tailgate holding a cheap beer as she was at a charity ball holding a glass of champagne. She loved my friends and would roll her eyes and say, “Oh brother” when we all did or said something ridiculous.

She could be sweet and affectionate, not just to me, but to the kids as well. She used to throw them the most elaborate birthday parties. Christmases were full of traditions, and she would labor for hours to make the tree perfect, wrap the gifts caringly and cook meals that would be memorable. She was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout troop mom for many years. And for me, she was always up for a date night if we had an evening free, or even better, an adventure together if we had someone to watch the kids.

She worked tirelessly, driven by ambition and a deep desire to make a difference. Charities, children and those in need were always at the heart of her efforts. She worked too hard to be honest, but it was what gave her motivation and reward, especially as publisher of Frontdoors Andrea was adventurous. She loved to try new things, to challenge herself and be part of experiences that would be truly memorable. She did cooking contests. She did zip lines. She liked roller coasters. Even though I hated them, she was always the one with the kids on the scary ones. She loved to travel, and we went to some amazing places together. London. Paris. Italy. Hawaii. New York. And so many others. She could be silly sometimes. I know for many of you, it’s probably difficult to imagine, if you knew her through the charity events or the magazine work or the professional interactions. Her 50th birthday party was at the Dash Inn, the recreation of a dive bar that she apparently spent the vast majority of her college days in. She was a little clumsy and would often say that she had no “sense of space in place.” But she was also an amazing dancer, who would happily remind you that she won Dancing with the Stars Arizona in 2019 if it came up.

She worked tirelessly, driven by ambition and a deep desire to make a difference.

Tom and Andrea chaired the Vienna Carnival Opera Gala in 2023.

She loved our cats. In the pandemic, she even orchestrated a plan with the kids for us to get a COVID kitty behind my back, and then executed it with perfection. Our oldest cat, Sally, is a legend among our family, close friends and the entire neighborhood. Andrea was Sally’s favorite and would curl up next to her whenever possible. The kids and I were OK, but Andrea was the good stuff to Sally.

Andrea was loyal. She valued her friendships and carried some of them for the better part of four decades. But if you were a newer friend, she still did everything she could to keep you close and help out in any way if she could. We were together for 24 years and married for 22. And so much of that time, despite illness, was a gift.

And she was beautiful. Beautiful beyond words. The blonde hair, the blue eyes, the smile. A beautiful wife, partner, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

That’s the Andrea I remember. And cancer can’t take that away from me.

She was just as comfortable at a tailgate holding a cheap beer as she was at a charity ball holding a glass of champagne.

With friends at the 2024 Phoenix Heart Ball.

I loved Andrea so much, and so did the kids, her family, her friends and the entire community. I was so, so lucky to have her.

The kids and I will be OK, and we will always have the memories she helped us create and enjoy.

I also want people to understand just how passionate she was for this community, and how much she sacrificed to be part of it. There were so many times when she had no business going to an event because of her health, yet she insisted on doing it anyway, so that she could support her beloved Frontdoors and the philanthropic community it served.

And finally, as sad as losing her may be, what comforts me is knowing that she was so grateful for this incredible life she built and the legacy she created, which we will all carry forward. She told our family that as we approached her last days.

If she could add anything, the words she would be saying, over and over, would almost certainly be “Thank you.” I feel that gratitude as well, for all of the people who were with us on this long, crazy journey.

If she could add anything, it would almost certainly be ‘Thank you.’

Andrea Tyler Evans’s celebration of life was held on Oct. 1, 2025, with hundreds of family, friends and colleagues in attendance.

Andrea’s mother and sisters delivered a moving tribute at her celebration of life.

Tom and Andrea with their kids, Thomas and Ellie.

Holiday, the Valley Way

From timeless classics to quirky local gems, here are five festive experiences to light up your holidays.

BY MICHELLE JACOBY

mid the swirl of shopping lists and year-end bustle, it’s easy to forget the quiet magic of gathering — through music, memories and traditions old or brand-new. That’s why we’ve pulled together some local cultural gems to help you slow down, soak it in, and maybe even discover your next holiday ritual. Whether your vibe is elegant orchestras or quirky markets, there’s a little sparkle here for everyone.

The Classic

THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY HOLIDAY POPS SPECTACULAR!

This one is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. With shimmering lights, bold brass and sing-alongs that will nudge even the most reluctant carolers into cheer, “Holiday Pops Spectacular!” delivers all the festive feels. Guest conductor Lawrence Loh leads the Phoenix Symphony Chorus and special guest artists through a dazzling lineup of holiday classics. It’s nostalgic, joyful and the perfect way to launch your season in style.

5-7 DEC

Symphony Hall • 75 N. Second St., Phoenix phoenixsymphony.org

Note: Dates and times are subject to change. Please verify details and purchase tickets online in advance.

Courtesy of TAVITS Photography

The Unconventional

THE BRIDGE INITIATIVE OY TO THE WORLD: A

HANUKKAH MUSICAL REVUE

Not everything needs tinsel and sleigh bells. This playful Hanukkah revue tosses in original songs, storytelling and a healthy dose of chutzpah. Presented by The Bridge Initiative, a local theater group known for smart, inclusive productions that often champion gender parity, the show is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. It’s Jewish culture with a wink and a soundtrack you won’t forget.

The Global

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM ’TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAYS AT MIM

Want to wander the world without leaving town? The Musical Instrument Museum’s festive weekend highlights holiday traditions from around the globe. Past events have featured everything from strolling mariachis to Kwanzaa traditions to lively klezmer music. With live performances, hands-on crafts and tastes from around the world, it’s a vibrant invitation to connect through culture.

ASU Kerr • 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale asukerr.com

Musical Instrument Museum • 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix mim.org

Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, AZ

Courtesy of ASU Kerr

The Family Favorite

VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE A WINNIE-THE-POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL

Pooh, Piglet and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood crew are back for their 30th year in this beloved holiday musical that’s become a tradition for Valley families. Full of warmth, gentle humor and timeless lessons about friendship and giving, it’s a charming way to kick off the season. Bring the kiddos — and maybe a tissue or two. This one delivers all the giggles and feels.

The Local Beat

PHOESTIVUS

Forget the usual tinsel and tidings and make a beeline for Phoestivus, Phoenix’s quirkiest holiday market. Inspired by the legendary “Seinfeld” episode, this brilliant bash features 175-plus local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment and, yes, a real Phoestivus Pole, an Airing of Grievances booth, and even Feats of Strength. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it’s all for a good cause: supporting the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. 4–10 p.m.

Arizona Center • 455 N. Third St., Phoenix phoestivus.com 5-23 DEC 12 DEC

Valley Youth Theatre • 525 N. First St., Phoenix vyt.com

This holiday season, skip the frenzy and choose what sparks joy. Whether it’s the swell of a symphony, the charm of handmade gifts, or a cozy laugh over cocoa, there’s magic in celebrating your way. After all, culture might just be the most meaningful gift of all.

Courtesy of Valley Youth Theatre

Courtesy of Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market

A

CHEERS to the Chairs!

