Igniting Positive Change
RESTAURANTS THAT GIVE BACK
AIRWAVES TO ACTION LEXIE'S RANCH OPENS
Diana Gibson
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Feeling Thankful
As the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on gratitude—not just the kind we express at the Thanksgiving table, but the deeper, lasting kind that shapes how we live and give.
This issue is full of stories that capture that spirit. People like Diana Gibson, who faced the unimaginable and chose to turn her journey into hope for others. Restaurants and organizations that don’t just serve food but serve their communities by giving back. Leaders who carve out time from already full schedules to make a difference. A ranch built to provide therapies and a healing space.
What strikes me most is how gratitude isn’t quiet. It shows up in action. It’s generosity, resilience, and kindness all rolled into one. It’s people deciding that their challenges or their successes are both reasons to give back. It reminds us to be involved, to reach out to others, and to make a difference in the world.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel the same sense of thankfulness I do—for the strength of people in our community, for the creativity of those finding new ways to help, and for the reminder that gratitude grows when we share it.
Here’s to carrying that thankfulness with us, not just this season, but always.
Yours,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR @SCOTTSDALECITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Alicia Haygood | alicia.haygood@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Faith Morello | faith.morello@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alison Bailin Batz, Rebecca Rhoades, Michelle Talsma, Georgann Yara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Danielle Muccillo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY
Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
No Passport Required
The Regenokine Program Has Arrived in Scottsdale
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Scottsdale Fashion Week is Scottsdale’s leading fashion series, presented by Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations and FORD/ Robert Black Agency, with runway presentations featuring high-end national and local designers debuting their designs.
LEWIS KIM
ELEANOR CARTY
ELEANOR CARTY
JEFFREY OTTO
BROOKE BOYER
OTTO
letter from the PUBLISHER
One of the things I love most about Scottsdale is the abundance of giving we do as a community—giving to one another, the community, or a cause near and dear to our hearts. There are so many amazing ways to give back and be thankful for this beautiful place we call home.
This month is all about giving back. We share stories on overcoming adversity from an accident, and how one mom’s need for help turned into a local nonprofit. We feature our local restaurants that make sure the mission to entertain and serve doesn’t stop at the front door of the restaurant but started foundations of their own to give back to the community. There are a slew of local restaurants giving back in some form or fashion over the next couple months.
As we head into this season of gratitude and generosity, let’s continue to celebrate what makes Scottsdale so special—the kindness, compassion, and connection we share as neighbors. Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting local businesses that give back, or simply spreading positivity in our daily lives, every effort contributes to the vibrant, generous spirit of our community. Here’s to finding meaningful ways to give, grow, and show thanks for the place we’re lucky enough to call home.
As I do every year in this issue, I challenge you, and myself, to find a way of giving back.
Happy giving!
Alicia Haygood Owner/Publisher
Diana Gibson Uses Life’s Obstacles to Ignite Positive Change for Others
A Phoenix Rises in Scottsdale
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MUCCILLO
Diana Gibson’s story begins in Hardyston, New Jersey, where grit and grace were woven into her life from the start. A natural athlete and performer, she spent her youth balancing soccer with dance competitions, excelling in jazz, hip-hop, and gymnastics. By high school, she was a fierce midfielder on the soccer field, and her competitive drive carried her to Centenary University, where she played at the collegiate level while working toward a degree in business administration.
Her initial goal was to merge her athletic background with the business side of sports. That ambition led to an internship with the New York Red Bulls soccer team, where she worked in operations and marketing.
“The role sparked something new as I developed a passion for helping organizations grow through strategic relationships and client engagement,” says Gibson.
She graduated in 2010, ready to take her next step. With her brother already living in Arizona and her parents planning to retire there, Gibson headed to Scottsdale to begin her career in earnest.
A NEW PATH IN BUSINESS
Not long after arriving in Arizona, Gibson found herself at a small startup called Digital Air Strike, now DAS Technology. Among the company’s first five employees, she would grow with the organization for a decade, ultimately becoming senior director of client success.
Her work was driven by a guiding principle: People, not simply numbers, drive results. Gibson built her reputation on fostering lasting relationships, ensuring clients felt valued and supported as the company scaled rapidly.
