Frontdoors Magazine November 2019 Issue

GIVING THANKS IN THE VALLEY NOVEMBER 2019 - VOLUME 17, ISSUE 11

With the global debut of a special exhibition, Chevy Humphrey and Victoria the T. rex join forces to teach our community about science VETERANS HERITAGE PROJECT + ARIZONA BURN FOUNDATION + HOPE AND A FUTURE

It’s Tax Credit Time!

Use this special issue to consider the qualified organizations and schools that have partnered with Frontdoors Media for the 2019-2020 tax season. See tax credit giving opportunities across the categories we have highlighted this year ... it’s a win-win for everyone!

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EDITOR

PUBLISHER

Karen Werner

Andrea Tyler Evans

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Tom Evans

Ashley Ford

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Neill Fox

Jillian Rivera

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

BEAUTY PARTNER — MAKEUP

Lesley Kitts

The Sparkle Bar

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BEAUTY PARTNER — FASHION

Julie Coleman Ashley Ford Judy Pearson Carey Peña

Saks Fifth Avenue Phoenix

CULINARY WRITER

Lisa Mullavey

THE PAW REPORT

PetSmart Charities PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER

Thurlkill Studios

On the Cover Chevy Humphrey, The Hazel A. Hare president & CEO of Arizona Science Center

Photo: Thurlkill Studios

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TABLE OF CONTENTS {november 2019, volume 17, issue 11}

38

EDITOR’S NOTE...................... 07 ’Tis the Season 10 QUESTIONS WITH.......... 08 Jill Kimmel BOOKMARKED....................... 10 He Read, She Read OFFICE DOORS...................... 14 Dan Shufelt, President and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands CAREY’S CORNER................ 16 Keep Looking Up

20

COVER STORY....................... 20 Hear Them Roar!

NEXT DOORS.......................... 26 Honoring While Learning STYLE UNLOCKED............... 30 The Beauty of Confidence A 2ND ACT.................................. 35 A New Path CHARITY SPOTLIGHT........ 38 Arizona Burn Foundation KITCHEN DOORS.................. 44 Top-Notch Food Gifts CHEERS TO THE CHAIRS.. 46 Chris Bates and Sebastien Reyes OPEN DOORS......................... 49 For Valley Women, Networking and Philanthropy Go Hand-in-Hand

16 NONPROFIT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE ++ Arizona

Burn Foundation Helping Hands ++ Arizona Science Center ++ Hope and A Future ++ Arizona

++ Ronald

McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona ++ Veterans Heritage Project

EDITOR’S NOTE {on the job}

, TIS THE SEASON! Welcome to the November issue of Frontdoors magazine. The philanthropic season is in full swing, which means we have even more opportunity to focus on giving and service to others in our community.

This time of year evokes all things good — from amazing meals with family and friends to feelings of gratitude that we often neglect when we get bombarded with work and other responsibilities.

So I’m going to combine all of that by mashing up the gratitude my work family feels for those they’ve met during the season — yes, often over meals at breakfasts, luncheons and evening galas.

Much of what we do here involves meeting philanthropic leaders in the Valley. Whether they are executives, fundraisers, philanthropists or volunteers, we feel fortunate to see and honor their good work.

We all have different Thanksgiving traditions — an annual turkey trot, a family game of football, a delicious recipe we cook up every year. However, I’m sure that many of you have participated in the Thanksgiving ritual of going around the table and asking what each person is thankful for. I did the same here in the office, by asking what a few of my colleagues enjoyed most about attending events and learning more about social good this year. Here’s what they counted as blessings: • “ Seeing how truly remarkable and generous people in our community are.” — Jillian Rivera

• “ The number of small nonprofits that do such great work for so many causes.”

— Judy Pearson • “ That people are giving their money and time to make the Valley an even better place to live!” — Ashley Ford • “ The passion that permeates nonprofit executives’ lives. There is no separation of work and personal lives — the organizations and the programs/services they provide are who they are.” — Julie Coleman As you can see, many of the answers are along the same vein. Thankful for our community, grateful for selfless individuals, thankful for generosity. I used to think that I needed an original answer when it got to be my turn. I wanted to say something funny, meaningful or unique. But looking over these answers, I think the same simple sentiments are some of the best things to be grateful for.

Because, truth is, while we produce this magazine for our readers and the organizations that strengthen the place we call home, doing so also benefits us. So thank you for allowing us the privilege to be — what our tagline says — your key to the community.

Karen Werner EDITOR

@kwerner409

10 QUESTIONS

Photo by Holly Beaupre

{fascinating people}

JILL KIMMEL Comedian and actor 1. How did you come to Arizona?

I was born in Brooklyn, but we moved to Las Vegas when I was 6. Then my dad got a job in Arizona when I was 15, so I came here kicking and screaming.

2. What’s it like growing up in a funny family?

A lot better than growing up with a bunch of boring people, that’s for sure. Except you have to be prepared to get teased at all times.

8 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

3. When did you first realize that you were funny?

I never really thought I was funny, but I realized a lot of my friends thought I was. When I decided to start doing stand-up, I just had to hope they were right!

4. What are the challenges of being a female stand-up comic?

I take a lot longer to get ready than my male counterparts.

5. How do you balance being the mom of two teenagers with your life on the road?

There’s a very involved calendar. The first things that go in there are the school obligations. Then family events. Then scheduled downtime with the important people in my life. Then I allow myself to cancel any and all of that nonsense for work.

6. A lot of your success is due to your hustle. What advice do you have for women pursuing their dreams?

Don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams are stupid, even if they are.

7. You are devoted to animal rescue. Why? Animals don’t talk back and they can’t help themselves, so it’s our job to make their lives better.

8. Do you have rescue animals yourself?

I do! I have a Havanese-poodle mix named Sonny Grover Ruff, also known as Sonny Bo Bunny, Sonny Baker, Sonny B, Sugar Boots or Velvet Angel. The cuter you are, the more nicknames you get.

9. What other ways do you give back locally?

I do a lot of fundraisers for various charities, but I work out of town so often that I don’t get to do as many events as I would like. One of my favorite organizations is Healing Hearts Animal Rescue. They’re doing amazing things for animals, and I love working with them!

10. Anything else you want to share with Frontdoors readers?

My favorite food is peanut butter.

Jill Kimmel with her kids, Allison and Carson, her boyfriend, Jason Ruff, and her dog of many names, Sonny Grover Ruff.

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 9

BOOKMARKED {he read, she read}

WES GULLETT

Chair of the Arizona board of trustees of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Arizona Chapter

RECOMMENDS:

“The Rook” by Daniel O’Malley

H I S TA K E “Critics of Daniel O’Malley’s debut novel ‘The Rook’ have called it a ‘near perfect supernatural thriller,’ expertly written and outrageously inventive. The protagonist, Myfanwy Thomas, wakes up in a London Park surrounded by dead bodies; she’s got no memory but mad supernatural skills.

From start to finish, it’s a funny, albeit occasionally creepy, adventure story. The writer lives in Australia, where he works for the Transport Safety Bureau, writing press releases about plane crashes and runaway boats. An unlikely start to what I hope is a blockbuster career by a guy I’d like to meet. And for you non-readers, the book was made into a great TV series recently released on Starz.”