Giving in the Garden

DATE: November 9, 2025

A preview of the Valley’s premier philanthropic events and who’s leading these important efforts

BENEFITTING: Partners In Health & Aging

CHAIR: Dawn Katek

LOCATION: Grand Hyatt Scottsdale duetaz.org

46th Annual Friends of Erma Bombeck Authors Luncheon

DATE: November 15, 2025

BENEFITTING: Arizona Women’s Board

CO-CHAIRS: Laura Bill & Jackie Hutt

LOCATION: Arizona Biltmore authorsluncheonaz.org

A Night of Pawsibilities Silver Jubilee

DATE: November 15, 2025

BENEFITTING: Gabriel’s Angels

CO-CHAIRS: Cherie Malkoff & Scotty Lowry

LOCATION: Arizona Biltmore gabrielsangels.org

PoP! Gala

DATE: November 15, 2025

BENEFITTING: Children’s Museum of Phoenix

CO-CHAIRS: Michael Mazzocco & Nicole Wheatcroft

LOCATION: Children’s Museum of Phoenix childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

dreamBIG 2025: Galactic Nights

DATE: November 21, 2025

BENEFITTING: ICAN

CO-CHAIRS: Jaime Norris & Mona Sands

LOCATION: Arizona Biltmore icanaz.org

Heart Ball

DATE: November 22, 2025

BENEFITTING: American Heart Association

CHAIR: Patt Watts

LOCATION: The Phoenician heart.org

Holiday Prelude

DATE: December 5, 2025

BENEFITTING: Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra & The Phoenix Theatre Company Guild

CHAIR: Sabrina Walters

LOCATION: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn pysorchestras.org & phoenixtheatreguild.org

White Christmas Gala

DATE: December 6, 2025

BENEFITTING: Ryan House

CHAIR: Amanda Carr

LOCATION: Arizona Biltmore ryanhouse.org

Phoenix

FULL SERVICE PARTY & TENT RENTALS

Our extensive product offerings include a full complement of tents, dance floors, staging, tables, chairs, tableware, basic and specialty cloths, as well as a large range of kitchen equipment.

We continually remain on the cutting edge of new product offerings to set your event apart. Whether you need tents or event rentals for a variety of reasons, Event Rents is the Best in Arizona.

Ashley R ae Photograp hy

ACI Holiday Luncheon

DATE: December 8, 2025

BENEFITTING: Arizona Costume Institute

CHAIR: Justine Hurry & Lana Breen

LOCATION: Phoenix Art Museum

arizonacostumeinstitute.org

72nd Annual Fashion Show Luncheon

DATE: December 13, 2025

BENEFITTING: Board of Visitors

CO-CHAIRS: Terry Anderson & Mona Smith

LOCATION: JW Marriott Camelback Inn boardofvisitors.org

Festival of Trees

DATE: December 13, 2025

BENEFITTING: Arizona Burn Foundation

CO-CHAIRS: Andrea Glass & Shannon Hakes

LOCATION: The Phoenician azburn.org

59th Annual Desert Ball

DATE: December 20, 2025

BENEFITTING: Desert Foundation Auxiliary

CO-CHAIRS: Liz Pierson & Nicole Cundiff

LOCATION: The Phoenician desertfoundationauxiliary.org

Dance With Me Gala

DATE: January 17, 2026

BENEFITTING: Ballet Arizona

CHAIR: Carla Cohen

LOCATION: Arizona Biltmore balletaz.org

Dressed to Dazzle

BY ZENOBIA MERTEL

Sequin Blazer

Dapperly Defined

Luxe layers and crisp tailoring are white hot for men this season. Heritage patterns in warm tones are on trend, while classic finishing details are always in style.

Tux Bow Tie | $250

Gold and Pearl Cufflinks | $8,490

Paul Stuart Chelsea Boot | $995

Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale neimanmarcus.com

Herringbone Sportcoat | $598 J.Crew, Phoenix jcrew.com

MAKEUP STUDIO

The Final Flourish

A single, spectacular piece has the power to transform an outfit from beautiful to unforgettable.

Balmain Crinkled Leather Pouch | $1,995

Goatskin Pump | $1,600 Valentino valentino.com

Lace Gloves | $425 Gianvito Rossi gianvitorossi.com

Sariyah Headband | $575

Jennifer Behr jenniferbehr.com

Timeless Traditions, Modern Magic

Chef and lifestyle expert

Jennifer Maune shares her elegant and approachable take on holiday hosting.

JBY MICHELLE JACOBY

ennifer Maune may be best known as the “Southern Martha Stewart,” but her charm lies in something much deeper than accolades. With her roots in Arkansas and her heart firmly grounded in family, Maune has built a lifestyle brand that celebrates beauty, hospitality and meaningful traditions — all with a modern, elegant twist.

Setting the Scene

This holiday season, the celebrated chef, decorator and soon-to-be restaurateur is inviting readers to embrace the art of joyful, intentional entertaining. Her journey to national recognition was solidified as a finalist on “MasterChef” with Gordon Ramsay, where her sophisticated palate and calm demeanor captivated millions. Her advice? Start with a theme, then build from there.

Elegance with Intention

“Every year, I develop a new theme. This year, moving into our new home, it’s all about Old World elegance,” Maune said. Think rich colors, warm textures and a table that feels like it belongs in a vintage novel. “Once I land on the theme, I decide on a color scheme, then plan the table, décor, even the music. For me, the table is everything — it’s where people gather, where memories are made.”

Culinary Craft Meets Southern Heart

It’s no surprise that her culinary credentials are just as polished. Maune studied pastry arts at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and honed her skills through culinary training and experiences at worldrenowned, three-Michelin-starred kitchens, including The French Laundry in Napa, Le Louis XV in Monaco, and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London. But even her most extravagant spreads are designed with love, not intimidation.

“I want people to feel like they can do this. I repurpose things all the time,” she said. “I’ll use the same garland from Thanksgiving and weave in fall florals, then swap them out for Christmas. Twinkle lights and candles, those can carry through both holidays.”

Go-To Tips Jennifer’s

REPURPOSE WITH PURPOSE

Shift garlands from Thanksgiving to Christmas by swapping orange florals for winter whites. Move décor to unexpected spots — like placing your tree in a new room — to give heirloom pieces a fresh moment to shine.

LAYER IN THE TWINKLE

Maune adds subtle sparkle well before December. Think faux twinkle branches and flameless candles tucked into garlands. It’s understated magic without the extra fuss.

BRING THE KIDS IN

Whether they’re brushing butter on rolls or sprinkling sugar on cookies, little hands make the holiday kitchen a place of shared joy.

DON’T SKIMP ON THE GRAVY

Her Thanksgiving table always includes rich, scratch-made dressing and gravy — complete with turkey drippings, herbs and all the “good stuff.”

MAKE ROOM AT THE TABLE

The heart of hosting? Welcoming others. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend-of-a-friend or someone who needs a place to land, Maune says the holidays are the perfect time to extend an invitation.

Tradition Meets Trend

Maune also encourages home hosts to think of trends and traditions not as opposites, but as partners. “I have a set of Christmas china I’ve used every year since our wedding. But I’ll pair it with trending touches like bows this year — napkins shaped like bows, bows on candle holders, even on the backs of dining chairs. It keeps the tradition, but makes it feel fresh,” she said.

A Welcome Table

For Maune, hospitality is deeply rooted in her Southern upbringing. Holidays weren’t just for immediate family — they were for neighbors, extended cousins, anyone who needed a place to gather.

“That’s one of my favorite things about the South: open arms,” she said. “Our Thanksgiving table always has someone new. It’s about creating a space where people feel welcome and loved.”

That ethos spills into her kitchen, too, where her children often help prepare meals from scratch, just like she did with her grandmother. “My kids help with everything — biscuits, desserts, dressing. It’s an all-day, sometimes two-day, affair, but it’s time well spent together.”

Simple Touches, Big Impact

Of course, not everyone has the time or budget to go all out. Maune’s advice? Focus on just a few cozy vignettes. “Style your entryway or kitchen island with a candle, a floral arrangement, even a plate of baked goods. Use what you have and layer in a few meaningful touches.”

Savoring the Season

As she juggles launching her Little Rock restaurant, Fleur (set to open in 2026), expanding her Heritage Seasonings line, and renovating a new family estate, Maune still finds time to sit, sip and savor.

“At the end of a long holiday evening, I pour a glass of wine, put my feet up and look around,” she said. “That’s the good life — seeing all the smiles, the joy, the love. That’s why I do this.”