But in 2016, her path took a dramatic turn.
A LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT
That June, while camping on the Mogollon Rim, Gibson was involved in an ATV accident.
She was medevacked to a Phoenix trauma hospital, where surgeons fought to save her limb. When she awoke from surgery, bandaged and in shock, she learned that she had lost her right arm.
“I vowed that the loss of my arm would not define me as a person,” Gibson recalls. “I made the conscious choice to focus on my abilities, not my inabilities.”
Seventeen days later, she returned to the gym. Despite fears and doubts, she refused to let her accident stop her from pursuing independence.
RESILIENCE AND MOTHERHOOD
The years that followed tested Gibson’s resilience in new ways. She married her husband, Tyler, in 2017. In late February 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down the world as we knew it, she gave birth to their daughter, Olivia. Later came two sons, Roman in 2023 and Luca in 2024. Raising three children under the age of 6 would be a challenge for any parent. For Gibson, who was determined to remain independent despite her limb difference, it became both her greatest obstacle and her proudest achievement.
“Motherhood was daunting,” she says. “I worried about whether I could do everything my children needed. But I figured it out, and it taught me strength I never knew I had.”
Her experience highlighted a gap.
“Resources for young, active people facing sudden limb loss were scarce,” she says. “Unable to find what I needed, I decided to create the resources myself.” CONTINUED >
“I WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER I COULD DO EVERYTHING MY CHILDREN NEEDED. BUT I FIGURED IT OUT, AND IT TAUGHT ME STRENGTH I NEVER KNEW I HAD.”
Photo by Photography by Bjorn
Photo by Photography by Bjorn
Photo by Photography by Bjorn
Photo by Photography by Bjorn
THE DIANA ADAPTED FOUNDATION
In November 2022, Gibson launched The Diana Adapted Foundation (DianaAdaptedFoundation.org), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with sudden limb differences or disabilities. Its mission is built on three cornerstones that mirror her own recovery:
• Adaptive Mindset: helping individuals process grief and embrace resilience after a sudden disability.
• Adaptive Fitness: promoting physical strength as a catalyst for mental confidence and well-being.
• Adaptive Independence: providing tools and strategies to navigate everyday tasks in new ways.
“Having a sudden limb difference can be your secret weapon,” Gibson says. “It reveals a strength you never knew you had and can fuel the rest of your life.”
Through coaching, resources, and community support, the foundation offers hope and practical guidance to those facing similar challenges.
A NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE
Even as she dedicated time to her foundation and her family, Gibson continued her corporate career. In 2025, she took on a new challenge, joining the award-winning REDW Advisors & CPAs as its firstever director of client success.
In this role, she serves as the single point of contact for clients across the multidisciplinary firm, which offers services ranging from tax and accounting to cybersecurity, valuation, and wealth management. Gibson’s charge is to ensure that every client receives consistent, exceptional value, while also contributing to the firm’s strategy on retention and satisfaction.
“I knew I wanted my next chapter to be deeply meaningful. When I connected with REDW’s leadership, their mission and values immediately resonated with me. This is a firm that invests in people and truly serves its community,” says Gibson, noting the firm was among the honorees of the Champions of Change awards for Arizona businesses and a recent finalist of the Phoenix Chamber Excellence in Business Awards.
STRENGTH, SERVICE, AND LEGACY
Whether guiding clients at REDW, leading her nonprofit, or raising three young children, Gibson demonstrates that limitations do not define potential. Her life is proof that mindset, determination, and compassion can turn tragedy into triumph.
“I tell people every day that if I can do it, they can, too,” Gibson says. “The loss of my arm was not the end of my story. It was the beginning of something even greater.”
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Eat. Drink. Give.
Restaurants Performing Deliciously Good Deeds Through Fundraising Efforts
This November, generosity takes center stage as restaurants blend flavor with philanthropy. From special menus to creative fundraising events, local eateries are finding delicious ways to support local causes.
Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill (9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale and other Valley locations; SaltAndLimeAZ.com), which now has locations in Cave Creek and Arcadia in addition to its long-standing Scottsdale outpost, has launched its “Chips for Charity” program to support nonprofits and organizations that contribute positively to the community. With every $5 unlimited homemade chips and salsa purchase, a portion of the proceeds is donated to a selected charity each month.
For November, the beneficiary is the local nonprofit GIGI’s Playhouse, which offers free educational, therapeutic, and career programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen (7325 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale and other Valley locations; Picazzos.com) has a similar program at all of its Arizona locations—including both the Scottsdale and
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Paradise Valley locations—called “Raising for Rett.” Through it, $1 from every ice cream cookie skillet benefits Rett Syndrome Research Trust, which seeks to find a cure for the rare neurological disease. The cause is a personal one for the eatery as managing partner Chris Disney’s young daughter lives with the condition. The dessert is gluten-free and dairy-free, except for the gelato.
The Gladly, Wildflower Bread Company, Angry Crab Shack, and Ling & Louie’s also have impressive philanthropic initiatives.
When The Gladly (2201 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; TheGladly. com) opened its doors in 2014, it did so with a philanthropic program called the “Ice Ball Initiative.” Through this, guests can order a signature cocktail, mocktail, or soft drink at the restaurant, accompanied by a large-format cube made by Artisan Ice, for an enhanced fee. The cube is created from an ice block tableside, and $1 from every sale benefits a local community project. Currently, it is benefiting The Hope Fund, which supports programs that are essential
Courtesy Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill
to family-centered care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Past beneficiaries include Save the Family, Navajo Water Project, and Gabriel’s Angels.
For more than a decade, Wildflower Bread Company (multiple locations in Scottsdale and throughout the Valley; WildflowerBread.com) has partnered with Child Crisis Arizona on a series of “dine for a cause” initiatives, donating a portion of sales from a revolving array of seasonal goodies to the nonprofit, which serves vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child
abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Child Crisis Arizona offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21 and offers foster care and adoption services, early education, as well as community-wide parenting classes, workshops, support groups, and much more. When visiting Wildflower, there’s no need to select a singular menu item to support the cause; simply order anything from the menu and Wildflower takes care of a regular donation. Since igniting the partnership in 2007, Wildflower has given hundreds of thousands of dollars via in-kind support and financial donations to Child Crisis Arizona’s programming across the state.
All year, Angry Crab Shack (8909 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale and other Valley locations; AngryCrabShack.com) donates $1 from the sale of every order of both seasoned fries and root beer floats to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. Each of the brand’s 12 Arizona locations is in on the program, which supports Phoenix Children’s mission to advance hope, healing, and world-class health care for children and their families.
CONTINUED >
Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen's cookie skillet. Courtesy Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen
Courtesy Angry Crab Shack
As part of its “Big-Hearted Brunch” initiative, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill (9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale and also in Chandler; LingAndLouies.com) is donating a portion of brunch sales to Circle the City, which provides health care and hope to thousands of men, women, and children facing homelessness in Maricopa County. This is the latest in community outreach programs for the restaurant, which also includes partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Alzheimer’s Association, and Child Crisis Arizona on fundraising efforts.
Some eateries choose to give back through alternative partnerships, like Chompie’s Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery (9301 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale as well as other Valley locations; Chompies.com). Every year, Chompie’s donates over $100,000 to various nonprofit organizations. Chompie’s has both a “Chompie’s Cares Dining Event” initiative and a “Gift Card Restaurant Fundraiser.” When an organization holds a Chompie’s Cares Dining Event, 15% of the proceeds from the event
attendance is donated back to the organization, and through the Gift Card Fundraiser, organizations sell $25 restaurant gift cards, earning $5 from every card sold.
Finally, at both The Joy Bus Diner and Pizza to the Rescue, the sole focus is on giving back.
The Joy Bus Diner (10401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix; JoyBus.org) exists to raise funds for The Joy Bus, a program that employs compassionate volunteers to deliver healthy, chef-inspired meals to homebound cancer patients across the Valley. Both the diner and the organization are the brainchild of hospitality veteran Jennifer Caraway, who supported a dear friend— named Joy—during her battle with ovarian cancer through comforting food deliveries.