DEB GULLETT

Board member for the Girl Scouts — Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

RECOMMENDS:

“Bloody Genius” by John Sandford

H E R TA K E “John Sandford’s new Virgil Flowers novel ‘Bloody Genius’ is exactly that, bloody genius. It’s a thriller, murder mystery and fast-paced adventure with characters that are gritty, smart and even laugh-out-loud funny. His 50th novel and 11th Virgil Flowers mystery, John Sandford is simply my very favorite writer. For me, a great mystery is one that keeps you guessing until the bitter end and John Sandford never disappoints. In this one, Minnesota State cop Virgil Flowers, who eschews a uniform for jeans and rock band T-shirts, and a gun for his fishing gear, investigates a murder in a university library with twists and turns that are equally imaginative and wildly entertaining. I could not put it down.”

10 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Save the Date Society of Chairs 2020 The Celebration of Philanthropy in Our Community

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 | 6:00 pm Scottsdale Center for the Arts Honoring

Billie Jo Herberger

Awards Sponsorships Now Available Please contact Andrea Evans at publisher@FrontdoorsMedia.com for details.

Benefiting The Sauce Foundation The charitable arm of Frontdoors Media, dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer and creating the storytellers of tomorrow.

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OFFICE DOORS {valley changemakers}

A DAY WITH DAN SHUFELT President and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands

As told to | Julie Coleman

5:30 a.m. >> RISING WITH A PURPOSE Serving as president and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands has taken over my life. It is my passion, my drive. The reason I get out of bed in the morning is to make good things happen for kids in foster care. I usually start the day with a little bit of quiet time and focus. I’m still a newspaper guy, so I like sitting out on the porch and having a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.

7:30 a.m. >> THE DAY’S BUILDING BLOCKS Since I am a morning person, I’m usually one of the first people in the office with coffee in hand. My day starts with checking my email, phone calls and interacting with the earlymorning staff before the client stream begins.

9 a.m. >> TWO OF MANY HANDS Throughout the day, we have a steady stream of clientele who have appointments for services, 14 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

including new beds, cribs, clothing, diapers and all of the other good things that we’re helping them out with. With a staff of 11 and 1,000 volunteers, there is always activity going on, whether we are figuring out what donations are coming in the back door, how we’re going to utilize those items, how our inventory is being managed, how many birthday program packages need to be created and whether we have enough volunteers to do that.

11 a.m. >> THE CHILDREN’S CONNECTOR The most important role I have consists of two things: friending and funding. It’s making new friends for the organization who can help us keep the business going and finding the resources to put those items in the hands of children in foster care who need them. Social media is a key tool for our organization. It’s helped us grow dynamically and raise awareness of our organization with our clientele, funders and the

community. And it has helped us also connect with businesses, especially on LinkedIn. I’m very active on social media and always busy responding to the 8,500 connections I have and making sure that messages I’m putting out are being properly transmitted, and that I’m responsive to the people who are reaching out to me, asking questions about how they can be involved and what they can do.

1 p.m. >> TO SEE IS TO BELIEVE Interacting with the community is the biggest part of my work. I spend a lot of time talking on the phone and I spend all my energy trying to get individuals in the door because I believe the work we do is very visual. We want people to have the opportunity to walk the floor, see directly what’s involved in the things we do and the nature of the extensive services we offer. I think to have somebody truly connect with our mission, it takes that. I’ll introduce people to the staff, our clients and volunteers and have them share why they’re here. That’s so impactful, so meaningful to have that direct connection. The thing I enjoy doing the most is introducing people to this magical place that is Arizona Helping Hands and letting them experience, witness and understand how important the work we do is.

2:30 p.m. >> OVERCOMING A CHILDHOOD FEAR By background, I’m a CPA and have also run a real estate trust for the last 30-plus years. So professionally I was very technically oriented, and that side of my brain was the one that was engaged.

My biggest fear dating back to my youth was public speaking. It scared me to death to get in front of a group. But this role has changed my life.

It was a kind of overnight conversion. Knowing that I have a purpose to speak, an important message to transmit, and the knowledge to tell it has taken away any fear. Living this experience every day builds the repertoire of things to say and important messages to give. I feel like a messenger to talk about how the lives of kids have been impacted by things that other adults

have done to these children. We need to do something to help raise them up and give them a sense of belonging, safety and stability.

3:30 p.m. >> AN ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH SPURT

From an organizational point of view, we have experienced explosive growth over the last five years. Our new building was something that occurred much faster than we anticipated. Our goal was that by the end of 2020, we’d be in our own building and operational. That happened at the end of 2018. So, our 2017 strategic plan was blown out of the water well ahead of schedule. We’re now working on a 2023 plan and talking about what the next steps are for the organization. A major part of that is completing a $3.5 million capital campaign making the organization stable and secure, because we’re going to be here for the long haul for kids in foster care. One of my dreams is that there is no foster-care system. But that’s like saying I want to count how many stars there are in the sky.

Unfortunately, with the state of affairs in our society today, there’s always going to be a need for foster care and a safe haven for children outside of their biological family because there are circumstances that are not appropriate for children to be in.

6 p.m. >> A LEADER’S RECESS When I go home, I reconnect with my wife.

Our dinner is kind of cobbled together. As I love being outdoors (if it’s not 110 degrees), I do a crossword puzzle sitting on the patio or walk across the street to the basketball court and shoot hoops.

I’m also a little bit of a news junkie and watch way too much CNN and MSNBC as that gets my mind off the day-to-day affairs around here.

To learn more, go to azhelpinghands.org.

Julie Coleman CONTRIBUTING WRITER juliecolemanconsulting@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 15

CAREY’S CORNER {carey peña reports}

KEEP LOOKING UP Moving on from the unthinkable

Carey Peña | Contributing Writer

It was a day like any other day. Carey Conley’s husband, Ross, got up early, showered, dressed and left her a note that he had an early morning coffee appointment.

She would never see him again.

“I went to the radio studio to record a show and got a phone call from the police that they were looking for me to give me news about my husband,” Conley explained. “They aren’t allowed to tell you anything on the phone.” Soon she would find out that her husband had died by suicide.

Conley, a successful speaker, author and business coach, was left to pick up the shattered pieces of her life. The couple had two beautiful children, Cole and Laurel.

Why did he do it?

VISION IS VICTORY Later, Conley’s story would come to my attention. As is the case for many of the people who appear on my digital TV shows and podcasts, someone mentioned to me that she would be a great person to interview. She had picked herself up, carried on for her kids, and continued to inspire thousands of people.

The focus of her writing and business coaching was all about vision and how to manifest it in your life for greater purpose. She was not ready to open up about her family tragedy, so the day she appeared on our talk show, we focused on her book, “Vision Is Victory: Where Hopes and Dreams Become Action and Achievement.”

A lot of people asked Conley that question. She doesn’t have a clear answer, but points to the deep unrest Ross felt about his job and career outlook.

In the book, she wrote about “living your purpose and passion, and how to move beyond walls to create a vision that is bigger than any obstacle you might encounter.”

The death of her husband was a delicate subject and one that Conley did not want to talk about publicly for some time.

Little did Conley know, the obstacles and pain in her own life were about to become even more massive.

16 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

Carey Conley said she and her family “lived in a bubble” prior to these tragedies. After her life abruptly changed, her reality shifted, leaving her to search for meaning.

