FLOWER POWER In the Taylor-Bosworth family, some traditions never wilt 10 QUESTIONS WITH GINGER WARD + CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: #LOVEUP KITCHEN DOORS: CHASE FIELD EDITION
MAY 2018 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 5
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 1
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PUBLISHER
Andrea Tyler Evans Please and thank you make the world go round.
EDITOR
Karen Werner CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Cheyenne Brumlow Be kind. And treat everyone the same. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Tom Evans WEB EDITOR
Jamie Killin Eat your fruits and vegetables.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lynette Carrington, Judy Pearson, Carey Peña FASHION WRITER
Tyler Butler ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Jillian Rivera
On the Cover PHOTOGRAPHY
Steve Yap PICTURED ON COVER
Susan Taylor Kistler, Nancy Taylor Gaintner, Carolyn Taylor Bosworth, Allison Vista Bosworth, Laura Bosworth Greenwood and Emma Bosworth (seated)
BEAUTY PARTNER — MAKE-UP
The Sparkle Bar BEAUTY PARTNER — HAIR STYLING
Julia Mendez PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER
Thurlkill Studios What lesson did your mom teach you?
GENERAL INFORMATION & PRESS RELEASES
info@frontdoorsmedia.com 3104 E. Camelback Road #967, Phoenix, AZ 85016 480-622-4522 | frontdoormedia.com
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 3
Frontdoors Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Mike Saucier.
TABLE OF CONTENTS {may 2018, volume 16, issue 5}
EDITOR’S NOTE................. 05 Mom Maxims NEXT DOORS..................... 06 State Forty Eight COVER STORY................... 10 Flower Girl Power CAREY’S CORNER. . ............ 19 Momspiration 10 QUESTIONS WITH......... 22 Ginger Ward KITCHEN DOORS............... 26 Where We Ate This Month: Chase Field Edition OFFICE DOORS.................. 30 Sarah Dial
19
GIVING IN STYLE............... 32 Fashion in the Philanthropy Lane CHARITY SPOTLIGHT........ 38 #LoveUp BOOKMARKED................... 42 Who’s Reading What this Month A 2ND ACT. . ....................... 44 The Honey Foundation OPEN DOORS.. ................... 46 Mothers’ Work
44
4 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
10
EDITOR’S NOTE {on the job}
MOM MAXIMS Always wear sunscreen. Make your bed every morning. Take off your makeup before going to sleep. These are just a few of the maxims my mother has shared, along with copious “I love yous.” For many years, she and I lived on separate coasts, but we’re now lucky that our houses are separated by just a 15 minute drive. I’m grateful for this — and for her — every day. That’s one reason I’m particularly excited for this issue, which highlights several incredible moms in its pages. Like Sarah Dial, whose corporate résumé and impact on the Phoenix business and nonprofit communities are monumental — but whose proudest accomplishments are her three children. Or Rosie Herrera, who lost her daughter seven years ago but opened a remarkable new chapter in her life by helping others. Or the many foster moms — and dads — who have opened their homes and hearts to the children of the #LoveUp Foundation. We salute them this May, which is National Foster Care Month. This issue also features a story dedicated to the memory of Betsy Smith Taylor, whose life and work helped to shape the Valley and whose daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughter grace our cover this month. Honored for her volunteerism as Phoenix Woman of the Year in 1988, Taylor inspires her family to keep giving back.
I had the great pleasure of interviewing two of Taylor’s daughters — Carolyn Bosworth and Nancy Gaintner — for this story, and they both spoke in awe of their mom, who passed away last year. “She was one of those immortal people. She was almost 93, so we shouldn’t have been surprised to lose her, but it’s been a tough adjustment for us,” Gaintner said. Indeed, Mother’s Day can be bittersweet for those who have lost their mom. Every year, I miss my own incomparable mother-in-law, who taught me to wax furniture, order the belly clams, and love SCUBA diving, even if you hate how you look in a wetsuit. I hope this issue prompts you to take a break and celebrate the mothers, aunts, grandmothers and mother-hearts in your life. Maybe say thanks for what they’ve taught you, buy a present from our selection of Mother’s Day gifts that give back and, yes, take them to brunch. Wearing sunscreen, of course.