Pizza To The Rescue (2601 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; PizzaToTheRescuePHX.com) is owned in partnership with Almost There Rescue, a local nonprofit located next door that focuses on rescuing, fostering, and adopting out pregnant dogs and their puppies. In addition to menu proceeds benefiting the rescue, the restaurant’s patio welcomes Almost There puppies nightly from 5 to 7 p.m. so they can play with diners.
Wildflower Bread Company's charity partner Child Crisis Arizona. Courtesy Wildflower Bread Company
Courtesy Chompie’s Restaurant, Deli, and Bakery
Courtesy Pizza To The Rescue
Courtesy Pizza To The Rescue
When visiting Wildflower, there’s no need to select a singular menu item to support the cause; simply order anything from the menu and Wildflower takes care of a regular donation.
Wildflower Bread Company's charity partner Child Crisis Arizona. Courtesy Wildflower Bread Company
PEOPLE ARE OUR PURPOSE
Inside and Outside the Courtroom
A VOICE THAT’S HEARD
Advocacy that ensures your story is told and your needs are understood.
Our work doesn’t end when the case is closed. At K Durham Law PLLC, we believe a strong community is built on justice, compassion, and action. That’s why we not only fight tirelessly for our clients in injury and accident cases, but we also invest our time and resources into local causes—from charity drives to safety education events. When you choose us, you’re choosing a law firm that puts people first, always. Because protecting your rights is just part of how we protect our community.
Get In Touch
Call (480) 820-9090 or scan the QR code for your free consultation with K Durham Law PLLC community we call home.
A FAIR FIGHT
Tireless legal representation against those who have wronged you.
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RIOTING FOR A CAUSE
Riot
ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MUCCILLO
and
Its venues are among the hottest and most desired destinations for food, drink, and nightlife.
Impeccably dressed-to-the-nines crowds fill SHIV Supper Club steakhouse, while Cake Nightclub has become the go-to spot for celebrities, socialites, and A-listers. Sexy clubgoers can be seen sipping, dancing, and loving life at Maya Dayclub
Hospitality Group Turns Dining
Nightlife Success Into Philanthropy With Riot Gives Back
“The ability to start a foundation and support these groups that mean so much to us is very special.”
and Riot House, and lines of live music and rock-androll fans spool around the block waiting for a spot at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
At Farm & Craft, hungry patrons get satiated with sustainable dishes made with responsibly sourced ingredients and meticulously handcrafted cocktails. Visitors enjoy fast-casual dining by day and full service in the evening, making Farm & Craft the go-to health alternative that fits every diner’s style. Meanwhile, Hand Cut Chophouse delivers a promise on every plate. There is always a perfect pairing for a meal with a full mixology bar, local draft beers, and a world-class wine list to enjoy in this high-energy and trendy, design-oriented ambiance, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
Riot Hospitality Group has established a flashy and bold presence with high-profile and crowd-drawing concepts that call Scottsdale, Gilbert, Denver, and Nashville home. In addition to the aforementioned entertainment hubs, Riot Hospitality is responsible for the equally buzzy El Hefe and The District.
But it’s also got a quieter side that operates a bit under the radar, yet has created an equally powerful impact for countless individuals, families, and organizations in need.
Thanks to Riot Gives Back, the philanthropic arm of the hospitality empire, more than 200 nonprofits have been benefactors in the communities it operates in since Riot Hospitality Group CEO Ryan Hibbert launched it in 2022.
“It says a lot about a company when you can start a foundation,” says Lissa Druss, executive director for Riot Gives Back. “The ability to start a foundation and support these groups that mean so much to us is very special.”
Through silent auction items, financial donations, and other efforts, the foundation has been able to support causes including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Make-A-Wish Arizona, American Legion Post 39 in Gilbert, Scottsdale Police Foundation, Scottsdale Firefighters Behind the Flames Charity Dinner, and many more.
Two annual marquee events provide the resources that make the giving possible—the popular Riot Gives Back Golf Classic and Rock The Rooftop, held at the W Scottsdale hotel.