Conley said Cole was easygoing, introspective, creative and loved nothing more than being with friends and family.

Conley and her daughter, Laurel, titled their book “Keep Looking Up” because they couldn’t move forward in their lives without looking up, and using their faith to heal.

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 17

CAREY'S CORNER CONTINUED

What keeps Conley going is understanding her purpose: to take action that might save another family from enduring this kind of pain.

Carey Conley and her daughter Laurel teamed up to write a book that explains how they overcame the grief and stigma surrounding losing their husband/father and son/brother to suicide within three years of each other.

AUGUST 9, 2017 Three years after his father’s death, Cole Conley moved back in with his mom to figure out the next steps in his life and career. On the morning of August 9, 2017, Cole dropped Carey off at a luncheon. She thought he was heading to work — at the time he worked as a digital and social media producer for Channel 12. And then, the unthinkable happened.

Like his father, Cole died by suicide.

I first saw the news on social media when one of the anchors from Channel 12 posted a tribute to Cole. I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

Conley and her daughter had to live through the nightmare all over again. She dropped out of public view and went “underground,” as she described it, to grieve two of the loves of her life.

Cole’s death was rock bottom.

“There are no words in the English language to describe how much I miss my son every single day. He was my buddy and we enjoyed so many things together,” she said.

When Conley began to emerge a year after she lost Cole, she had a new vision: to take action that might save another family from enduring this 18 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

kind of pain. She appeared on my podcast and revealed to listeners that she and her daughter were working on a book about their journey. The title would be “Keep Looking Up.” “The whole purpose of the book,” Conley explained, “is to help people who may be going through adversity, or wanting to help someone who is, to have a bigger perspective on life. The only way Laurel and I are getting through all of this is because we know where Cole and Ross are, and that we will all be together again.”

Laurel Conley Wilson, who is now married and entering a new chapter of her own life said, “I also hope this opens up the door for anyone to be courageous when it comes to sharing their story. It isn’t easy to be vulnerable, but it is such a key to connecting. Each chapter sheds light on what we think are important lessons that we have learned and that could be useful to readers.”

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY Carey Conley told me that they used to have what could be considered the “great American family.”

“We enjoyed our time together and made a lot of memories. We were truly the family that nobody ever would have guessed something like this would happen to,” she said.

When it did happen, she was forced to make a choice: Stay in the shadows, or come out and fight.

“I have an option to not do anything and curl up and stop,” Conley said. “But then what’s it all for? This is an epidemic. If we don’t reach into allowing people to understand their purpose and what they are meant to do and why they matter, it perpetuates itself.”

Suicide is a complex subject. Conley doesn’t pretend to understand what was in her husband’s heart and mind, nor her son’s. Both were struggling with decisions about how to best navigate life, but both tragedies came as a shock.

“We all go through challenging times,” she told me. “But do we automatically think they are going to take their life? Of course not.”

What keeps her going today is seeing a vision for her future and understanding her purpose.

“It’s hard to wrap your brain around that level of loss,” Conley said with tears in her eyes. “The first hour or two of every day for me is total solitude.

I have to bring myself back up for the day.”

She does a lot of devotion and journaling.

“The true desire of your heart is to know your purpose for existing,” she said. “Unfortunately, the only way people generally figure that out is when they have had something devastating happen to them.”

She went on to say, “There is something bigger that you are called to do while you are on this earth. Stop living in a reactive mode and start living in proactive mode.”

“Keep Looking Up” is being released on November 11, 2019 — what would have been Cole’s 28th birthday.

To see more of Carey’s reporting, go to inspiredmedia360.com.

Carey Peña CONTRIBUTING WRITER @CareyPenaTV

a frontdoors media

EXCLUSIVE

COVER STORY {by karen werner}

hear them With the global debut of a special exhibition, Chevy Humphrey and Victoria the T. rex join forces to teach our community about science

W

hen Chevy Humphrey was a little girl in Texas, her parents had to find something to keep their precocious child occupied while they worked. Their solution was dropping her off at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which at the time had a big dinosaur skeleton in the lobby. “I was always enamored by it and I’d sit there after school,” Humphrey said, recalling her days being mesmerized by “Dipsy,” the diplodocus that now resides in the museum’s Morian Hall of Paleontology.

As a near-universal rule, kids dig dinosaurs, and Humphrey was not immune. They are big, get to destroy things in our imaginations, and leave cool skeletons. But while most children outgrow their interest, Humphrey — who is now The Hazel A. Hare president & CEO of Arizona Science Center — gets not only to rekindle her fascination, she gets to share it with tens of thousands of other people.

VICTORIA THE T. REX IS A SPECIAL EXHIBITION 66 MILLION YEARS IN THE MAKING. IT WILL KICK OFF ITS FIVE-YEAR GLOBAL MUSEUM TOUR ON NOVEMBER 17 ... IN PHOENIX.

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 21

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PALEONTOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN DECADES AND TO HAVE THE EXHIBIT PREMIERE AT ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER IS A PRIVILEGE FOR OUR ORGANIZATION, OUR MEMBERS AND OUR COMMUNITY.

Victoria the T. rex is a special exhibition 66 million years in the making. Providing an intimate glimpse at one of the most ferocious and mysterious creatures ever to walk the earth, it will kick off its five-year global museum tour on November 17 … in Phoenix.

Yes, Phoenix.

As the past board chair of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, an international organization dedicated to fostering the understanding of science among increasingly

diverse audiences, Humphrey knows the kind of life-changing impact an exhibition like this can make. And as a gifted student-turned-nonprofitexecutive-turned-distinguished-community-leader, Humphrey has seen firsthand how curiosity coupled with access and hard work can open doors in life. So she wielded her power to open a big door to let Victoria tromp into our community.

“This is one of the most significant paleontological discoveries in decades and to have the exhibit premiere at Arizona Science Center is a privilege for our organization, our members and our community,” Humphrey said.

One of the largest Tyrannosaurus rex fossils ever discovered, Victoria was found in 2013 on private land near Faith, South Dakota, an area famous for its dinosaur fossils. Following a painstaking eight-month excavation process, Victoria’s 66-million-year-old fossilized remains were brought to a lab in British Columbia, where she was meticulously studied and reconstructed bone by bone. (She was named for the Canadian town in which she was rebuilt.)

In the process, experts got a fascinating glimpse of Victoria’s life in the Cretaceous period. They learned she was a sub-adult between the ages of 18 and 25, meaning she had reached breeding age but wasn’t quite fully grown. Her well-preserved rib cage indicated she was on the bulky side, with experts estimating her weight at about 10.5 tons, or 21,000 pounds.

“That’s huge! I can’t even fathom 10 tons,” Humphrey said, recalling when she first heard

experts estimate victoria’s weight at about 10.5 tons, or 21,000 pounds.

about plans to make the massive Victoria the only T. rex skeleton to travel the globe at present, and the largest ever to tour. The exhibition is being produced by specimen owners Aber and Megan Whitcomb in partnership with IMG, a global museum exhibition producer with which Humphrey has a longstanding relationship.

The company behind such popular exhibitions as Pompeii: The Exhibition and Mummies of the World, IMG is renowned for sharing iconic, priceless treasures with the world and has been a valued partner to Arizona Science Center over the years. “We have been longtime colleagues and friends and have sort of grown up in this industry together,” said Humphrey, who has worked at Arizona Science Center for 21 years.