Karen Werner EDITOR
@kwerner409
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 5
NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve}
STATE FORTY EIGHT IS MAKING ARIZONA COOL And Doing Much, Much More Tom Evans | Contributing Editor
Let’s face it — Arizona doesn’t always have, um, the best reputation on the national scene. We’re still considered a growing state, with a lack of identity. People in other regions think everyone rides around on horseback, or everyone is retired, or that we lack our own sense of style and culture. And we — how shall I say this politely? — tend to occasionally make decisions that don’t put our state in the best light. But three guys from the East Valley are trying to change that, one T-shirt at a time. And they’re doing so in a way that’s giving back not only to our sense of state pride and general 6 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
coolness, but to our community as well. The idea sprung from an investment of $500 each and maybe a little chip on a shoulder or two. “It always bugged me that we were the weird ones, being Cardinals fans in a town where so many people are from somewhere else, and not having anything representing our state in a cool and fashionable way,” said State Forty Eight co-founder Michael Spangenberg. He and State Forty Eight’s other two cofounders, brothers Stephen and Nicholas Polando, shared not only an apartment
State Forty Eight co-founders Stephen Polando, Nicholas Polando and Michael Spangenberg create clothes that promote Arizona.
back in 2013, but a love of cool clothing. They found a brand in Detroit that played on civic pride, and thought to themselves, why don’t we have anything like that here? “Stephen created the name while he was brushing his teeth, and Nick is a designer who threw out a couple of ideas for a logo, including the one we have now,” Spangenberg said. “Then anywhere we could go — trunk shows, whatever — we would do it, just to get our name out.” The name stuck, as did the brand. Now State Forty Eight is entering the realm of the ubiquitous. Their partnership with the Arizona
Diamondbacks going into this season — with the Diamondbacks coming off the playoffs last year, and starting strong so far — has raised the company’s profile. So has their work producing shirts in support of the state’s schoolteachers and their efforts to improve teacher compensation and school funding. Today, that $500 investment from each of the three is a company approaching $1 million in sales overall — and could eclipse $1 million in sales this year alone. But there’s more to it than just sales. State Forty Eight has also found innovative ways to support Valley nonprofits and MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 7
NEXT DOORS CONTINUED
Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (second from left) was an early believer in the brand.
community groups. It started with their work with the foundation of former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, and has expanded into partnerships with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Pat Tillman Foundation and the Arizona Hemophilia Association, to name a few. Some of the partnerships involve revenuesharing agreements that raise money for the causes, and some are just cool ways for the organizations involved to brand themselves that don’t involve cheap shirts. Spangenberg wants the organizations they work with to have clothing that people actually want to wear — which, if you’ve been involved with nonprofits, isn’t always a given. “We’re trying to be that recognized brand but also finding ways to give back and use our platform,” Spangenberg said. “It’s not about just selling products. We’re trying to create a fan base and a local movement, to show that there’s something special going on here.” In the process, they’re making a difference in the community. “There could be a million 8 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
other T-shirt companies out there, but our niche is here,” Spangenberg said. “And when you help out these groups, all of it comes back to you — the exposure puts you in a great place for a small business.” So when you ask Spangenberg what’s next, it turns stream-of-consciousness, which is a pretty good sign for a growing business looking to make its mark on the world. “Collaborations, work with foundations, teaming with restaurants and local businesses that want to be involved with co-branded shirts,” he said. “The niche keeps growing. It’s an exciting Diamondbacks season ahead, so that’s a major focus. And we’re doing more of these collaborations. And we’re learning, and it’s all helping to grow the business.” For three guys in the East Valley who started off by pitching in $500 each and doing a logo, that’s not too bad. And for the organizations they partner with — and our state as a whole — it’s a pretty neat way to build pride in our community.
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 9
Carolyn Bosworth, Allison Bosworth, Emma Bosworth and Nancy Gaintner at The Board of Visitors Mother-Daughter-Grandmother Tea last fall.
Photo: Duke Photography
Emma Bosworth shares a special moment at the Charity Ball with her mother, Allison Bosworth (above), and with her mother and aunt, Laura Greenwood (right). Photos: Steve Yap
10  FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
COVER STORY {by karen werner}
FLOWER POWER In the Taylor-Bosworth family, some traditions never wilt
F
or Emma Bosworth, the evening of April 7 was the culmination of months of planning. The 17-year-old Arcadia High School senior touched up her hair and makeup and donned a long, white ballgown. But this wasn’t prom night; rather, she was preparing to be presented as a Board of Visitors Flower Girl.