About to enter its fourth year in 2026, Rock the Rooftop brings together community leaders, philanthropists, and music enthusiasts to support the foundation and Make-a-Wish Arizona. Performances by some of the music industry’s most promising up-and-coming artists fuel this event, which raised $50,000 in January.
Riot Hospitality’s history of giving was the inspiration for the foundation long before it was started.
The company had been supporting many charitable organizations since it was founded in 2010. The generosity grew year by year as more causes appeared on Riot’s radar. And with the phenomenal success of its venues and overall growth of the company, Hibbert and his team were always more than happy to oblige.
When Hibbert realized the impact Riot was having on those in need, he wanted to take it a step further by making the giving more official and defined.
“The foundation was launched to have structure, a road map, a plan,” Druss says.
This sparked not only Riot Gives Back, but also the creation of its Pillars of Impact, which defines the three main groups that are recipients of the foundation’s efforts: first responders; military servicemembers and veterans and their families; and the compassionate care of children.
“Throughout the company’s life span, we’ve always been generous and connected to these communities,” Druss says.
But the relationship between the foundation and the communities they help is not one way. There’s a special reward that everyone at Riot Hospitality and Riot Gives Back feels when they witness the difference their work is having on those who are often overlooked.
“The ability to support babies fighting for their fragile young lives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Honor Health, first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line to help strangers at their most vulnerable and perilous, and the brave men and women of the military who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms brings a special reward to all of us at Riot Hospitality Group,” Druss says. “Those are three strong areas that we are grateful for and who deserve help and recognition. This is how we give, why we give, and what we believe in giving to.”
Riothg.com/riot-gives-back-charity-foundation
“Those are three strong areas that we are grateful for and who deserve help and recognition. This is how we give, why we give, and what we believe in giving to.”
ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MUCCILLO
RYAN HATCH ON DRIVING YOUTH, SPORTS, AND EDUCATION FORWARD THROUGH FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
AIRWAVES TO ACTION
Ryan Hatch grew up in Utah chasing a dream familiar to many young athletes: competing at the next level. His sport of choice was tennis, and by the early 1990s, he appeared destined for a scholarship. Injuries, however, forced him to change course to broadcasting.
“I found that the only thing I loved more than playing sports was talking about them,” Hatch says.
At the time, sports talk radio was still in its infancy. When his home state prepared to launch its first station dedicated to the all-sports format, Hatch persuaded the management team to give him a chance despite still being in high school.
“By the time I graduated in 1997, I was in management, helping build the station’s presence across Salt Lake,” says Hatch.
He left the field temporarily to pursue a political science degree at the University of Utah, but by 2001, he was back behind the microphone, hosting his own show on the station while serving as the organization’s program director. During his time as an on-air host, his alma mater earned a Fiesta Bowl berth.
Hatch traveled to Arizona to cover the game in 2005 and noticed a group of volunteers in bright yellow jackets. They were members of the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s prestigious Yellow Jacket Committee, and their commitment to service left a lasting impression.
“Outside of the Olympics and the Karl Malone-John Stockton Utah Jazz era, the Fiesta Bowl was the biggest thing to happen in Utah sports history,” Hatch says. “The only thing as cool as the Utah win was connecting with the Yellow Jackets.”
Though he returned to Utah to become the state’s firstever Major League Soccer play-by-play announcer, in 2006, Bonneville approached him to help establish a local sports talk radio station in the Valley. That same year, Hatch and his wife welcomed their first child.
“That year changed the trajectory of my entire life,” he says. “Not only did I become a father, but we made Arizona our home.”
By January 2007, Hatch had launched Sports 620 KTAR, introducing local programming and game coverage. New to the market, he spent his early years getting to know the leadership at such organizations as the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and, of course, the Fiesta Bowl. He and his wife later added two more children to their family, and by 2011, Hatch was promoted to vice president of content and operations for Bonneville Phoenix.
Among his key projects was migrating KTAR from the AM dial to FM in 2014, rebranding it as Arizona’s Sports 987. The station became the flagship home of the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks, and Sun Devils. Throughout, the Fiesta Bowl and its foundation remained a key partner in coverage.