Humphrey has a kind of warm, enveloping charisma that draws people in, and she utilized it to get first dibs on the exhibition. “I told them that I was tired of them going into Chicago, L.A. and New York. Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the country and we have a lot to offer. The citizens of Arizona should have the first opportunity to see something like this,” Humphrey said.

Now, thanks to Humphrey’s pitch, Victoria’s 199 bones have been loaded onto 18-wheelers headed to Arizona. The second most complete T. rex skeleton on record, Victoria the T. rex presents an opportunity to see cutting-edge science brought to life.

“The T. rex is the most iconic dinosaur known to man and the focal point of countless books, television shows and films,” said John Norman, IMG’s managing director of exhibitions. “The discovery of Victoria is truly remarkable and really changes our understanding of the species.”

Indeed, Victoria’s 199 bones tell a remarkable story. Her fossil maintained a complete skull, which is incredible considering that fewer than 60 T. rex specimens have ever been discovered, and many consist of just a few bones. By contrast, Victoria’s bones have a quality and color that is rarely seen — they are a deep, dark brown.

Researchers discovered an absorbed tooth in her jaw, which has only been seen in one other theropod, the group of dinosaurs to which T. rex belongs. They also found that two of Victoria’s teeth were growing out of the same socket, a condition that has never been documented before. Moreover, the intactness of her skull offered gripping insights into how she lived and probably died. (Spoiler alert: It may have involved the bite of a rival T. rex.)

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 23

Measuring nearly 40 feet in length and, in her mounted pose, approximately 12 feet tall, Victoria provided researchers an unparalleled opportunity to explore every facet of her life and death, and then to share their findings with the public.

Heinrich Mallison, an expert in the 3D scanning of dinosaur fossils, brought the latest technology to the lab and scanned all of Victoria’s bones, creating the first 3D T. rex model of its kind.

Layer by prehistoric layer, visitors will get an up-close look at the complete anatomy — inside and out — of one of the world’s largest dinosaurs. And, thanks to 3D projection mapping, holograms and interactive video, visitors can get a sense of how Victoria experienced the world as a mother, hunter and protector.

This is all music to Humphrey’s ears, and why she lobbied so hard to bring the exhibition here. Humphrey knows that an exhibition like this can light a fire for learning, as Dipsy did for her as a girl. “I would go to that museum, and it added that extra ‘wow’ and made me want to study more in school,” she said.

Indeed, Humphrey is keen on using Victoria to ignite a passion for science — a quest she’s been on for decades. As a young student, her parents bused her to schools outside her neighborhood because they knew that would provide better opportunities. In turn, Humphrey would pass along what she learned.

24 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

“I would come back and say, ‘I’m going to teach you what I learned from all those rich people,’” she said. She set up a makeshift school in her garage to teach neighborhood kids, rewarding them with toys when they learned something new. “I would go back to my parents and say, ‘Can I have some more money to buy toys, because I really want to continue to conduct school in my garage.’ I just wanted to share what I learned with others,” she said.

Today Humphrey continues to do that, though on a much wider scale. More than 500,000 people, including 167,000 Arizona schoolchildren, visit Arizona Science Center each year. “Now I get to share what the science community is doing with others,” she said.

Accordingly, the education component of Victoria the T. rex is vital. Sari Custer, Arizona Science Center’s chief scientist, did extensive research to confirm that the exhibition was a good fit for the organization. And the education team is taking pains to ensure that the exhibition is well integrated into various scientific topics within the Science Center curriculum and programs.

Fortunately for Arizona Science Center, there’s a wealth of science to share. Victoria has been thoroughly documented through every step of her restoration and her bones

MEASURING NEARLY 40 FEET IN LENGTH AND, IN HER MOUNTED POSE, APPROXIMATELY 12 FEET TALL, VICTORIA PROVIDED RESEARCHERS AN UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE EVERY FACET OF HER LIFE AND DEATH.

have been studied by world experts in osteology, pathologies and biomechanics.

She is currently the subject of multiple, yetto-be-released scientific papers by some of the world’s most renowned paleontologists.

“The various insights gleaned from her unique and groundbreaking pathologies will be the subject of research for years to come,” said paleontologist Heinrich Mallison. “From a bite on her jaw that led to an unusually widespread infection to an absorbed tooth in the maxilla, it is clear she overcame many rivalries and injuries in the struggle to survive as an apex predator.”

Bringing an exhibition that combines pioneering science with storytelling is meaningful to Humphrey. “What’s so profound for me is that everyone will get to see what these scientists have seen,” she said. “It’s very rare to have a dinosaur exhibition that has real fossils, and it’s our job to provide that platform and opportunity for guests to learn about the world around them. It’s a personal passion for me.”

Humphrey’s ultimate goal is providing the resources to build a science-literate community.

Over the years, she’s held six different jobs at Arizona Science Center, each of which has provided a different perspective. “What I love

about what we do here is that we provide access and opportunities that sometimes young people would never have. We’re sort of that servant leader, providing a place for learning, a place to have aha moments, and a place to learn about the world around you,” she said. “That’s our job — to inspire, engage and educate curious minds to act on science.”

Since she was discovered, Victoria has been made an open source for study, and she will be touring the world to give the public a deeper understanding of both these prehistoric predators and the scientific universe. But before she clumps on, she will spend half a year here — time Humphrey hopes the community takes advantage of.

Humphrey’s excitement about the exhibition is palpable, calling to mind that young girl who spent her days gazing at a diplodocus and teaching school in her garage. “We’re going to immerse you in the life of Victoria. We’re going to use digital technology, but we’re also going to use hands-on experiences to help you walk in Victoria’s big feet,” she said. “That’s what we hope, that you walk out with a piece of Victoria and knowledge that will always stay with you.”

To learn more, go to azscience.org/victoria.

NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve}

Ashley Durham and Frank Lambert at a Memorial Day celebration earlier this year.

HONORING WHILE LEARNING Veterans Heritage Project documents stories of heroes while enlightening young people Tom Evans | Contributing Editor

Ashley Durham was a sophomore at Cactus Shadows High School when she met a man by the name of Frank Lambert.

On the surface, you wouldn’t think they would click. After all, what would a 14-year-old high school student have to talk about with a Vietnam War veteran? But their interaction would open up worlds for both of them — an old world one of them had almost forgotten about, and a new world for the other that would provide an entirely new perspective on life.

26 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

Durham and Lambert had agreed to become part of the Veterans Heritage Project when they were introduced in 2010. The project was created with several goals in mind. The primary one was to provide students with an opportunity to interact with military veterans, document their stories and learn from their experiences. It was started by a teacher named Barbara Hatch as a way to enrich the students’ learning and broaden their interpersonal skills, and morphed into a nonprofit in 2009.

The Since You Asked book series honors veterans by telling the stories of their service.

“What I find most compelling is that students seek to emulate the character of their veterans,” said Michelle DiMuro, executive director of Veterans Heritage Fund. “The veterans inspire integrity, reliability, leadership and teamwork. The students set goals, work hard and value service.”

done before. As the project grew, it began publishing the stories in a series of books, and eventually the interviews that were conducted would become part of the National Archives.

And it gave students an opportunity to be part of something unusual in the high school world.

