Community News Excellence for Over a Decade SC OT T SDALE
PARA D ISE VA L L E Y
N O RTH P H O EN I X
Prescott’s Acker Night Musical showcase since 1988
56
C AR EF R EE
C AVE C R EEK
F O U N TAIN HILLS
ANTHE M
DE CE MBE R 2013
Nonprofit Challenged With “Affluent” Scottsdale Perception By Jess Moran
When working to improve the lives of at-risk youth, battling a zip code stereotype has unfortunately become an issue for some organizations. For instance, having the name “Scottsdale” in a name can deter donors who may think the city is generally affluent. Startling statistics reveal otherwise. “Over 70 percent of children living south of Camelback Road have never been to a dentist – and 25 percent of 12th graders reported being drunk or high at school in the past year,” says Barry Chasse, chairman of the Board for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. He says his organization will not rest until youth in all areas can be given the opportunity to reach their full potential. “We realize it’s not always about what we are saving youth from, but what we are working to inspire them to become,” adds Chasse. Residents can help at-risk youth in their own backyard, according to Chasse, by supporting The Boys and Girls Clubs, which offer programs taught by professionally trained staff to teach healthy living habits, build positive character skills and achieve academic success. Those interested in supporting the organization through the Working Poor Tax Credit should visit www.bgcs.org. |CST
Shop Local This Season
17
December Art Walk Events Scottsdale
9
Yarnell Residents: Getting Back To Business By Katherine Koenig
Yarnell business owner Diane Incardona’s son lost his home and she almost lost her business just five short months ago when the devastating Yarnell fire took 19 lives and over 125 structures. She says the best thing Arizona residents can do to support their town is to remember it’s still open for business. See full story in Destinations on page 67.
Unique Winter Wonderland Offered A flurry of white is transforming Scottsdale’s Butterfly Wonderland this holiday season. Visitors will walk through a “winter wonderland” of 2,000 all-white Morpho butterflies, fluttering freely in the glass atrium at Scottsdale’s newest destination attraction. This display takes place now through January 15. Activities taking place during the winter season include an Art of the Butterflies class on December 10, where children and parents will explore different art mediums. On December 17, a Music of the Rainforest class will be presented. Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly pavilion in America. It features a glass atrium that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert, educational laboratories and interactive exhibits, a 3D movie theater, gift shop and a café-style dining area. It is open 9am-5pm daily. The entrance fee is $18.95 per adult, $9.95 per child and $16.95 for students and seniors. Group rates are available. Butterfly Wonderland is located at 9500 East Via de Ventura in Scottsdale. For information, call 480.800.3000 or visit www.butterflywonderland.com.