In 2016, Hatch formally joined the Yellow Jacket Committee, more than a decade after first noticing them on the sidelines at the Fiesta Bowl. He advanced quickly, serving in roles including
“The only thing I loved more than playing sports was talking about them.”
—Ryan Hatch
futures assistant chair in 2018, fundraising assistant chair in 2019, sales coach in 2020, recruiting assistant chair in 2021, and fundraising chair in 2022. By 2024, Hatch had ascended to one of the most meaningful positions of his career as the 2024-25 chair of the Fiesta Sports Foundation Yellow Jacket Committee. He also joined the board of directors while continuing to lead Bonneville Phoenix as senior vice president and market manager.
In his role, Hatch has been busy.
“In August, we announced the Fiesta Sports Foundation grant recipients, awarding financial support to 16 Arizona nonprofits,” says Hatch. “This year’s nonprofit organizations are spread across the state, including the Valley of the Sun, Flagstaff, Bisbee, and other regions with projects that will provide impact through the Foundation’s pillars of youth, sports, and education.”
Through the grant cycle alone, the nonprofit organizations are projected to impact more than 100,000 Arizonans.
Hatch and the Foundation continue their financial support in the community when, on Nov. 18, the Palo Verde Fiesta Sports Foundation Wishes for Teachers Draft Day returns for its 10th year.
“Wishes for Teachers is Arizona’s largest direct-support initiative for teachers,” says Hatch. “This year, we are giving a record total of $1.5 million in funding to directly benefit classrooms across the state.”
This year’s increased program funding will support 540 Arizona teachers, each receiving a $2,500 grant to bring a classroom wish to life. Past program wishes have included robotics kits, musical instruments, adaptive learning tools, classroom libraries, athletic gear, and a variety of other resources to enhance the learning experience for students.
“Leading into the holidays, we have some other community surprises planned as well, not to mention the historic game in early January,” says Hatch.
For more information, visit FiestaSportsFoundation.org
LEARNING THE Ropes
Equine Therapy, a Farm, and Activities: Lexie’s Ranch Gives Those on the Spectrum a Place of Their Own
ARTICLE BY GEORGANN YARA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE MUCCILLO
When Andrea Robertson’s daughter Lexie was diagnosed with autism, Robertson ran into roadblocks as she sought solutions for her daughter’s education and care path.
But what began as a personal quest resulted in Robertson founding Lexie’s Voice in 2016, a nonprofit that provides resources for families raising individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
And this summer with the opening of Lexie’s Ranch, a venue that provides equine therapy alongside key daily life skills for children and adults with autism, Robertson is seeing her ultimate vision become reality.
“I wanted to be able to offer different educational options, and this has always been a dream of mine,” Robertson says of the Scottsdale property that was discovered by her husband, Brad. “He told me, ‘Nobody is going to do this if you don’t.’”
Lexie’s Ranch opened this summer and hosts an all-day program five days a week for students of all ages, from childhood into adulthood. In addition to equine therapy, on-site activities on the 1.3-acre property include swimming in the pool, tending to the garden, playing in the park, and caring for chickens and highland cows. Students also take care of Tuck, a desert tortoise.
In the near future, Robertson will add after-school programs, weekend community classes, and other events.
Students attend Lexie’s Ranch through the ESA tutoring program for as long as they need, whether it be for a week, a month, or more. Often, parents are looking for a place that will help their child return to school or their usual learning environment.
“They may need a little bit of a bridge, and we are that,” Robertson says. “Our population is the one that often gets left behind.”
Robertson knows this all too well.
A few years after Lexie and her fraternal twin sister, Charlie, who is not autistic, were born in 2001, Robertson sensed something was cognitively different with Lexie. Teachers and therapists at Lexie’s school told Robertson she was autistic.
However, her school district didn’t have services that addressed Lexie’s needs. Robertson put her in a private school that did, which was made possible by the Arizona school voucher program.
CONTINUED >
“They need some kind of help and we’re that voice saying, ‘It’s okay. We’re going to help you figure this out.’”
When the battle ensued to eliminate the program, Robertson found herself as the face of the fight for the voucher. This successful effort led to the creation of Lexie’s Law in 2009, a tax credit scholarship program that gives disabled and displaced students the opportunity to attend schools that offer the individualized support they need.