To date, more than 2,000 veterans and more than 2,100 students have participated. In 2016 they started a speaker series where veterans are invited to speak to a classroom or school assembly, increasing the organization’s overall reach to more than 43,000 students since 2004.

“I specifically knew I’m not athletic, so sports were out of the question,” Durham said. “I was looking for an extracurricular activity that was different than the standard volunteer clubs. This one was more unique.”

With momentum on their side, VHP’s leaders are now focused on growth — although they need support from the community to be able to do it.

“Our goal is to become a national model, and to bring our curriculum to any school that wishes to start a chapter,” DiMuro said. “We have a waiting list of over 500 veterans who want to be interviewed. We have interest from schools across Arizona, and even in other states. Our alumni students want to start chapters at their colleges.

We are fortunate to be piloting a program in Florida with two schools and a fabulous volunteer.

The lessons we learn from the pilot are guiding our decisions on how to expand.”

And there are a few interesting side effects.

First, by capturing the stories of military veterans, the Veterans Heritage Project actually began capturing history in a way that had never been

Additionally, the program provides the veterans themselves an opportunity to reexamine experiences that they may not have forgotten, but might not have talked about for years.

Lambert’s military service was particularly noteworthy and distinguished. In Vietnam, he served as company commander in the 1st Cavalry Division, where he earned the Silver Star, Soldier’s Medal and two Purple Hearts. His executive officer (second in command), Mike Sprayberry, was awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing Frank when he was severely injured in a firefight.

“For a veteran, it is a very cathartic experience, and it was the first time I had talked to anyone about it in 30 years,” Lambert said. “When you live it again during these interviews, it brings back memories. It brought back things I had forgotten for years that I had gone through — seeing it on paper brought everything alive again. Reliving the NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 27

After Frank Lambert graduated from West Point in 1964, he was assigned to Vietnam. Through the Veterans Heritage Project, he talked about the injuries he sustained there as well as his subsequent rescue.

day I was wounded was emotional, to know how close you came to not making it.”

“For most of the students,” Durham said, “there’s an underlying desire to understand a bit more about the veterans’ experience, especially when they may have a family member who is a veteran. But that family member maybe doesn’t feel the innate desire to start talking about their experience. It’s a lot easier in a way to dive in and interview someone you don’t know. For something like 80 percent of the veterans in the program, it’s the first time telling their own story to their family, or even out loud in general. So it’s a special experience.”

The other side effect is that these young people and veterans, once connected, often stay connected into the future. Dunham ended up doing 11 profiles — she says she tagged along on many more interviews, just to listen and learn — and still keeps in touch with many of the people she interviewed, including Frank Lambert.

And the experiences they document help shape who the students become as they grow into adulthood and start their own lives and careers.

Almost every student who gets involved ends up enrolling in college.

28 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

“If you look at Ashley, I met her as a sophomore, and now she’s graduated from ASU,” Lambert said of Durham, who works in the healthcare field today. “I think she has advanced faster than her peers partly because of this experience — it’s really good for these high school kids.”

Durham agreed. “Personal relationships are what VHP hammers in as their ‘product.’ They obviously sell the books that are done, but that’s not what they see as the final product. They see student and veteran relationship as the final product moving forward.

“I have always felt that VHP has solidified the idea that people are the most important thing, and you make time for the people who are most important to you,” she said. “It’s learning that you have a limited amount of time with these veterans — sadly, they don’t live forever — but the stories can live on.”

To learn more, go to veteransheritage.org.

Tom Evans CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

@TEvans927

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STYLE UNLOCKED {living fashionably}

THE BEAUTY OF

CONFIDENCE Veronica Amendola Penzone helps others embrace their own beauty, inside and out Catie Richman | Contributing Writer

Veronica Amendola Penzone has always had a knack for hair. She started styling friends and family in high school, then decided to go to beauty school. “You know, just until I figured out what I really wanted to do,” she laughed.

Luckily, with natural talent and the entrepreneurial opportunities the beauty industry provides, Amendola Penzone built a thriving career. She opened the award-winning, full-service BBV Salon in the heart of Scottsdale in 2008.

“Now I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said. “I was a single mom — a teenage mom — and this career allowed me to make a living, raise my son and put him in private school. It’s been an amazing trade for me.”

As a beauty expert, Veronica is no stranger to fashion. From the softball field to the red carpet, her personal style is all about embracing what works best for her body and is comfortable. “It’s about combining different things and finding what comes together and looks good on you,” she said.

Photos by Jillian Rivera Photography

30 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

In the salon, it’s all black or white professional looks with pops of color in accessories. But outside, Veronica describes her style as versatile.

Whether she is working with clients at her Scottsdale salon or cutting hair at local social service agencies, Veronica Amendola Penzone helps others discover their own true beauty.

“I grew up a tomboy. I’m from the Bronx, so I have that side,” she said. “I feel really comfortable in a ball cap and jeans or in my Adidas sweatsuit. And of course I feel comfortable in a nice gown going to functions with Paul.”

Veronica enjoys helping her husband, Sheriff Paul Penzone, find his fashionable flair outside a uniform.

“He thinks I don’t know this, but I’m onto him.

When we’re getting ready for an event, he’ll wait to see what I’m wearing. Like, he’ll be dressed and ready to go, and then I’ll put something on and he changes. He’ll ask me for my opinion, too,” Amendola Penzone said.

When it comes to her hair, she usually wears it down — curly or straight, mixing it up with the occasional ponytail. One of her go-to techniques is applying a bit of gel and braiding her hair at night, then taking out the braids in the morning for a cool wave.

“I feel like if your hair and makeup are done a certain way, you could put anything on and you’re going to look great,” she said.

Finding the best beauty look is this master stylist’s forte. Veronica works closely with her clients to create an individual look that exemplifies each person’s personal style. “We try to bring out each person’s inner beauty,” Amendola Penzone said.

“It’s amazing that we can facilitate an instant result to make people happy. There’s nothing like it.”

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 31

Veronica and her team also lend their time and talents to various nonprofits across the Valley, inspiring self-confidence in those who have suffered some of the hardest situations. The BBV Salon team has impacted more than 100 individuals, from haircuts and styling to full-on surprise makeovers and everything in between.

“I’ve been lucky to be surrounded with a team of coworkers that are like-minded and want to give back. I couldn’t do it myself,” she said.

About every six weeks, the BBV team goes to cut hair at Circle the City, a Valley-based nonprofit focused on innovative healthcare solutions that address the needs of those facing homelessness.

3 HAIR TIPS

FROM VERONICA

1

Always bring pictures to a consultation with a stylist. “You may have different interpretations of gold-blonde, and a picture will help ensure you are on the same page and get the exact color you want.”

2

Curly girls, do not towel dry your hair too much before putting product in. “If you’re leaving your hair curly, you need to have as much moisture in your hair as possible before putting product in, especially around your hairline.

This will help the product distribute evenly and give more curl definition. It will also diminish the crunchy feeling after it’s dry.”

3

When blow drying your hair, flip your head over and power dry to get it 85 percent dry, first focusing on the root area. Then use your brush in small sections to finish.

“This cuts your blow-dry time in half, plus leaves your hair with much more volume.”

32 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

Veronica and her team have gone to jails to style and cut women’s hair for their graduation from MOSAIC, a substance-abuse and mentalhealth rehabilitation program. In the process, they help build the women’s confidence as they go on to look for jobs and continue their journey to success. “When you look good, you feel good,” said Amendola Penzone.