Arizona. Generations of families celebrate the Flower Girls as they are presented to the community at this fundraiser every year. But even among those with histories with the venerable event, Emma’s family possesses a special, longstanding association.
Emma emerged at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn ready for the evening. “When I was in middle school, I learned about the program,” she said. “I always kind of hoped to be involved, and it’s been really amazing.”
The family’s connection stretches back to Emma’s great-grandmother, Betsy Taylor, who was a Board of Visitors member since 1963. Betsy’s three daughters were all Flower Girls, and two went on to become Board of Visitors members themselves.
A 103-year-old tradition, the Charity Ball is the longest-running philanthropic event in
“When we were Flower Girls, we had trays filled with flowers attached around our
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 11
COVER STORY CONTINUED
necks. We gave away boutonnières to the guests — that’s where the name comes from,” said Carolyn Bosworth, Emma’s grandmother, who is a Board of Visitors member and was a Flower Girl in 1964. The Board of Visitors was founded in 1908, when Arizona was still a territory and Phoenix just a small desert town. A group of women called the Board of Friendly Visitors began offering help to people suffering from “the great white plague” — tuberculosis. Over the years, this small group of women serving patients in tents grew into a sophisticated fundraising operation, the oldest woman’s charitable organization in Arizona.
League of Phoenix in 1962 and helped establish the Volunteer Bureau for Maricopa County, remaining active on the board for 15 years. In 1968, she became the first woman to serve on the Phoenix Forward executive committee for human needs. She also served on the board of the Church of
❝ WHEN WE WERE FLOWER GIRLS, WE HAD TRAYS FILLED WITH FLOWERS ATTACHED AROUND OUR NECKS. WE GAVE AWAY BOUTONNIÈRES TO THE GUESTS — THAT’S WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM.
Such good works were the hallmark of Betsy Taylor’s life. Born in 1924, Betsy attended North High School in Phoenix, where she was president of the Girl’s League. After graduating, she traveled by train to attend college in Illinois and became the first female editor of the Northwestern University Syllabus yearbook. Betsy pursued a career in journalism until she met a young doctor from Chicago named Ashton B. Taylor. The two married and moved to Arizona in 1952 with their three daughters, Carolyn, Nancy and Susan. In Arizona, Betsy got involved in community projects that made a difference in people’s lives. She served as president of the Junior 12 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
Carolyn Bosworth
❝
Since then, the organization has withstood wars, the Great Depression and the astronomical growth of the Phoenix metropolitan area. In that time, The Board of Visitors has granted more than $20 million to help meet the healthcare needs of women, children and the elderly.
the Beatitudes and was a founder of the Crisis Nursery, now Child Crisis Arizona. But it was her affiliation with The Board of Visitors that has become a family touchstone from generation to generation. “We have had a lot of Flower Girls in the family,” said Nancy Gaintner, Emma’s great-aunt, who is a member of The Board of Visitors and was a Flower Girl in 1967. “I can remember just before having our names called, my dad was telling a joke and everybody was laughing. To this day, I can remember everything about that night with my dad. He passed away at too early an age and I think those memories became that much more special to us,” she said. Carolyn Bosworth shares similar Charity Ball memories of her father, who was chief of staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “For us girls, having that one-on-one time with our dad, who was a very busy doctor and perhaps not at home as
Top right: Carolyn Bosworth gave away flowers at the Charity Ball in 1964. Middle: Nancy Gaintner’s Flower Girl photo from 1967. Bottom right: Betsy Taylor’s youngest daughter, Susan Taylor Kistler, was a Flower Girl in 1968.
Top left: Betsy Taylor’s portrait as president of the Junior League of Phoenix in 1962. Bottom left: Betsy Taylor with Allison Bosworth (Emma’s mother) at the ball in 1992.
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 13
Top row: Nancy Gaintner is shown in 1967 doing the father-daughter waltz with her dad, Dr. Ashton Taylor, as well as the traditional curtsy at the presentation. Bottom row: The Charity Ball features the same waltz and curtsy today.