For recipe and entertaining ideas, visit jennifermaune.com.

by

Photo

Scott Foust

Luis De La Cruz with his wife, Nataly, and their sons Sebastian (left) and Mateo (right).

The Fortunate Son

Luis De La Cruz conquered the corporate world, but a memory of two paths — his, and his brothers’ — led him back to the system that saved him.

Now, as president & CEO of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, he has a singular mission: to help children like he once was.

BY KAREN WERNER

The soft-spoken man who helms boardrooms and inspires philanthropists still carries the imprint of a one-room adobe with no running water, no electricity and no bathroom. It was, Luis De La Cruz said, “the most challenging of economic conditions that one can picture.” But memory is a strange curator. “As a child, you don’t really understand your context,” he said. “Because frankly, maybe you shouldn’t. I remember mostly joy because of my ability to play, to be a kid.”

Then came the rupture. The crossing from Mexico to the United States, the loss, the abandonment, the hunger — and his entry into the foster care system. His world tore into a before and an after. “There is a sense of loss that comes with sitting here and having this conversation,” he said.

“One that is profound and one that doesn’t really fully ever heal, but it’s part of me. I can choose to let that limit me, or I can use it to propel me to do something better.”

For De La Cruz, that propulsion has become a life’s work. As the president and CEO of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, he is one of the state’s most formidable advocates for its most vulnerable youth, recently named one of Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 honorees and a recipient of Valle del Sol’s Premio Liderazgo Comunitario for his community leadership. But his authority comes not from awards or degrees on his wall or businesses on his résumé, but from a truth he carries in his bones: the razor-thin line between security and desolation.

It is the story of three brothers.

After entering the system, Luis, the middle child, was placed with a family that was “highly educated” and “economically more than fine.” His younger brother was sent to a group home. His older brother, already 18, was left to fend for himself. Their divergence began almost immediately.

Foster care gave Luis something his childhood had not: stability. For him, education became an anchor. “It was my safe space,” he said. “It was where I felt safe. I was fed. I built friendships that uplifted me. I had teachers that showed kindness.” He became the first in his family to graduate high school, then earned two bachelor’s degrees from the Barrett Honors College at ASU, and a master’s in public policy from the University of Michigan.

His younger brother did not finish high school. Today, at nearly 30, he is often unhoused, often unemployed, contending with addiction and the same cycles of economic peril the entire family once shared. His older brother’s life is a similar struggle.

“Every day I see that and am reminded that somehow I’m the one that made it, and that is both empowering but also profoundly sad,” De La Cruz said, his gaze drifting toward a bookshelf lined with photos. In one, his foster mother is attending his graduation. His foster family was there for those big moments — his graduations, his wedding, there to pick him up from college when summer arrived and the dorms closed — a quiet, constant presence that helped fill a gap he hadn’t known could be filled.

“I understood very perfectly that I’m not special. I was just supported,” he said. “That’s it. I fundamentally believe that if my brother had been equally supported, his narrative today would be different. That is what drives a lot of the work that

Before he returned to the world that shaped him, De La Cruz first had to conquer another. He was a transfer pricing economist at Deloitte, the global consulting behemoth. He was also a fellow at Meta in Silicon Valley, living the techshuttle, catered-campus dream. He saw how power worked, “the way that business and government dance together, or not,” he said. De La Cruz was successful and comfortable — living proof of the American Dream. But a quiet question persisted: Now what?

The answer arrived with the birth of his first son, Mateo, at the height of the pandemic. Isolated in Chicago, with no family nearby, the world felt fragile. He and his wife, Nataly, whom he met at ASU, decided to move back to Arizona, a return to her family and to his foster “village.” The pull was twofold: a need for community and a reckoning with his past.

De La Cruz’s childhood home.

Luis, as a baby.

Luis’s graduation, with his foster family and brother.

“When I talked to my wife about leaving that to come do this,” he said, “her response was very clear. She said, ‘You can do whatever you want to do, but just remember that you have a child now, and when he asks what you do for a living and why, you better have a damn good answer.’”

Today, he has his answer. At AFFCF, which serves nearly 4,000 children across the state every year, De La Cruz is creating solutions born from his own wounds. He is building what he wishes his younger brother had — a safety net that stretches beyond food and shelter into possibility and hope.

The organization’s Keys to Success program aims not for Ivy League prestige, but for the essentials of self-sufficiency. “You need a baseline education,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to get and keep a job, and you’ve got to stay housed.” From there, dreams of being a doctor or a hairstylist or simply experiencing stability can take root.

AFFCF’s scholarship program doesn’t just write checks for tuition. Recognizing that for foster youth, “the cost of a mistake is beyond quantity,” they created the Focus-Forward Fund. It is emergency funding for when a car breaks down or a utility bill comes due — the minor crises that can derail a life when there’s no one to call for a hand. “It works,” De La Cruz said, pointing out that the national college graduation rate for former foster youth is a dismal 3 percent. However, for youth in AFFCF’s program, the rate is nearly 70 percent.

But De La Cruz refuses to measure success only in numbers. He talks instead about moments of joy — a backpack filled with new supplies, a scholarship check that keeps a student in school, a foster parent waiting at the curb when summer starts so that a child doesn’t have to face homelessness again.

Under his leadership, the organization has nearly doubled the number of young people it serves. This is work that requires the entire community to engage, from the volunteers at a recent backpack drive to the major philanthropic partners that provide the fuel. He points to funders like BHHS Legacy Foundation as vital. “As a private foundation, without those dollars, we can’t do this work,” he said. “It enables us to do what we have got to do in the best way that we can, without having to navigate the challenges of strings being attached.”

An example was the Backpack Buddies event AFFCF and BHHS Legacy Foundation held at Phoenix College last summer. There, hundreds of children received new backpacks, shoes, clothes and supplies to start the new school year. The location was no coincidence. Dr. Kimberly Britt, the president of Phoenix College, sits on AFFCF’s board and is an alum of the foster care system herself.

Embracing a new direction.

Sharing AFFCF’s mission.

At this year’s Backpack Buddies clothing distribution at Phoenix College.

“It’s humbling to have the opportunity to do something for the kids that we once were,” De La Cruz said. “One day, a child is going to say it was these events that allowed them to have the materials and school supplies and uniforms that they needed to show up to school and not feel embarrassed. That’s powerful.”

But the need extends beyond school supplies. There are currently about 8,500 children in Arizona’s foster care system, most under the age of 10. And there are only about 3,000 licensed foster homes available to care for them. The math is clear. Research shows that children placed with foster families are less likely to experience re-abuse and more likely to have the stability of fewer placements.

“We all play a role in supporting these kids, whether it be through dollars, but also when you think about what being a foster parent can do to change the narrative of a child’s life,” De La Cruz said. “Today, there’s only one home for every four kids. Our community can step up, and they can do more than write a check. It’s going to have lifetime implications for somebody.”

He speaks from experience when he says the goal must be to ensure families are waiting for kids, not the other way around. “The single best thing that anybody can do for children is give them a family-like setting,” he said. “Kids belong with people, not in institutions.”

To those considering it, De La Cruz offers both encouragement and realism. “I tell them, ‘Go do it. But also recognize that it’s hard.’ It is joy and hardship, bringing a kid into your home that is not your child,” he said. “It is hard to raise your hand and say, ‘I want to do this.’ But I think it’s

probably one of the most meaningful things anybody can do. What else are we here for if it’s not to help change somebody else’s life?”

With two sons now, ages 5 and 2, De La Cruz finds himself in an unexpected chapter: shaping young lives while reparenting himself. At home, Mateo and Sebastian are tugging him into new territory: Disney movies, pool parties, movie nights with popcorn and ice cream.