The BBV team has also volunteered services to clients at the Dream Center and Central Arizona Shelter Services, done hair and makeup for kids at the Village Academy of Childhelp for their holiday program and assisted with numerous nonprofit events.

This year, BBV partnered with StreetLightUSA, an organization focused on young girls at risk or victims of human trafficking. They hosted 12 girls in the salon ranging in age from 13 to 18 to listen to a speaker, have lunch and receive haircuts and blow dries.

“This is why I love helping these girls. Because when I was a teenager and was pregnant, and had my son and became a teenage mom, I could see the look in people’s eyes. They would look at me like, ‘Man, your life is over,’” said Amendola Penzone. “I remember that look. I remember people pitying me. Now, look where I am.”

Led by her faith and empathetic spirit, Veronica believes she is where she is today so she can make a difference in the lives of young women.

“God has been a big part of guiding me, giving me wisdom, surrounding me with the right people. That’s probably why I give back so much.

Because I feel like that could have been me,” said Amendola Penzone. “I want to encourage other young girls and say, ‘Don’t give up when people look at you like your life is over. It’s not.’”

Whether in her salon, styling celebrities or volunteering in jails or nonprofits, Veronica is boosting confidence and inspiring her clients to celebrate their individual style.

“Helping people discover their own true beauty, making people feel great and embracing that we are all different — that’s the mission,” she said.

“It’s not like old times where everyone had to have a beehive. Everybody can look different now and discover their own beauty, no matter who they are.”

Catie Richman CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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A NEW PATH Giving hope and a future to foster children Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer

“Why can’t I come back next year?” Brandon asked. It seemed like a good question to Michael Brewer. He was volunteering at a camp for foster children and 11-year-old Brandon was one of his two charges. After the Columbine High School shootings in 1999, Brewer heard a sermon at church urging for more involvement in the lives of America’s youth. That message led him to volunteer at the camp, which served foster children aged 11 and under.

When Brewer showed up for volunteer duties the next year, he was asked the same question by another 11 year old, and his answer was the same, “I don’t know.” But the repeated question led him to further reflection. This camp was the only time some of the children got to spend with siblings who were living with other foster families. So he pitched the idea of including older kids. The camp’s managers said no.

“Putting a face on foster-care kids changes everything,” Brewer said. “They’re just like any other kid, except that they’ve been put on a path — and not a great one — that was chosen for them, without any input from them.” So in 2004, he set about creating a new path, launching Hope and A Future. Their first camp was held two years later, welcoming 12 to 15 year olds. When, at the end, the older kids posed the original question: “Why can’t we come back?” Brewer’s response was, “You can!” And his work ever since has been to grow a foster-care support organization like no other in the Valley.

Teenagers in foster care have only a 10 percent chance of adoption. Kids not adopted age out of the system, rarely going back to their parents.

The other statistics are just as grim: One in five teens in foster care becomes homeless; one in four becomes incarcerated; just 33 percent NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 35

At Hope and A Future summer camps, kids in foster care create powerful, positive memories to keep them going and growing until they return the next summer for another week at camp.

graduate from high school and only 3 percent go on to college.

“We realized programs for older kids were essential,” Brewer explained. “We begin our Life Skills program when kids are 12. By 15, they’ve already developed bad habits. We offer tutoring and incentives for good grades.”

The organization becomes like an extended family for these kids. “They turn back to our volunteers for guidance, many of whom take the place of parents. And we send birthday cards to them, with a gift card enclosed. These kids have spent most of their lives hardly ever getting recognition for that one day a year,” Brewer said.

Hope and A Future is making strides against the college statistic, too. In 2007, they set up the John Brewer Scholarship Program, in honor of Brewer’s brother, who died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To date, they’ve awarded 85 scholarships to Grand Canyon University. Chelsea, who attended their first camp, graduated from GCU as a nurse, is now working at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and is about to be married. A set of twins who went through camp are also in the college-graduate column, as is Brandon, the young man who set Brewer on this path in the first place. Brandon received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from GCU, and is now a married, middle school teacher and high school football coach.

36 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

Brewer’s goals for the organization are as expansive as the desert sky. Camp attendance has grown from 25 that first year to 345 kids this past summer. He recognizes the need to zero in on 12-year-old boys, finding mentors to walk life with them, so that when they turn 18, they’re walking a good life. While getting more kids into the programs would make it wider, Brewer hopes that they can maintain relationships with those they already have, making it deeper.

More money would mean more educational needs fulfilled, and more staff to help coordinate volunteers.

Volunteers and mentors are the organization’s lifeline. Not only do they serve the kids already in the program, but it is through them that the organization learns about other kids in need.

Hope and A Future celebrates their 15th anniversary this month. And Brewer’s original vision couldn’t be more clear: One day, all children in the Arizona foster-care system will have hope for their future.

To learn more, go to azhope.com.

Judy Pearson CONTRIBUTING WRITER

info@A2ndAct.org

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT {giving back}

ARIZONA BURN FOUNDATION Improving quality of life for burn survivors, and promoting burn prevention Ashley Ford | Assistant Publisher

THE STORY What started as a shared idea between two surgeons and an attorney has grown into a 52-year-old foundation that is changing the lives of burn survivors across Arizona. In 1967, Dr. MacDonald Wood, Dr. William Price and George F. Randolph saw a need in Phoenix for people who had survived a burn and were discharged from the hospital to face a future of healing and, often, uncertainty of what was to come next.

38 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

Arizona Burn Foundation was launched in Maricopa County to assist with the aftercare of burn survivors and their families and to promote education and advocacy. The foundation has since grown into a statewide organization with some of its programming even reaching a national level.

“We work with families as they are entering the burn center and help them navigate that process as a partner in their healing journey,” said Arizona Burn Foundation CEO Rex Albright. “Medicines

only go so far. We work to help with the emotional and spiritual healing for a burn survivor and their entire family.”

THE CAUSE The Arizona Burn Foundation carries out its twopart mission in a multitude of ways. The first half — to support the quality of life of burn survivors and their families — is an ever-growing program involving burn aftercare treatment and healing research. When a patient is admitted into either the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix or the burn unit at University Medical Center in Tucson, social workers on staff offer emotional support, lodging and meal vouchers. Financial assistance is also available because many times either a family’s breadwinner or a child is burned and the parents need to put their jobs on hold to be with their son or daughter.

After the patient is discharged from the burn unit, Arizona Burn Foundation is there to help families with counseling and a variety of therapies

including art, music, equine and PTSD. Camps and retreat programs are also available for childhood burn survivors, teens and young adults, as well as seniors and adult burn survivors. Social gatherings throughout the year allow burn survivors and their families to connect with others and share their healing processes.

Through these events, survivors can begin to feel like they’re not alone and build confidence by not being the only person they know with a burn scar.

“One great tool we offer is a school re-entry program for children who are going back into school with a burn injury,” said Arizona Burn Foundation chief operations officer Mik Milem.

“Often, Hollywood displays scars and burns on people who are considered a villain and someone who should be feared. The school re-entry program helps the student’s classmates understand what they have been through, what they will continue to go through during their healing, and allows the child to tell their story to their peers.”