Robertson wanted to take the mission of Lexie’s Voice further with equine and other therapies. This was the spark for Lexie’s Ranch.
“We don’t have a Boys & Girls Clubs or YMCA for our population,” Robertson says. “I just had to do something.”
Most families come to the ranch after they’ve been turned away by other institutions and are left in the dark.
“They need some kind of help and we’re that voice saying, ‘It’s okay. We’re going to help you figure this out,’” Robertson says.
Using a washer and dryer, grocery shopping, and completing tasks with appliances and tools they have at home are life skills that transfer immediately.
Robertson talks about the strides she’s seen in the kids and adults at the ranch, and the level of independence they’ve been able to gain.
There’s Alex, a 31-year-old who just moved with his family from Boston, leaving the only home and environment he had ever known. When his father picked him up, Alex told him that he had a great first day, and that it was perfect!
“That, for me, is everything. It gives me the fuel I need to go out into the community and talk about why this population is so important,” Robertson says. “Just seeing how happy they are to have their independence and how happy their parents are when they drop them off, knowing they are thriving in this environment.”
LexiesVoice.org
Kohler Bathroom Design
by
The Million Dollar Breakaway Celebrates Female Athletes, Rodeo, and Live Country Shows
Women Take the Reins
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE TALSMA PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Photo
Hailey Rae
Scottsdale is set for a high-energy, women-first rodeo experience this month as WestWorld of Scottsdale hosts the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway. The festival, running Nov. 24 to 30, brings together the nation’s top female breakaway ropers, competing for more than $1 million in prize money.
Ropers qualify through regional contests, special incentives, and a Last Chance Qualifier just before the finals. From there, 25 competitors advance to 10 rounds, vying for the Million Dollar Breakaway titles in one of rodeo’s fastest, most demanding events.
Evenings turn into concerts under the desert sky. Rising country star Josh Meloy, known for his gritty vocals, raw storytelling, and minimalist acoustic sound, performs Friday night.
“Being part of the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway feels like a perfect fit for my music, and that’s something I’m proud to be a part of,” he says.
Grammy, CMA, and ACM award-winning artist Ashley McBryde headlines Saturday, bringing powerhouse vocals to close the weekend.
“The Million Dollar Breakaway creates a platform where female athletes are recognized and rewarded at the highest levels,” says Amanda Kimes, vice president of Kimes Ranch. “From competitors to entertainers, we’re amplifying women’s voices and talents. This isn’t just a competition— it’s a cultural moment where athleticism, artistry, and empowerment intersect.”
Beyond the arena, fans can take in award ceremonies, Western lifestyle showcases, and interactive experiences. The festival blends elite competition with live entertainment, celebrating women’s skill and dedication while shining a spotlight on a sport gaining national attention.
Tickets are $50 for general admission ($20 on Thurs., Nov. 27), $65 for reserved seating ($35 on Thurs., Nov. 27), and $100 for a three-day pass. For more details and ticket purchases, visit MillionDollarBreakaway.com or follow @milliondollarbreakaway on social media.
Ashley McBryde. Photo courtesy Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway
Josh Meloy.
Photo by Lupe Ruiz
More Style, Less Gas
THE 2025 RANGE ROVER SPORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY PHEV IS A PLUG-IN WITH PANACHE
ARTICLE BY REBECCA L. RHOADES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
2025 Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV
Land Rover’s flagship vehicle has long been a symbol of luxury and success, known for its off-road capabilities and high-end features. The compact Land Rover Sport delivers similar DNA but in a smaller, more dynamic model. Now the marque introduces an electrified alternative: the Range Rover Sport Autobiography PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).
Under the hood, a 3.0-liter turbo- and supercharged inline-six is paired with an electric motor, delivering extra power that takes the SUV from 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds. And its 53-mile all-electric range is at the top of its plug-in class, with a charge time of four hours.
While the Autobiography may put forward a more environmentally friendly presence than its pricier gas-only sibling, the PHEV retains the brand’s signature refinement. Standard cabin elements include heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather massage seats, four-zone climate control, Meridian 3D surround sound system, carbon fiber accents, and a 13.1-inch center console touchscreen system. The verdict: The Autobiography PHEV leans toward a relaxed experience without sacrificing performance or style.