“We’re going to Disneyland and experiencing that through them, but also for myself,” he said. “As a parent, I’m so imperfect, mostly because I didn’t have a role model. I don’t know what I’m doing half of the time.” He credits Nataly, whose “most beautiful childhood” serves as a guide. “Just because I didn’t get to doesn’t mean they shouldn’t. In fact, they should. So I have to work extra hard to make sure that they do.”

It is the daily act of closing a circle. The work is relentless, the need immense. So he propels himself — daily, tirelessly — toward a vision where Arizona becomes the gold standard for how to serve children in foster care. Toward a world where no child’s life is determined by the absence of support.

“I show up to work every day, I give it all I’ve got, and then I realize that it isn’t enough, and I do it again the next day,” he said. It is the promise of a man who knows the two roads, who carries the ghost of a one-room adobe and knowledge of much worse into every meeting, and who has dedicated his life to ensuring that for the next child, support is not a matter of fortune, but a matter of course.

To learn more, visit affcf.org

“What else are we here for if it’s not to help change somebody else’s life?”

Whether it is his own child (left) or a student in ACCFC’s Keys to Success program (right), De La Cruz believes “we all play a role in supporting these kids.”

Luis De La Cruz is living proof that when a child is seen, believed in and supported, the trajectory of an entire life can bend to the light — toward hope, wholeness and so much more than survival.

Photo by Scott Foust

A Day With

LESLIE McREYNOLDS

AS TOLD TO JULIE COLEMAN CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona

6:30 A.M. >> TWO- & FOUR-LEGGED CHAOS

I get up before our 6-year-old son and start my day by making coffee, taking care of our cat and Golden Retriever puppy, checking my email and putting on jazz or coffeehouse music to bring a little calm to the morning chaos. Once I wake up our son, my husband and I tag team preparing breakfast and lunch. Everything happens simultaneously, and by the time I’m making breakfast, I’m receiving Teams messages and emails, even though the workday starts at 8 a.m.

I prioritize my work correspondence as I’m finishing a sandwich for the lunch box and getting our son off to school. Once I come back, I usually reheat my untouched coffee and check in with my husband about the day ahead.

8:15 A.M. >> THE TUESDAY BUBBLE

I spend time determining the top five priorities of the day, because the unexpected always happens. We work a hybrid schedule where every Tuesday, the entire team meets. We execute a vast number of programs and services for the state of Arizona. People wear many hats, so we use every minute of the meeting to check in on struggles and successes. It’s important we all have the opportunity to hear where someone needs support and find a solution. The meeting also creates a reflective bubble where everyone slows down and shares something great that happened, either personally or professionally.

10 A.M. >> THE $10 MILLION MISSION

My role focuses on four areas — fundraising, programs, administrative and policy. When I work with our “lean and mean” fundraising team, we discuss strategy and trends. I enjoy using my marketing background to work with them on donor communication and gratitude plans, new donor packages and messaging strategies.

We have a $10 million programmatic campaign underway called “Hero to Hero,” which entered the public phase last year. We are strategically thinking about how we can not only raise the last $2 million but also use the campaign as a “friendraiser” during the fall giving season to let more people know about the great work we do.

NOON >> SEROTONIN FOR THE SOUL

I try to be intentional about making time for myself when I work from home. I make lunch and eat in the kitchen, not at my desk. I also do one personal thing on my mind, whether it’s a phone call to a friend or family member, buying tickets for that thing my husband and I have been talking about, or petting the puppy. This gives me a little serotonin boost to hop back in and focus on the professional work.

1 P.M. >> A PROMISE TO SERVE

My background was in PR and marketing prior to joining the Kidney Foundation 15 years ago. I was exploring going in-house somewhere and saw that the organization was looking for a marketing person. I didn’t know anything about kidneys, but I knew that being of service was something I desired. My family was in a car accident when I was young, and my father has been in a wheelchair since. When I was looking at nonprofits, it was important to me to help those dealing with the unexpected, because that resonated with me.

I’m the kind of person who likes to learn. As people left the organization over the years, I offered to step in because I care deeply about the mission and wanted to know each and every corner of it. I advanced through several roles until I became CEO right before the pandemic hit. Every day, I hope to make our founders proud.

2:30 P.M. >> WORKING THE PLAN

When I stepped into the CEO role, my goal was to return funding to our reserves and make the organization sustainable for another 60 years. Part of the plan to achieve this is to diversify our funding. As we have grown exponentially, so has the need. Over the last year, we’ve had conversations regarding our direct patient aid programs, free health screenings and professional education programs. The central debate is whether we should match the size of these programs to our fundraising results, or grow our larger programs to be self-sustaining and stop fundraising for them specifically.

4 P.M. >> A PERFECT WORLD

In addition to the emergency patient aid we provide, our free community health screenings have expanded exponentially because we’re targeting underserved communities. These on-site tests and physician consultations help identify chronic issues early enough to do something about it.

Most of the time, when a kidney patient finds out their kidneys are in failure, it’s because the symptoms have been quiet for so long, and they did not know. It’s now too late, and they’re on dialysis, needing a transplant. Our vision is a world where no one needs our services because everyone is proactive about their health and catches issues early.

5:30 P.M. >> EVENING LOVE & LICKS

I enjoy evening time with my family. I check in with our son to hear how his day went. We always have dinner together, and my husband, son and I each talk about two good things that happened that day.

I am an evening owl. My husband and I have an understanding that some nights I rest easier knowing I responded to emails or completed a project. I love the peace of a candle, lamp and my laptop. I have a hard time not being reactive to individuals’ needs throughout the day, so my priorities sit with that quiet time at night. I conclude my evening with a nightcap and watch a show with my husband. We both decompress as best we can with a Golden Retriever puppy climbing all over us.

To learn more, go to azkidney.org

Two walkers honor their inspiration at the annual Phoenix Kidney Walk, joined by mascot Sydney the Kidney.

An attendee gets her blood pressure checked during the “Path to Wellness” free health fair.

A Collective Fight

As food insecurity rises, the Arizona Food Bank Network is doubling down on its most powerful resource: itself.

BY JULIE COLEMAN

Every month, a record number of Arizonans are turning to food banks for help. One organization is building the network to meet that crisis head-on.

The Arizona Food Bank Network is a coalition of five regional food banks and nearly 1,000 food pantries and agencies across all 15 counties, working together to address hunger in the state. Together, the network feeds

nearly 1 million people in Arizona each year.

AzFBN is not a food bank itself; instead, it’s an amplifier — raising awareness, coordinating massive food donations, and providing resources and education that empower its partners on the front lines. The organization’s vision is simple but ambitious: to create a hunger-free Arizona.

AzFBN has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout its more than 40-year history. In fall 2019, the organization changed its name and brand to better reflect its evolving role. Just as the network settled into its new identity, it faced its first major test: a global pandemic.

“We were called upon to do a lot of different things very quickly and stepped into whatever role was needed by the state, county government and food banks at the time,” said Terri Shoemaker, executive vice president. “A lot of people had our number and used it because we were in a niche where we could be helpful to a lot of different people very quickly. This really changed who we were and what we looked like.”

In the years that followed, the network’s agility was tested again when it took over sourcing fresh produce from Mexican brokers and growers on behalf of food banks across the Southwest. In 2024 alone, the AzFBN Produce Program directed a staggering 51.6 million pounds of food to its members. Operating from a newly purchased warehouse in Rio Rico, the program now repacks and distributes nearly 900,000 produce boxes each year — each filled with four to five varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables destined for family tables across the state.

Today, that spirit of resilience is being put to the test once again. Arizona currently ranks 22nd in the nation for overall food insecurity, and recent federal policy changes are placing additional strain on the state’s food distribution systems.

“We’re already seeing a record number of people coming to food banks every month for help, and that number is going to go up,” Shoemaker said. “I like to say that food banks find a way and are very resourceful organizations. They’re going to serve as many people as they can.”