Arizona Burn Foundation provides education as well as social gatherings where burn survivors and their families can meet people who have experienced similar trauma and find peer support, comfort and advice.

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 39

Camp Courage was created to address the emotional needs of children who have suffered severe burn injuries. About 80 youth burn survivors from around the state attend this free, therapeutic camp each year.

The second half of Arizona Burn Foundation’s mission is to promote burn prevention education and advocacy across the state. Through partnerships with local fire departments across Arizona, the foundation has worked to install free smoke alarms in high-risk areas, host smoke alarm events, and educate senior citizens on fall and burn prevention.

Kids of all ages learn about burn prevention through an adorable program called Milo & Moxie: Smart Safety Rangers. This storytime curriculum teaches children and their parents burn-safe behaviors and has reached nearly 240,000 kids across Arizona. More than 60 fire departments have also adopted the program, and Arizona Burn Foundation has a goal that every preschool child in Arizona will have this education available to them.

40 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

THE FUTURE Aside from being the state leader in burn prevention education and advocacy, Arizona Burn Foundation is also looking to grow its current programs while expanding across the country.

University Medical Center in Tucson is working on its burn center classification and Arizona Burn Foundation is planning to become a partner on a higher level of burn care and treatment as well as offering services such as art, music and client therapies.

Other cities and states across the country have seen the impact that the Milo & Moxie program can have on school-aged kids. Most recently, it has expanded to Sacramento, and within the next few months, 10,000 students will meet their new dog and hummingbird burn-prevention friends.

Denver and San Antonio have also reached out for presentations about how they can adopt the program in their markets.

greenliving Yo u r co n s c i o u s l i f e

A Z • M AG A Z I N E

“An important part of our foundation is allowing people to see that burn survivors are real people,” Milem said.

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Arizona Burn Foundation is working hard to help children and families learn the right tools to prevent burns, and also taking care of those who have suffered from the trauma of burns.

“An important part of our foundation is allowing people to see that burn survivors are real people,” Milem said. “If you see someone with a burn, don’t be afraid of them.”

CANCER AWARENESS >

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ARAVAPAI FARMS ORCHARD AND INN: > AN ENVIRONMENTAL ESCAPE

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KITCHEN DOORS {top-notch food gifts} Lisa Mullavey | Contributing Writer

URBANA Phoenix | urbanashop.com PROUD MEMBER:

PROUD MEMBER OF:

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Recently voted Best Place to Buy a Gift by Phoenix New Times, UrbAna is a local boutique featuring unique items perfect for gifting or taking your own party to the next level. On the heels of a glowing recommendation from a friend, I stopped into UrbAna to check them out. Husband-and-wife owners Brian and Ana truly have something special here. They have taken care to stock their boutique with a vast selection of pieces ideal for accenting your home, setting a table, throwing a memorable dinner or cocktail party, or for gifting someone special. Some of my favorite items are kitchen towels and napkins with funny sayings, books on entertaining and their gourmet gummy bears in flavors such as bubbly Champagne and chocolates featuring ingredients like agave, sesame, orange and crunchy tortilla pieces. While their fall inventory is available now, UrbAna will feature additional holiday items beginning the day after Thanksgiving.

NUTSACK FOODS PROUD MEMBER:

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Cave Creek | buynutsacks.com

Roasted nuts are a favorite gourmet gift, great for everyone on your list. Nutsack Foods takes high-quality and ultra-premium nuts and places them in a brown paper sack for you to enjoy. But owner Bill Sutherland adds a bit of humor, starting with the company motto, “You never forget your first Nutsack.” Expertly roasted and salted, all Nutsack’s nuts are vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Try a bag filled with a single type of nut, like almonds or cashews, or dig into one of Nutsack’s mixes such as the Sedona or spicy variety that features paprika and chile powder and includes other ingredients — diced pineapple and pecan pralines, to name two. There is even a Keto mix available for those watching their carbs and Nutsack has bags filled with Peanut M&M’s or gummy bears so you can create your own trail mix. Nutsacks can be purchased online and are sold in several locations around the Valley. Visit their website for retailers.

COOKIE BROKERS Phoenix | cookiebrokers.com Just when you thought cookies couldn’t get any better, Cookie Brokers came and gave our kitchen stoves and mixing bowls some stiff competition. Monday through Saturday, this family-owned business bakes some of the best made-from-scratch cookies and dessert bars in Phoenix. You’ll find traditional flavors such as chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin as well as more unique flavors such as carrot cake and s’mores. My personal favorites are their chocolate chip cookies and their magic bars with coconut, chocolate and butterscotch chips. What makes their cookies so good? They are always fresh, have the perfect balance of ingredients, and are baked just right. Cookie Brokers also makes a great gift for special occasions. They can put together a box of cookies or a platter featuring a selection of their sweet indulgences. Work with Cookie Brokers to choose a design to make your gift or party extra special, including for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year — just make sure you order in advance to guarantee your order. Stop in or order online or by phone.

44 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

WILDFLOWER Multiple locations across the Valley | wildflowerbread.com PROUD MEMBER:

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Wildflower (formerly Wildflower Bread Company) is much more than a great local spot to grab a fresh breakfast, lunch or dinner. Each day, they bake more than a dozen type of high-quality breads in addition to a variety of desserts, muffins and cookies. Starting in November and in time for your holiday celebrations, Wildflower will release an array of seasonal menu items, including traditional pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and apple crumb pie. Pick up a loaf of cinnamon pumpkin bread and, for a tasty holiday twist, use it to whip up French toast that will delight your friends and family. For something on the savory side, pick up their pull-apart dinner rolls, which are available in 9-grain, dill and sourdough. And mark your calendars for December, when Wildflower will offer their pecan coffee cake, another must-try.

If their delicious food weren’t enough, Wildflower prides itself on giving back to the community. Wildflower’s owner, Louis

Basile, is passionate about feeding the less fortunate.

In fact, since 2009 Wildflower has donated more than $2.4 million worth of fresh bread and bakery items to help the hungry. And every night they donate their unsold baked goods to local shelters and hunger relief agencies throughout Arizona. Wildflower also partnered with Loyola Academy, donating breakfast every morning for the entire school year to its students. (Loyola Academy provides scholarship education to academically gifted sixth-, seventhand eighth-grade boys from underprivileged families.)

Wildflower prides itself on supporting the community through children’s wellness, education, women’s empowerment and animal advocacy. Place your holiday orders in advance beginning November 1 at any Wildflower location, via phone, their website or through their mobile app.

CHEERS TO THE CHAIRS {

Society of Chairs } Why do you support Ronald McDonald House Charities?

SEBASTIEN: Families who use RMHC as a home away from home are often navigating the most difficult chapter of their lives. Support for caretakers is often an overlooked and unmet need. I believe that RMHC is the critical link to keep families together while they care for the most basic needs of their child.

Chris Bates and Sebastien Reyes Co-Chairs of the McNight to Remember Gala benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona rmhccnaz.org Brought to you by

CHRIS: Being involved in the local community has always been important to me and my family. When La-Z-Boy became the official furniture provider for Ronald McDonald House Charities, I found myself volunteering more and more at the house. The mission of RMHC and the care of the families hold a special place in my heart. It became clear when I had the opportunity to join the board that it was a perfect match.

Describe this year’s event.