MSRP: $118,700
As Tested: $136,880
MPG: 53 combined city/highway; 21 gasoline only
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Susan Ciupak, JD
Administrator Teresa
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand – even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh Groceries
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
NOVEMBER 2025
Vineyards In The Valley
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST-2ND
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Fall Festival
Kierland Commons | 10:00 AM
Sip award-winning Arizona wines while exploring works of art in the luxury atmosphere of Kierland Commons from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This popular fall event brings together Arizona’s finest wineries and nationally renowned artists in an upscale outdoor setting. It also includes cooking demos from Sur La Table, live music, and live art exhibitions. KierlandCommons.com/festival
NOVEMBER 7TH-8TH
Dreamy Draw Music Festival
Scottsdale Civic Center
Dreamy Draw blends modern sound, Western soul, and the mystical beauty of the Arizona desert into a fully immersive experience of live music and art. The music lineup includes The Lumineers, Vampire Weekend, Houndmouth, and more. DreamyDrawFest.com
NOVEMBER 8TH-9TH
14th Annual Bentley
Scottsdale Polo
Championships
Westworld of Scottsdale
This polo event draws crowds—and players—from around the world. Beyond polo, there are also live performances, luxury fashion, and exotic car displays, as well as new experiences for this year only. ThePoloParty.com
NOVEMBER 8TH-9TH 18th Annual Camelback
Studio Tour and Art Sale
Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley
This event features more than 40 renowned local artists and draws thousands of art enthusiasts, collectors, and shoppers to peruse artists’ home studios and meet and greet with those who live and work in these areas. There is a wide array of unique mediums and handmade masterpieces to view and purchase, including wearable art, jewelry, handcrafted gifts, paintings, sculptures, and more. CamelbackStudioTour.com
NOVEMBER 21ST-23RD & 28TH-30TH 29th Annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour
North Scottsdale, Carefree, Cave Creek
Arizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour, presented by the Sonoran Arts League, is a free, self-guided tour featuring more than 160 artists at 41 studios throughout Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale. Seasoned collectors and art enthusiasts have the rare chance to observe artists at work in their private studios. The tour also attracts holiday shoppers seeking original and unique gifts. SonoranArtsLeague.org
NOVEMBER 21ST-23RD
Phoenix Panda Fest
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
Panda Fest, one of the biggest outdoor Asian food and cultural festivals in the United States, brings hundreds of Asian food vendors, artisans, theatrical performers, and more to the Valley. The event is a vibrant cultural celebration of Asian-American and Pacific Islander cultures, with food and entertainment offerings inspired by China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. PandaFests.com
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unique GIFTING
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
SEASON
The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We’re all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it’s fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines.
1) PRE-HOLIDAY SURPRISE. For those traveling, send gifts early, such as cheeses, fruit or pies.
2) FUTURE FUN. Browse winter or spring events; snag tickets to enjoy with recipients.
3) GENEROSITY. Donations make heartfelt, thoughtful ideas.
4) TRAVEL. Gift a loved one with a trip.
5) TIME. Is a recipient busy, overloaded and overworked? Treat them to a whole home cleaning before or after the holiday.
6) LOVE OF LEARNING. If a loved one is planning international travel, grab them a gift card for a language learning app.
7) THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES. Ask friends and family to record loving messages on cellphones; combine recordings using a video app for meaningful holiday greeting.
8) BON APPÉTIT. Sign up special someone for cooking class regarding favorite cuisine, or cuisine they struggle to make.
9) RECIPE BOOK. Gather traditional family recipes and create printed books for guests as priceless keepsakes.
THE POWER OF A PEO CAN TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS
A company’s greatest asset is its employees, requiring a commitment to provide them the best HR services possible. Trion’s PEO and payroll capabilities can reduce the stress and burden of managing these areas, allowing you to stay focused on your core business. Reach out to Trion, right here in Scottsdale. Trion is one of the largest Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) in the United States. www.RelyonTrion.com