AzFBN’s answer to this mounting pressure is to lean even harder into the collaborative model that defines it. By centralizing sourcing, leveraging economies of scale and sharing resources, the network maximizes efficiency for everyone. This strategic coordination allows AzFBN to achieve what individual organizations could not accomplish, because the work is not being done alone.

AzFBN president & CEO April Bradham urges decision-makers to consider food-insecure families at a press conference.

AzFBN produce boxes await families at a United Food Bank Thanksgiving food distribution.

“This collaborative notion makes the ‘n’ for network a capital ‘N’ for us because we do this really well, and it’s hard. It takes a lot of talking, reassuring and living up to promises to be the best organization we can be on behalf of our member food banks and all the people they serve,” Shoemaker said.

This spirit of communal cooperation is fueled by a profound sense of gratitude for every person who joins the cause. “We are grateful for anyone who sees someone who doesn’t have enough as something we should do something about,” Shoemaker said. “We are a network of people who have said that hunger is not OK. This extends to people who work at food banks, our boards of directors, people who donate food or funds, and corporations that organize a food drive during the holiday season.”

The Tohono O’odham phrase, “All of us together,” perfectly describes this charge. It is a fight that Arizonans can win, collectively.

The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra

Banking on Valley Nonprofits

LISC Phoenix is transforming Valley neighborhoods by investing in community-led change.

BY TOM EVANS

Nonprofits may be mission-driven, but they are also businesses. It’s often costly to make a difference in the community and move the needle in key areas of need. So it’s critical that the nonprofit community works together with the private sector and foundations to make their programs and initiatives work.

And when those nonprofits can make the connections they need, their chances of success increase. That’s where organizations such as LISC Phoenix come in.

For more than three decades, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has quietly transformed communities across the country — and in Phoenix, that transformation is both deep and visible.

As one of the largest community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in the United States, LISC

channels billions of dollars into projects that strengthen neighborhoods, expand affordable housing and build community health and stability.

LISC invests roughly $2 billion annually through 40 local offices and a national rural program. It functions much like a bank — making loans and equity investments in community development projects — without taking deposits.

But while its financial scale is impressive, LISC’s mission is about much more than capital.

“Outside of the banking side, we’re considered an intermediary, which means we do capacity building for nonprofits,” said Terry Benelli, senior executive director of LISC Phoenix. “We do grantmaking for nonprofits and we teach them best practices from what we’ve gathered across the United States.”

LISC Phoenix helps bring modern affordable housing developments like this to life, strengthening neighborhoods and providing stability for families.

LISC Phoenix has been part of that mission for 33 years. To get it started locally, the community had to raise about $3 million in initial investment dollars. But the return on investment has been significant. Last year alone, LISC Phoenix invested $120 million in the community.

That investment supports everything from affordable housing and small business development to programs addressing what Benelli calls the “social determinants of health” — the community conditions that influence people’s well-being.

“We’ve been involved in childcare centers, particularly those that serve low-income families, affordable housing and a lot of work around what we call healthy communities,” she said.

Every LISC market operates differently, tailored to local needs. “We’re different in every community,” Benelli said. “The pillars of work that we do here in the Phoenix market are much different than every other market.”

Nationally, LISC runs about 10 core programs. Each local executive director determines which national strategies best fit local needs.

“We don’t take our products and put them on the community,” Benelli said. “The community comes to us. It’s got to be driven by them, because that’s the only way that things are going to be sustainable.”

That philosophy has made LISC a key partner in innovative efforts to address housing and healthcare together — especially for vulnerable populations. One of the organization’s major ongoing efforts is a “housing as healthcare” initiative, which recognizes the clear link between stable housing and reduced healthcare costs. For instance, a stable home reduces costly emergency room visits for chronic conditions often exacerbated by living on the streets.

“We’ve distributed $12.3 million in grants to get 2,000 units of affordable housing built in the last five years,” Benelli said. “Our housing projects don’t just provide shelter — they include services that impact social determinants of health, such as financial literacy, education, employment assistance and green space.”

The initiative has been particularly effective in working with managed care organizations to use Medicaid funding in creative ways.

“If we house someone experiencing homelessness, their healthcare costs drop, which benefits the insurance providers,” Benelli said. “So we went and talked to seven insurance organizations and said, ‘What if you all use that money for grants to get these projects out of the ground and get people moved into affordable housing so they’re not living on the street and costing you a fortune as clients?’”

LISC’s community-driven approach also shows up in smaller, neighborhood-level projects. In the town of Guadalupe, for example, LISC partnered with Fiesta Bowl Charities, State Farm and a local community development corporation called Rail CDC (Retail, Arts, Innovation & Livability) to restore a public park and work with residents to plant trees. One of the results is a revitalized park that now serves as a gathering place for local families, with vendor markets and cultural events that celebrate Guadalupe’s Indigenous roots.

“We’re helping the community at their request,” Benelli said. “That’s what makes it sustainable.”

Looking ahead, LISC Phoenix is expanding its “housing as healthcare” focus through a major new project in partnership with Circle the City, which provides health services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The project reflects the kind of creative, equity-based financing that has become a hallmark of LISC’s work.

“This connects healthcare and community with equity investment,” Benelli said. “It’s an innovative way to expand without traditional fundraising — and that’s what makes it so powerful.”

For Benelli, success isn’t just built on capital; it’s built on trust. “We know the neighborhoods. We know what the community wants,” she said. “And we know what investments are going to be successful because the

community is asking for them.”

This deep neighborhood connection, combined with pioneering projects like the Circle the City partnership, does more than just fund development. It forges a new, sustainable framework for the city’s future — one where community health and stable housing are recognized as one and the same.

To learn more, visit lisc.org/phoenix

Ballet Arizona dancers. Photos by Michael Higgins.

Through walking audits and planning sessions, LISC supports resident-led change in Guadalupe, which resulted in a transformed park for community celebrations.

MAKE ARIZONA STRONGER while getting a break on state income taxes! Consider donating to one of the Arizona Tax Credit Giving Guide participants on the following pages.

MARICOPA COUNTY EDITION Your

DON’T FORGET TO BRING THIS TO YOUR TAX ADVISER!

The following organizations are part of the 2025-26 ARIZONA TAX CREDIT GIVING GUIDE.

To view all participants when considering your annual tax credit contributions, visit AZTaxCreditGuide.com

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

A New Leaf

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)

Chrysalis

Circle the City

Duet: Partners In Health & Aging

Families Raising Hope

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation

HonorHealth Foundation

Hope Ignites Phoenix

Maggie’s Place

Make Way for Books

Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Sojourner Center

The Neighborhood Christian Clinic

The Singletons

QUALIFIED FOSTER CARE ORGANIZATIONS

Catholic Charities Community Services

Center for the Rights of Abused Children

Child Crisis Arizona

Hope & A Future

The Foster Alliance

PRIVATE SCHOOL & SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATIONS

Brophy Community Foundation

Catholic Education Arizona

Jewish Tuition Organization

New Way Academy

CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS

There’s still time to make a difference and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Support Child Crisis Arizona and help provide love, shelter, and stability to children in foster care.

Single filers can give up to $618 and joint filers up to $1,234 with the Arizona Qualified Foster Care Tax Credit and get it back when you file your taxes.*

Will you help us provide shelter, stability, and lifelong love for children and young adults in need?

A Foster Child ’s Story

Use your AZ Charitable Tax Credit to give to families facing homelessness in your community!

Give shelter to families in crisis!

You can donate your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit to A New Leaf and give a safe, temporary home to families facing homelessness!

Your donation will change a life by providing:

• Safe, secure shelter

• Food and basic needs

• Baby formula and diapers

Donate your Charitable Tax Credit!

By making a gift to A New Leaf you will qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $987 for couples, or up to $495 for individuals.

