8 minute read
CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
On June 13, 2017, Zachary Sumner (above) took his own life.
ORGANIZATION
Kid in the Corner
LEADERSHIP
Founder & CEO | Francine Sumner Board President | Maggie Miller ANNUAL BUDGET
$140,000
IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK
Shattering stigma, changing lives
By Karen Werner
ORIGIN: Kid in the Corner is a grassroots organization started by Zachary Sumner’s family and friends after he committed suicide in 2017.
During his fight with mental illness, Zach often said he felt alone, like nobody cared. None of the kids at his school, youth groups or extracurricular activities asked where he was after being gone weeks for inpatient treatment. It was as if mental illness made Zach invisible.
Zach was a funny, smart, well-liked kid. But he was convinced that he was the “kid in the corner.” This sense of isolation and insignificance fueled his depression and the decision to end his life.
Kid in the Corner works to help kids, teens and young adults feel connected to and supported by the community.
If only he could have seen the outpouring of love for him after he died. It wasn’t that nobody cared — people didn’t know what to say. And when people don’t know what to say, they say nothing.
Today, Kid in the Corner works to shatter the stigma surrounding mental illness through education, awareness, compassion and activism. In the process, it is working to change the story for other kids in the corner, wherever they may be.
KNOWN FOR: Kid in the Corner is known for its “Penny Pledge.” Zach was a coin collector and pennies were his specialty.
By wearing pennies around their necks, key chains or backpacks, Kid in the Corner supporters have a physical reminder to reach out, be kind and show people that they are not alone. Zach’s pennies serve as symbols to prompt active listening, start bold conversations and recognize our own mental health needs.
Pennies are often discounted as insignificant. But the pledge is a reminder that every cent counts. Here’s how it goes:
By wearing this penny, I pledge to:
Reach out to the kid in the corner.
Say hello, smile, ask where they’ve been.
Be aware of my own mental health.
It’s OK to not be OK.
Realize there is strength in asking for help.
Be a safe and caring person that others can talk to.
Be a friend. Be a shoulder to lean on. Listen.
CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19: Before COVID, all Kid in the Corner programming was in-person. To adapt to restrictions, the nonprofit developed a virtual presentation using an online classroom, which has helped it reach more youth than ever. Kid in the Corner plans to use the platform in the future in the hope of reaching young people beyond Arizona.
MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT THE
ORGANIZATION: Since its inception, more than 30,000 people have taken the Penny Pledge. “We are saving and changing lives every single day and constantly hear testimonials from parents, students and educators telling us about the impact our program has had on them,” said Kid in the Corner CEO Francine Sumner.
The organization now offers “Penny Pledge” workplace trainings to educate adults as well, because better-informed adults lead to better-informed youth.
ON A QUEST TO SPREAD KINDNESS:
A significant aspect of Kid in the Corner is its community kindness programming. One of its biggest events is “Zach Packs,” a day when individuals, groups and families fill care packs for people experiencing homelessness. The organization’s other major program is “Kindness Rocks,” where people come together to write kind messages on rocks and leave them out for others to find. Promoting contagious kindness is a pillar of the organization and everyone who participates helps move this vision forward.
WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO
THIS YEAR: Kid in the Corner has received funding to hire presenters and trainers to reach even more youth in Arizona. They are looking forward to presenting inperson and online to change as many stories as possible, spread awareness and promote contagious kindness.
To learn more, go to kidinthecorner.org.
RESTAURANT ROAD TRIP
A taste of Mexico from a Top Chef at Tucson’s Boca Tacos y Tequila
Photo by Jackie Tran
Shoshana Leon | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Chef Maria Mazon did an incredible job representing Arizona’s thriving culinary scene when she appeared on “Top Chef” earlier this year. She stood out for her personality and passion for Mexican cuisine.
Mazon had many restaurant jobs before opening Boca Tacos y Tequila in the heart of Fourth Avenue in Tucson in 2010. “I became a chef by accident, and it was a beautiful accident,” she said. “I was always intrigued by the beauty of cooking and how food brings people together.”