Rosie and Chris14  Milisci FRONTDOORS
MEDIA | MAY 2018
Emma and Bob Georgeoff
COVER STORY CONTINUED
often as a lot of dads, was just fun,” she said. Fast-forward a few decades, and Emma is reveling in the same sort of family camaraderie. “There was brunch with the fathers and grandfathers and multiple teas with my family, which was so fun,” she said. “I got to go with my grandma and my great-aunt Nancy and my mom, who all had been through the exact same thing.”
appreciates the continuity the Charity Ball provides. “It’s still a tradition in the community and, for many families, it’s something that they want to share with their daughters,” Nancy said. “The dresses have changed a lot over the years, but I think the basics are the same, which is pretty amazing.” From the white dresses to the first waltz with the fathers, the ball offers young women an opportunity to enjoy the last days of
a family affair
A look at the family’s history with The Board of Visitors Charity Ball: Emma Elisabeth Bosworth:
Carolyn Taylor Bosworth:
Nancy Taylor Gaintner:
Susan Taylor Kistler:
2018 Flower Girl
grandmother of Emma; member of The Board of Visitors; Flower Girl in 1964
great-aunt of Emma; member of The Board of Visitors; Flower Girl in 1967; Ball Chairman in 2005; Chairman of The Board of Visitors in 2007-08
great-aunt of Emma; Flower Girl in 1968
Betsy Smith Taylor: great-grandmother of Emma; member of The Board of Visitors since 1963
Allison Vista Bosworth: mother of Emma; Flower Girl in 1992
Although much has changed over the years, The Board of Visitors prizes tradition. So the ladies bonded over an intricate maneuver performed at the ball, dubbed “the daisy chain.” As Emma explained, “It’s the least graceful thing. We have to walk around the room and hook our arms up. I talked about it with my grandma and my aunts and my mom and they started laughing hysterically because they knew exactly what I was talking about. They were like, ‘It’s going to be even harder with the giant puffy white dress!’” In this age of increasing technology and shifting social structures, the family
Laura Bosworth Greenwood: aunt of Emma; Flower Girl in 1994
high school with other Flower Girls from around the Valley. “There’s actually quite a bit of diversity in the Flower Girls,” Emma said. “I’ve met all of these really amazing girls who are going off to different colleges and are interested in different things.” Emma is a driven young woman herself. Active in student government throughout high school, she is currently treasurer of the student body at Arcadia High. She’s active in the National Honor Society, plays varsity tennis and studies dance, volunteers at the Humane Society, works part-time at Panera Bread and is a founder of the Interact Club, MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 15
COVER STORY CONTINUED
a charity club that partners with Rotary International. She will be attending the Honors College at the University of Arizona this fall.
think mainly I love the members. It’s a group where everybody does their fair share and it’s very clear that you’re there to work and earn money for the community,” Nancy said.
In many ways, Emma’s can-do attitude and community involvement hark back to her greatgrandmother Betsy. Board of Visitors Unfortunately, Betsy passed 2018 Grant Recipients away last May at the age of 92, before seeing Emma Brighter Way Institute presented at the Charity Central Arizona Dental Ball. “She was probably Society Foundation the most excited out of everyone,” Emma said. “She Duet: Partners in Health & Aging talked to me constantly Esperança about what I was going to Feeding Matters wear and how excited she was. She was basically Foundation for Blind Children the cause of it all.” Indeed, Betsy’s work with The Board of Visitors was a huge part of her legacy. “It was something that we may not have understood at the time, but as we got older we did understand,” Carolyn said. In fact, when Carolyn and Nancy were asked to be a part of The Board of Visitors, they began to better appreciate the kind of work the organization does.
Homeless Youth Connection Homeward Bound Honor Health Foundation Neighborhood Ministries Phoenix Rescue Mission Save the Family Streetlight USA Treasure House Phoenix UPWARD for Children and Families
Over the years, Nancy and Carolyn have attended many Charity Balls, but this year’s was particularly poignant. With Emma being a Flower Girl and Betsy having recently passed away, emotions were running high. “It would have meant the world for my mother to be able to see it because Emma in many ways is so much like her. She has talent and poise and love for people,” Carolyn said. “She’s a special kid, and I think my mom knew it.” As for Emma, she looks back on her year as a Flower Girl with gratitude, knowing it’s a thread that binds the women in her family, right back to her great-grandmother Betsy. “It means the world. My entire family was so excited for me to have finally gotten to the age where I’m able to do this. It’s super important to us because it’s the one thing that all of us have done,” she said.