Put simply: when you file your taxes, you get your money back! It’s that easy!

Make a local impact for families!

A New Leaf serves families facing homelessness across Maricopa County and Pinal County, helping people in your local community.

You can scan this QR code to donate!

Your support can give safe shelter to families like Sheriel and her son! TurnaNewLeaf.org | (480) 464-4648 | QCO: 20075

Medical, dental, and behavioral health care for those with nowhere else to turn — in Jesus’ name.

In Phoenix, thousands of our neighbors live with chronic pain, untreated illness, and nowhere to go for help. At the Neighborhood Christian Clinic, volunteer doctors, dentists, and counselors help provide expert care to the uninsured and underserved.

Each patient pays a small fee of $40 - because dignity matters. And, if someone can't afford it, no one is turned away. Your generosity makes this life changing care possible — providing medical visits, treatments, lab work, prescriptions, and dental procedures so every patient receives the care they need and the compassion they deserve.

Give today. Heal a neighbor tomorrow.

A t M a g g i e ’ s P l a c e , w e o p e n

o u r d o o r s - a n d o u r h e a r t s

t o w o m e n f a c i n g p r e g n a n c y

w i t h o u t s t a b l e h o u s i n g .

W e p r o v i d e s h e l t e r ,

s u p p o r t , a n d a l o v i n g

c o m m u n i t y w h e r e m o t h e r s

c a n r e b u i l d t h e i r l i v e s w i t h

d i g n i t y a n d h o p e .

Y o u c a n h e l p .

V o l u n t e e r . D o n a t e .

A d v o c a t e . T o g e t h e r , w e

c r e a t e a f u t u r e f u l l o f

p r o m i s e a n d h o p e .

L e a r n m o r e a t m a g g i e s p l a c e . o r g Q C O C o d e : 2 0 4 9 2

590

FREE Care Because We Care

The Pregnancy Care Center lovingly and accurately discusses all options with our clients so they can make an informed choice.

Learn and Earn Classes Key program that empowers parents to learn the skills they need while earning credit towards brand new baby items from our boutique.

Fatherhood Program

Championing the father’s voice. The program inspires men to choose life and be involved and responsible parents.

ICU Mobile

We are bringing care to women in need in their communities with ICU Mobile.

This holiday season, your donation to Circle the City can do more than provide compassionate healthcare to all individuals facing homelessness in Maricopa County–it can also give you something back. With Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit, you can donate up to $495 as an individual or $987 as a couple filing jointly, and it comes right off your state taxes. It’s a win-win: your generosity helps deliver critical care to those who need it most, and you benefit from a tax credit. Visit circlethecity.org to make an impact today.

AS OF 2025

$618 single filers

$1,234 joint filers

QFCO: 10000

IN A CHILD’S LIFE!

Since 1933, we’ve been bringing families together through foster care and adoption. You can help provide loving, safe homes for the more than 7,600 foster children in Arizona by redirecting your state tax dollars to invest in our work. Improve lives and get a credit from the State of Arizona when you file your taxes in April.

The Singletons provides nutritious meals, essential household items, birthday celebrations, wellness programs, along with community and hope to single-parent families facing a cancer diagnosis.

SINCE 2006

Among the Families We Support:

Are unable to work. Are fighting a stage 4 diagnosis.

60% TheSingletonsAZ.org 2832 E. Bell Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032

75% 73%

Live below the poverty line. Do not receive child support.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Hope to Families Facing the Unimaginable.

Our Needs are Growing. We Need Your Help.

64% Because No Family Should Face Cancer Alone — Please Consider Directing Your AZ Tax Credit To The Singletons, QCO #21020 3101 N. Swan Rd.

Supporting Single-Parent Families battling cancer throughout Arizona since 2006. EIN: 35-2280372

New Name ~ New Leader ~ Same Mission

Over the last decade, it’s been my privilege to witness our scholars’ journeys and the organization’s growth I look forward to supporting our scholars and championing their success with our dedicated team.

For over 35 years, Hope Ignites Phoenix ( formerly Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona) has fulfilled its mission to nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready individuals who serve others.

We support low-income, first-generation youth from across the Greater Phoenix area through a long-term, relationship-centered model that provides educational support and guidance from middle school through college graduation and early career.

GET INVOLVED!

Volunteer

Donate

Sponsor an event

Join an event committee

Mentor a Scholar

Join our Governing Board or Associate Board

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how you can get involved with us and change the trajectory of a young

Meghann Gintz Executive Director

Hope Ignites Phoenix meghann gintz@hopeignites org

602.266.4873

are used exclusively for tuition scholarships at K-12 Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools.

Between 3 and 6 p.m., thousands of Arizona youth are without supervision—the hours when they’re most vulnerable to risky behaviors and negative influences.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, those critical hours are transformed into moments of possibility. Inside our Club doors, kids find more than just safety, they find inspiration. Here, every child is encouraged to dream bigger, do better, and believe in what’s possible for their future.

CLOSER TO HOME

Every senior deserves safety, dignity, and a place to call home.

Central Arizona Shelter Service (CASS) opened The Haven, a 130-unit motel, this year for seniors experiencing homelessness. With your year-end tax credit gift, we can provide shelter and hope to those in urgent need. Help bring them Closer to Home —because no one should have to face homelessness al one.

DONATE NOW

Give & get back with Arizona Tax Credit. Empower women to achieve self-sufficiency and get the most from your 2025 tax return.

Support women in our community with your tax credit donation today! Donate up to $987 filing jointly or $495 filing individually & receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, which can result in a reduction to what you owe or an increased refund.

A New Call to Service

How one leader turned personal tragedy into a mission to help military families heal.

Leadership

For Eric Snelz, leadership wasn’t a career move; it was a calling he answered at age 62. When the CEO of Helping Hands for Freedom stepped down in late 2016, Snelz — then a founding partner at a successful marketing agency and the only local board member — stepped in to help. He quickly recognized the profound need and felt, what he calls, “a message.” In a life-defining decision, he sold his shares to his partners and took the helm full-time in early 2017.

Origin

Every mission has a beginning. This one was forged in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2004, when Staff Sgt. Patrick Shannon was severely injured in combat. During his six-month recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, he listened as his fellow wounded veterans and Gold Star families spoke of their deepest worry: their families’ well-being.

Moved by their stories, he made a promise to help. Upon returning home, Shannon met Rod Smith, an experienced nonprofit CEO, and together they brought that promise to life. They formed Helping Hands for Freedom, which officially received its nonprofit status in 2008.

A Personal Calling

Years later, that same spirit of service called to Snelz in a powerful way. At a 2011 Gold Star family picnic in Tempe, he met a 10-year-old boy who spoke proudly of his brother — his hero. When Snelz said he’d love to meet him, the boy replied, “Oh, you can’t. They killed him, and I really miss him.”

The words left Snelz stunned, prompting him to think immediately of his own son, Shaine, who was then serving

in Afghanistan. The seed planted at that picnic took root when the war came home. After his second tour, Shaine returned with the invisible wounds of conflict — PTSD and a traumatic brain injury from multiple rocket-propelled grenade explosions. When Shaine’s marriage ended and he moved back home, Snelz saw the daily struggles firsthand. An abstract concern became a personal calling. He knew he had to turn his family’s pain into a mission to help others navigate the difficult road home.

Mission

At its core, Helping Hands for Freedom provides a lifeline, offering stability and dignity to the families of fallen, wounded and deployed military members. The organization’s primary mission is to deliver emergency financial assistance, focusing on keeping families together in their homes and easing the burdens that follow sacrifice.

Known for

The organization is known for providing critical financial relief, assisting veteran and Gold Star families with rent, mortgage, utility and vehicle payments. Community

partnerships are key. In collaboration with BHHS Legacy Foundation, Helping Hands for Freedom provides backpacks and school supplies to approximately 200 children each July. During the holidays, families receive gift cards for food.