CHRIS: This year’s theme for the McNight to Remember Gala is “Around the World in 80 Days.” Our signature fundraising event of the year, it will feature festivities inspired by global travels, a gourmet dinner and an opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions. My favorite live auction package is travel to Bordeaux and Paris, exploring world-class wineries and historical landmarks.

Why do you feel so strongly about this organization?

Custom Logo Gifts to Brand Your Cause and Define Your Event

charitycharms.com

Thank you to our November 2019 Cheers to the Chairs Runners-Up: Oscar De las salas Starry Night event chair benefiting Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Mary Ellen McKee

SEBASTIEN: My wife and I have two young children.

We can’t imagine the trauma and uncertainty families facing a medical emergency endure. If we were in their shoes, having a safe, comfortable and loving place like RMHC would be a little refuge from the storm.

Favorite movie: CHRIS: “The Matrix”

Moondance co-chair benefiting Heard Museum

Favorite restaurant in Arizona:

Lucia Renshaw & Bruce Covill

SEBASTIEN: La Santisima in Phoenix.

Because two words: salsa bar!

New Years Eve Gala event chairs benefiting The Phoenix Symphony

Frontdoors is proud to recognize those who volunteer their time, treasure and talents to support local organizations in a leadership role.

To Nominate Your Event Chair, Co-Chairs, Honorary Chair or Board Chair, Contact publisher@frontdoorsmedia.com.

46 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

give today. get it back.

PREPARE 12 LOW-INCOME STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN WORK AND LIFE Donate your dollar-for-dollar AZ charitable tax credit (up to $400/person) and get it back on your tax return.*

JAAZ.ORG/ FRONTDOORS

*Please consult your tax professional about your personal tax circumstances.

CONNECTING WOMEN WHERE THEY WORK, LIVE OR PLAY Join us where you live, work or play to connect with like-minded women to share information, ideas, contacts and opportunities.

Learn more at: eastvalleywomen.org | centralphoenixwomen.org womenofscottsdale.org | northvalleywomen.org

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

THE PAW REPORT {PetSmart Charities}

GIVE BACK ON GIVING TUESDAY DECEMBER 3

A LITTLE HOLIDAY GIVING GOES A LONG WAY Last year more than $1.7 million was raised from the Holiday Philanthropic Collection to support PetSmart Charities’ funded adoption events, spay and neuter initiatives and more.

More than 1.8 million plush toys were donated and distributed to people and pets in need in every place where PetSmart operates.

Across North America, PetSmart Charities has granted more than $2.3 million to support animal assisted therapy programs.

As the holiday shopping season shifts into high-gear, many people are searching for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. The holiday season is also a time when people feel inspired to give back to the causes close to their hearts. This year, Giving Tuesday, a global day of philanthropy that occurs world-wide, is Dec. 3.

There are various ways you can give back through PetSmart Charities this Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season. Thanks to our friends at PetSmart, 10% of each online or in-store purchase of its Holiday Philanthropic Collection of stuffed toys, great for both people and pets, will benefit PetSmart Charities funded animal-assisted therapy programs at children’s hospitals nationwide. Whether you choose to donate or bring an adoptable pet home for the holidays, you are making an importance difference in the lives of people and pets here in the Valley and across the nation.

ADOPT

GIVE TODAY

Find a local PetSmart store near you at: petsmartcharities.org/locator

Learn more about ways to give at: petsmartcharities.org/get-involved

This holiday season and all year round there are a variety of adoptable pets just waiting to find their forever homes at adoption centers in nearly every PetSmart store. Adding a four-legged member to any family not only brings the gift of unconditional love, but also shortens a pet’s stay in a shelter and gives them the loving home they deserve.

On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3 and every day, more than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to help pets in need.

OPEN DOORS {publisher’s page}

Andrea Evans | Publisher

For Valley Women...

NETWORKING AND PHILANTHROPY GO HAND-IN-HAND

O

ne of the best things I have done since becoming the publisher of Frontdoors Media is taking time to go to as many women’s networking

groups as time allows. I expected to find out what charities fellow business owners and community leaders were passionate about but I did NOT expect that each organization would be giving back as a collective. Here are a few examples of how several ladies are leading the charge to keep the art of giving back a constant conversation.

NOVEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 49

Women of Scottsdale, Central Phoenix Women, East Valley Women, North Valley Women These monthly gathering across the Valley are owned by CEO JoAnn Holland. Each calendar year she selects a theme for giving back as well as an individual organization to benefit from being present at each gathering for the full year. The 2019 theme has been higher education and several institutions such as Paradise Valley Community College and Arizona State University have been chosen to build relationships with members year-round.

Members have been surprised to learn how many special events, community programs and educational opportunities there are within each college campus.

The Sisterhood of Superwomen Catherine Anaya started the “Sisterhood” in 2009 as a way to learn about different charities and how to support them over a lovely two-hour Sunday lunch. The events are held at various restaurants throughout the Valley every other month and feature a representative or volunteer from a smaller charity or specific program. Each presentation includes a Q&A and a raffle, with all funds collected going straight to the organization being featured. Most events are posted to Facebook, if you’d like to follow along and consider joining: facebook.com/sosuperwomen sisterhoodofsuperwomen.com

50 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019

womenofscottsdale.org eastvalleywomen.org centralphoenixwomen.org northvalleywomen.org

CHECKING IN WITH

The Mortgage

CHICK

KIESHA McFADDEN

THIS MONTH’S TIP ///

Historic Highs For Home Equity

KNOW Phoenix Cares

When Sarah Benken started the KNOW Book here in Phoenix in 2017, philanthropy was not a part of the membership plan. In 2018, a few members got together and asked if giving back to women-focused causes could be part of their networking events and KNOW Cares was born. Four charities were selected to benefit from being the featured organization at one event in 2019, with each event customized to complete a goal in one night. From collecting female hygiene products for girls in Title I school to sorting specialty bras for breast cancer patients, members not only feel like they make a difference, they can opt to become involved with the organization directly. theknowtribe.com/browse-the-know/ phoenix-know-tribe

In the second quarter of 2019, U.S. home equity hit an all-time high of $6.3 trillion, according to a new report from Black Knight.

Nearly every homeowner that has a mortgage more than six months old could be eligible for a refinance to reduce their interest rate and/or tap into home equity.

If you have not taken advantage of this historic opportunity, contact me today.

GIVING THANKS IN THE VALLEY

Last month, I was honored with the “Humanitarian of the Year” award through my company Geneva Financial. Giving back has always been a passion of mine. Over the last year, I’ve been able to work with many like-minded people and organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, Florence Crittenton, Ronald McDonald House, Valley of the Sun 20-30 club and many more. I am so thankful for what each of these organizations does for our community and for allowing me to be a part of the difference they are making.

Hit me up if you’d like to tag along with me to one of these events in 2020. They are always fun and filled with interesting women who make our community the special place it is to live, work and play.

Cheers!

Kiesha McFadden, Senior Loan Officer

Andrea

480.252.9365 | Kiesha@Genevafi.net NMLS #198458

Andrea Tyler Evans PUBLISHER

@AndreaTEvans

Branch Address: 7272 E. Indian School Road, Suite 540 Scottsdale AZ 85251

Corp Address: 3155 S. Price Road, Suite 105 Chandler, AZ 85248

AZ BK #0910215 • NMLS #42056 ©2019 Geneva Financial, LLC.