The menu at Boca reflects Mazon’s upbringing in Sonora, Mexico. “The fun part of being a chef is having diners travel through your food,” she said. “My menu showcases what I ate growing up in Mexico. I try to stay true to the cuisine and give it my twist.”
The menu includes unique fresh salsas and a variety of meat, vegetarian and seafood tacos served on homemade tortillas, including steak and beer-battered shrimp, grilled cauliflower and citrus-marinated salmon. Diners can also enjoy ancho butter lime octopus, elote, quesadillas and weekly specials. Mazon grows key limes, cilantro, mint, kale and herbs on the restaurant’s patio, which she incorporates into her dishes.
“Mexican food can be elegant, beautiful and colorful,” Mazon said. “I want to elevate the simplicity of a taco. As a Mexican chef, I have to do it justice.” “I was always intrigued by the beauty In addition to authentic and delicious of cooking food, Boca offers a fun and relaxing and how food atmosphere. “I appreciate that people are brings people spending their money at my restaurant together.” and I want to give them the best food and the best experience,” she said. Mazon has been featured on several television shows, while Boca has been highlighted in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. In 2020, Mazon was named a semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest by the James Beard Foundation, one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious accolades. Mazon’s recent experience competing on “Top Chef” had a profound impact on her. “It was an overwhelming and humbling experience that changed my life,” she said. “I learned not to doubt myself. I met beautiful people who are now great friends because we understand each other.” Mazon is working on her first cookbook and doing culinary events around the country. Wherever she travels, Arizona will always be special to her. “The way the Tucson culinary scene is evolving is amazing, and I’m so proud to be part of it,” she said. “Arizona is where I am a mother, a wife and a chef. Arizona will always have my heart.” Learn more at bocatacos.com.
VALLEY VIEWS
Scenery, snacks and sips at Valley rooftop bars
Two of the best things about living in the Valley are the views and the weather. Several rooftop bars allow guests to experience both while enjoying refreshing cocktails and tasty bites.
Flint by Baltaire opened in Phoenix’s Biltmore area in 2019, offering wood-fired American fare with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in a sophisticated setting. Above the restaurant is a lounge with inventive cocktails and stunning mountain views.
“Upstairs at Flint is an inviting outdoor lounge with a modern speakeasy vibe,” said general manager Tim Hass. “Our downstairs restaurant is more of a mid-century modern designed, upscale dining experience with glass-walled views of our wine room and bustling kitchen. Upstairs is more of a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Guests see it as a relaxing environment where they can unwind from the day.”
Photo courtesy of Lustre Photo courtesy of Outrider Rooftop Lounge
In addition to an array of cocktails, guests at Upstairs at Flint can enjoy the restaurant’s full menu, including popular items such as spicy short rib hummus, Spanish octopus with smoky romesco sauce and lamb chops with Lebanese tomato salad and hummus.
Another option for mountain views is Outrider Rooftop Lounge, located on the seventh floor of Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town, which opened in October 2020.
“Outrider has become a must-visit spot in Scottsdale,” said general manager Devin Mahoney. “There’s truly no better place to watch the sunset than Outrider since it’s backdropped by the iconic Camelback Mountain.”
Outrider’s menu consists of light fare and handcrafted cocktails. The most popular items are poke ceviche and spiced meatballs, while favorite cocktails include seasonal slushies and the gooseberry elixir made with tequila, cilantro and elderflower.
Take it outside — it’s patio season.
“The atmosphere at Outrider is chic and casual. We pride ourselves in being approachable to everyone,” Mahoney said. “There are firepits and plenty of social spaces to relax and unwind.”
For downtown views, visit Lustre on the third floor of the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. “Lustre is a social hub designed to elevate any occasion, whether it be a pre- or post-game cocktail or nosh,” said Tim Jesson, the hotel’s director of food and beverage. “This is the place to sip and savor the best of the city with breathtaking views of the surrounding downtown cityscape.” Along with a craft beer and cocktail list and extensive wine choices, the menu offers shareable options such as parmesan pretzels and waffle bites as well as salads, flatbreads and tacos. Popular drinks include the berry mule and margaritas.
For more information, visit flintbybaltaire.com, outriderrooftop.com and lustrerooftopbar.com.
Photo courtesy of Tavits Photography