It’s about connection, healing and honoring sacrifice. As Snelz said, “I have never regretted it. I have met so many incredible veterans, severely wounded veterans and Gold Star family members who gave me a new perspective on life.”

Co-founders, Patrick Shannon (left receiving medal) and Rod Smith (right).

Eric Snelz, with his son, Shaine

Most Surprising Thing About the Organization

“Besides having survived the Great Recession and COVID-19,” Snelz said, “we are a one-person nonprofit. We rely on strong relationships with loyal donors and volunteers who have helped sustain our mission for 17 years.”

Program Highlight

“Our ZooLights Holiday program is the highlight of the year,” Snelz said. Local television station CW7 provides hundreds of gifts, and Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company sponsors the entire evening. Between 150 and 200 children from wounded veteran and Gold Star families receive dinner, tickets to ZooLights, and a visit from Santa, who hands out three or four gifts to each child.

Future

The organization is currently navigating a significant funding gap after a major annual fundraising event was canceled this summer. However, Snelz remains optimistic. “We are an Arizona Qualified Charity Organization, which should provide a fourth-quarter revenue boost, along with end-of-year donations. Then the ZooLights event is always a great way to celebrate the holiday season with our families,” he said.

To learn more, visit helpinghandsforfreedom.org.

LUMINARIAS

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Plus, experience FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse, a multi-sensory art exhibit now on display.

Silver Roots, Golden Season

Park City blends rich history, mountain adventure and holiday magic, all winter long.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

Park City, located in Utah about 30 miles from Salt Lake City, has silver to thank for becoming the gold standard in winter escapes. In the late 1860s, miners arrived in search of fortune, and by the late 1800s, the area had become one of the most prosperous silver mining camps in the nation. When silver prices collapsed in the mid-20th century, local promoters sought a way to save the struggling community.

In 1963, the United Park City Mines company introduced

skiing to the public. Now, more than 60 years later, Park City Mountain anchors one of the largest and most celebrated ski destinations in the United States.

Spanning 7,300 skiable acres with 330 trails, 43 lifts and eight terrain parks, it offers something for every level of skier and snowboarder. The town also boasts a second ski mountain, Deer Valley Resort, which is a ski-only mountain currently doubling in size to over 5,000 skiable acres.

Stay

Pendry Park City, located in Canyons Village, offers refined alpine luxury and direct access to the slopes. Its 175 guest rooms and suites reflect the surrounding mountain landscape, blending contemporary design with warm, natural tones. Each space is outfitted with custom furnishings, fireplaces and sweeping views. The resort features multiple dining outlets, including après ski lounges, a rooftop pool and bar, and a full-service spa that emphasizes relaxation and restoration.

Guests gather around outdoor fire pits at dusk to enjoy s’mores and mountain views. The atmosphere balances sophistication and comfort, allowing visitors to unwind in style after a day on the mountain. Pendry’s signature service and thoughtful details have earned accolades from both travel editors and discerning guests alike.

On the Mountain

For beginners, Canyons Village features High Meadow Park, a family-friendly learning area with wide, gentle slopes and three adventure trails. Nearby, at Mountain Village, the FirstTime Zone provides easy access to surface lifts and gradual terrain, making early lessons smooth and encouraging. The Ski and Snowboard School offers a range of programs, from group lessons for children to private sessions for individuals and families. Intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy a complimentary Mountain Experience Tour, which meets at the top of Red Pine Gondola at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and focuses on familiarizing guests with the terrain on the Canyons Village side.

On the Park City Mountain Village side, guests can join the Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour. This free, guided, intermediate-level ski tour explores historic mining structures scattered across the resort. Guides share the stories behind the relics, revealing how Park City Mountain evolved from a silver mining camp into an internationally recognized winter sports destination.

This season, the new 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola will debut out of Canyons Village, replacing the former Sunrise chairlift. This upgrade nearly doubles the uphill capacity out of Canyons Village, reducing wait times, and providing faster, more reliable access to the slopes.

For those seeking flexibility, the Epic Day Pass allows skiers to select the number of ski days and receive significant discounts on lift tickets. This system offers value without the commitment of a full season pass, ideal for travelers planning shorter getaways.

Silver to Slopes Historic Mining Tour

Pendry Park City

Beyond the Slopes

Park City’s appeal extends far beyond skiing. Adventurous travelers can soar over the snow on a zip line, ride the Mountain Coaster, explore the backcountry by snowmobile, or glide through the woods on a horse-drawn sleigh. History enthusiasts can explore the Park City Museum, located on historic Main Street, or visit the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter to learn about the ecological history of Park City.

Another must-see is Utah Olympic Park, originally constructed for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Today, the site remains an active training center and public attraction. Visitors can tour the grounds, explore two free museums, ride to the top of the towering Nordic ski jumps, and experience the thrill of a bobsled ride. The facility also features a summer ropes course and zip line adventures suitable for a variety of skill levels.

Après ski culture is an art form in Park City. More than a dozen on-mountain restaurants provide everything from fine dining to quick bites. The Farm Restaurant highlights locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, while Tombstone BBQ, which began as a food truck, is now a permanent fixture famous for its smoked meats and house-made sauces. High West Distillery stands out as the world’s first ski-in gastro-distillery, serving craft whiskey and creative cocktails. The Umbrella Bar in Canyons Village features panoramic views and live music, while Old Town Cellars on Main Street offers a relaxed setting and local wines.

Holiday Magic

The holiday season in Park City is a celebration of light, snow and tradition. Each winter, historic Main Street sparkles during the Snow Globe Stroll, a collection of life-size snow globes inspired by classic holiday songs such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Winter Wonderland,” on display from Nov. 27 to Jan. 3.

On Christmas Eve, Park City Mountain presents its signature Torchlight Parade, where ski instructors and patrollers glide down the slopes carrying glowing torches that light up the night sky. Visitors gather for hot chocolate, cookies and caroling during the event.

On the Saturday before Christmas, Santa Claus makes a memorable arrival each year, descending from the Town Lift into the plaza on historic Main Street, while crowds greet him with cheers, cocoa and music.

Throughout December, the Egyptian Theatre hosts Park City’s Holiday Spectacular and Sing-A-Long, a lively variety show of music, dance and comedy. The Canyons Village Tree Lighting Ceremony, typically held the last weekend of November, officially ushers in the season with carols, treats and live performances.

Utah Olympic Park

High West Distillery

The Umbrella Bar

Visitors can explore the Park Silly Holiday Bazaar, where local artisans and food vendors offer handmade gifts, ornaments and baked goods. The Create PC showcase highlights local artists, offering a meaningful opportunity to support the community while finding one-of-a-kind pieces.

The Grand Menorah Lighting and Menorah Parade add to the inclusive spirit of the season, while Canyons Village closes out the year with a large-scale New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live entertainment and fireworks lighting the mountain sky.

A Season of Wonder

From its silver-mining roots to its place as a premier winter destination, Park City continues to capture the imagination. Its blend of mountain adventure, historic charm and festive celebration creates an atmosphere that feels both classic and new every year.

For more information, go to visitparkcity.com

Around the Holiday Table

From savory latkes to sweet sufganiyot, Hanukkah is a celebration of miracles — and the foods that honor them.

BY SHOSHANA LEON

KNOWN AS THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, Hanukkah commemorates an ancient miracle. According to tradition, a single day’s supply of oil for the temple’s menorah miraculously burned for eight nights. To honor this, many of the holiday’s most beloved foods are fried in oil, filling homes with the scent of celebration.

The most iconic of these is the latke, a crispy-fried potato pancake. Traditionally served with tangy sour cream or sweet applesauce, latkes are a perfect balance of savory and rich. Joining the latke is the sufganiyot, a round,

jelly-filled doughnut that is especially popular in Israel.