“I’ve been a member of a lot of boards in my life. What sets The Board of Visitors in another category is the heart with which these members do their work,” Carolyn said.
But chances are this year’s Charity Ball isn’t the last one that the family will take part in. Emma has twin cousins who are currently 11 that hope to be Flower Girls themselves This year, the organization presented one day. And just like on the lovely spring $965,000 in grants to the community, providing night of April 7, 2018, the family is certain funds for projects that serve communities Betsy will be there in spirit. “She gave an in need. “I love the mission — healthcare awful lot to the organization, and so have for women, children and the elderly. But I we. It’s a good feeling,” Carolyn said.
Frontdoors editor Karen Werner is a writer, editor and media consultant. She has interned at The New Yorker, worked at Parents Magazine, edited five books and founded several local magazines. Her work has appeared in Sunset, Mental Floss and the Saturday Evening Post. 16 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
The 2018 Board of Visitors Flower Girls
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 17
CAREY’S CORNER {transformation tuesday}
MOMSPIRATION
Rosie Herrera fights heartbreak and finds hope through fitness. Carey Peña | Contributing Writer
“She comes to me in my dreams. I say they are little hellos from heaven.”
As a journalist, I have had the opportunity to sit down with so many incredible people, like Rosie, and share their journey. The ones that move me most are the stories of faith, hope and transformation. These stories inspire all of us to keep going. No matter what, just keep going.
Seven years ago, Rosie Herrera and her husband Daniel suffered the unimaginable when their daughter, Alicia, passed away. She was a beautiful and special girl, who happened to have special needs. The family fought with all “The first thing was … just planting my feet of their might to give her the best possible life. on the ground again,” Rosie said of her transformational journey. “Just sit up and For Rosie, what happened next was deep attempt to get up. And that was it. There depression and a downward spiral. were no expectations moving forward. If I could do those few things, I would be OK.” “That was a dark time. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed, I just wanted to go. But I have two remaining children and a husband who loves us.” Rosie remembers her other daughter (age 3 at the time) walking into her bedroom one day, around noon, asking if her mom was going to get up and make breakfast. For Rosie, that was it. She got out of bed. That was a start. It was going to be a long, hard road and she knew it. Both mentally and physically. Rosie had put on a lot of weight. “250 pounds, a load of depression and a load of pain,” she said. “Not only did I have this weight on me physically, I had this mental weight on me as well. You feel like you are in this state of depression, but the rest of the world continues.” 18 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
Soon a friend called and asked her to go to the gym. “Yes, I was the big girl in the back of the room for so many months. But it gave me confidence to keep going back. I knew they were going to show up, so I would show up.” Rosie Herrera ended up losing more than 100 pounds, becoming a fitness expert and social media star, opening a gym and sharing her story of heartbreak and hope, openly and honestly with all those who seek her counsel. So here is the big question, and this is what I try to get to with all of the guests on my podcast: HOW did you transform? What are the steps you took, and how did they help you? For Rosie, here are the five steps that helped turn her life around.
Having lost weight and gained fitness herself, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor Rosie Herrera is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals. Top left: Before her MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA  19  today. transformation. Top right: With her husband Jeff and two kids. Bottom row: In top shape
CAREY’S CORNER CONTINUED
1. EMBRACE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. Once Rosie walked into the gym, she felt it. And so she kept going back. It made her accountable and allowed her to share her story with other women who were there to offer support and encouragement.
2. FIND ’YOUR PERSON.’ For Rosie, it was her husband. Instead of shutting him out after the tragedy, the two became closer.
3. LACE UP YOUR SHOES. Little steps build into bigger steps. Each time you show up, you are creating a new lifestyle for yourself.
4. EAT MORE TO WEIGH LESS. Rosie’s metabolism was key to her weight loss. When you don’t fuel properly, your body stores fat. She used to eat only a few times a
day and often late at night. Once she began eating breakfast, and then small, healthy and balanced meals throughout the day, she lost weight. She did not go on a “diet.”