Other sweet Hanukkah treats include small, crescent-shaped pastries called rugelach, which can be filled with chocolate, cinnamon or fruit, and gelt for the children — gold-wrapped chocolate coins that are used in the traditional game of dreidel.

But the celebration isn’t just about fried foods and sweets. Many families gather for hearty, festive meals like slow-braised brisket or chicken, often starting with a bowl of matzah ball soup.

Photos courtesy of Chompie’s

These meals are part of an eight-day celebration that includes the nightly lighting of the menorah and, in many families, gift-giving. Hanukkah often coincides with Christmas, though dates change every year to align with the Hebrew calendar. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, Dec. 14, and concludes on Monday, Dec. 22.

For those who’d rather spend time celebrating than cooking, local favorites Miracle Mile Deli (miraclemiledeli.com) and Chompie’s (chompies. com) offer full Hanukkah meals for dine-in and takeout.

“Hanukkah is all about family, tradition and great food,” said Josh Garcia, vice president of Miracle Mile Deli, which was founded in 1949 and has been family-run for three generations. “From our mouthwatering brisket, homemade potato latkes, delicious matzah ball soup and scrumptious desserts, we’ve got everything for an incredible Hanukkah celebration.”

For fresh-baked goods, Lior the Baker (liorthebaker.us) in Scottsdale and the Challah Factory (evjcc.org/challah-factory) at the East Valley Jewish Community Center in Chandler offer traditional challah bread, pastries and other holiday sweets.

Hanukkah is a time for food, fun and celebration. “Hanukkah is a very special time of year for our guests, and we look forward to being a part of many memorable dinners this holiday season,” said Frank Lara, director of marketing for Chompie’s.

Breaking Bread

Award-winning baker Don Guerra brings community, sustainability and advocacy to the table.

In 2022, DON GUERRA won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker, the culinary world’s equivalent of an Oscar. This past April, he and his business partner Oren Molovinsky brought that award-winning passion to the Valley, opening Barrio Bagel & Slice in Gilbert.

The new shop offers artisanal bread, bagels, sandwiches and pizza, but for Guerra, it’s another step in his lifelong mission to bake with purpose. “It’s important to focus on Arizona suppliers, as we are trying to create a resilient, sustainable food system for Arizona,” Guerra said. “We want to grow the local grain economy and connect the community through delicious, nutritious food.”

Guerra’s path was unconventional. A Tempe native,

Photos courtesy of Barrio Bagel & Slice

he was studying anthropology at the University of Arizona when he took a summer job at a small Flagstaff bakery at age 22.

“Right away, I knew this was what I was going to do for the rest of my life,” Guerra said. He read books about baking and traveled to France, Spain and Portugal.

“I wanted to learn as much as possible to be the best baker I could be,” he said. “I love the art, science and physicality of the work. Most of all, I love feeding people, which is what my family is all about.”

Inspired by his father — a barber who “loved building community” — Guerra opened his own bakeries. But as the business grew, he felt a different calling. He sold the business, returned to the University of Arizona to earn an education

degree, and spent seven years as a teacher in Tucson.

But the yearning to bake eventually returned, with a new purpose. Guerra started a bakery in his garage, developing the Barrio Bread brand and baking hundreds of loaves a week. In 2015, a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped him open a Tucson storefront and partner with local farmers.

Today, Guerra’s bakery business rests on three pillars: educational outreach, local grain economy development, and baking exceptional bread with Arizona grain. The new Gilbert location is the culmination of that journey, a place where he can continue his advocacy, work with farmers and, most importantly, feed the community.

To learn more, visit barriobagelandslice.com

New in Town: Society Swan

Sam Fox serves up a taste of New York and Paris to Scottsdale.

SAM FOX, one of Arizona’s most acclaimed restaurateurs, has opened his new concept, Society Swan, at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The restaurant is inspired by the glamorous New York socialites of the 1960s and 70s, known as “swans,” and by Paris’s Swan Island.

Fox, the founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts, describes Society Swan as a welcoming American brasserie that bridges East Coast poise with Parisian charm. “We’re about bringing a little glamour to daily dining, but in a way that’s relaxed, fun and never fussy,” he said. “Equal parts brasserie and social lounge, it offers an elevated yet approachable experience.”

The menu, rooted in modern American cuisine with French influence, features a raw bar, sushi and starters like classic French onion soup. Entrees range from steak and seafood to pasta and sandwiches, including frites pairings with Wagyu skirt steak or braised chicken. The cocktail list features classics, including $10 happy hour martinis.

Photo courtesy of the Maggiore Group

Photos courtesy of Fox Restaurant Concepts

Society Swan opens two years after Fox’s Global Ambassador hotel. “The Global Ambassador was a milestone project, built on scale and grandeur. Society Swan is intentionally more intimate — a place designed to become part of everyday life in Scottsdale,” Fox said. “Fashion Square represents a reawakening of place and experience, making it the perfect backdrop to deliver the same Global Ambassador spirit of hospitality in a more playful, everyday setting.”

Fox has been a culinary leader in the Arizona restaurant and hospitality scene for more than 25 years, creating brands such as The Henry, Culinary Dropout and Flower Child.

He has seen incredible growth in the local culinary community over the years. “Scottsdale has grown into a true dining city,” he said. “Where once expectations were simple, guests today are adventurous, curious and attuned to the full experience — food, drink, design and energy. Society Swan was created as a reflection of that evolution — a restaurant that captures where dining is now while pushing it toward what comes next.”

To learn more, visit societyswan.com

Creating Culinary Experiences, Not Just Menus

Better pic?

MARY THOMSON

Senior vice president of program development at BHHS Legacy Foundation

RECOMMENDS

“The Happiness Files”

by Arthur C. Brooks

HER TAKE

“I’m a big fan of Brooks, and this book is like having a wise friend walking me through how to live a more meaningful life. He mixes science, philosophy and personal stories to give practical advice — my favorite being to treat my life like a startup. That means being intentional, strategic and focusing on what really matters: love, joy and purpose.

I love that it’s a collection of short, easy-to-digest essays that touch on everything from managing myself better to building stronger relationships and finding purpose at work.

So much of it feels familiar, but the way he puts it all together is super thoughtful and encouraging. It’s not a groundbreaking book, but it’s warm, smart and really helpful — especially if you’re crunched for time and trying to work on a more positive attitude.”

Learn more about BHHS Legacy Foundation at bhhslegacy.org

A PATTERN OF KINDNESS

For a child in need, a new outfit isn’t just fabric and thread — it’s confidence. And in this season of giving, that gift is priceless.

All year long, more than 100 volunteers with Stitches of Love pour their hearts, time and talent into creating handmade clothing and accessories for underserved children across the Valley. Through their partnership with BHHS Legacy Foundation’s Backpack Buddies program, each child receives more than a new outfit — they receive a message of care, dignity and hope.

This season, as we wrap gifts and hearts alike, Stitches of Love reminds us that generosity is something you can sew by hand — one stitch, one smile, one child at a time. Learn more at bhhslegacy.org/stitches-of-love

by Scott Foust

Photo

Garrison Keillor at 83 | 1/18

Barricade Boys: Broadway at the Movies | 2/2 The Texas Tenors: Let Freedom Sing | 11/22

Broadway Stars Laura Benanti & Norm Lewis | 1/16

Patti LuPone

Christmas with the Celts | 12/8

Phat Cat Swinger: A Not So Silent Night | 12/5

Featuring Amercian Idol favorite Blake Lewis!

What matters to you , matters to Arizona.

Through two decades of extensive survey research, Center for the Future of Arizona has found that Arizonans agree on what matters most — and is turning that shared vision into real progress.

Join us in building Arizona's bright future »