5. FAITH This last one, for Rosie, was everything. “People have their own journey,” she said. “I believe there is a God so big that is holding my baby girl. That gave me hope.” I asked what happens now when someone walks through the doors of her gym, Lion’s Den Fitness, who is at square one — overweight, depressed, low confidence and hurting. She looked me straight in the eye and said, “I just give them a hug and tell them, ‘Let’s get started.’” Lace up those shoes. You can hear Rosie Herrera’s interview at transformationtuesday.tips or learn about her gym at lionsdenfitnessaz.com.
Carey Peña is the founder & CEO of Inspired Media 360, a modern media company fueled by inspiration. She is an Emmy-winning news anchor and host with a passion for politics, social media and inspired communication. 20 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
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10 QUESTIONS WITH
GINGER WARD CEO of Southwest Human Development
22  FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
1. TELL US ABOUT SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE WORK IT’S DOING IN THE COMMUNITY. Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, and it’s one of the largest in the nation. We know that early experiences matter. What we see and hear as young children sets a course for a lifelong process of discovery of ourselves and of the world around us. The investments we make today in young children provide an important foundation for their development.
2. DEFINE “EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION” AND THE AGES IT INCLUDES. Early childhood education encompasses all of the learning that children experience in their earliest years, specifically ages 0 to 5, before they enter kindergarten. Science has documented that our earliest days, weeks, months and years of life are an important period of growth and development. Early learning experiences can occur in a variety of settings, ranging from one of our Head Start classrooms, to families’ own homes, through children’s interactions with their parents and caregivers in order to promote their cognitive, social and emotional development.
3. WHY IS THIS PERIOD SO IMPORTANT IN A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT? We place a special focus on children’s earliest years, from birth to age 5, because we know that these critical years have a profound impact on their ability to enter kindergarten ready to learn and lead successful lives. Research and science show that the first years of a child’s life are an important time for building relationships and having meaningful experiences to best support their brain development, growth and early learning. As children, health and development are directly influenced by the quality of care and experiences they have with parents and other caregivers.
4. WHAT SHOULD PARENTS LOOK FOR IN A QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM? One of our programs in partnership with First Things First is called Quality First, which partners with
child care and preschool providers to improve the quality of early learning across Arizona. Through this program, we’re able to support teachers and staff so they can ensure that child care and preschool settings promote learning in the best ways possible. These environments should include teachers who have strong skills working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers, feature learning environments that nurture the emotional, social, language and cognitive development of children, and encourage positive, consistent relationships that give young children the individual attention they need.
5. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY AREAS THAT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS FOCUS ON? Early communication, language and literacy development are fundamental to any early childhood development program to encourage later academic success. Language is key for children to make sense of the world and form relationships with others. These core components of early learning lay the foundation for high-quality interactions with parents and caregivers that help the brain grow and develop, and are a gateway to high-quality learning experiences, especially for children under age 3.
6. SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT HAS MORE THAN 40 PROGRAMS OVERALL. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE AREAS COVERED, BESIDES PROGRAMS SUCH AS HEAD START? A unique part of Southwest Human Development is that we don’t simply focus on one area of early childhood. We know that comprehensive, highquality services most benefit the children and families we work with each and every day. Our programs and services cover the wide-ranging breadth of early childhood, including child development, mental health, disabilities services, early education, literacy, family support and child welfare, professional development and training for those who work with young children, and more.
7. WHAT SORT OF EARLY LITERACY EFFORTS DOES SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT PROVIDE? We incorporate early language and literacy development into each of our 40 programs and MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 23
10 QUESTIONS WITH... CONTINUED
services because it’s a key component of a child’s early learning. Some of our programs that focus specifically on early language and literacy development include Raising A Reader, a national, evidence-based program that works with families in low-income communities to develop and foster a love of reading; Reach Out and Read, also part of a national program that incorporates books into pediatricians’ offices to provide early literacy skills training for parents and encourage families to read aloud together; and Tell Me a Story, an early language and literacy program for caregivers of children ages birth to 3.
ArizonA’s only
sustainable lifestyle magazine Promoting sustainable businesses for over
7 years Our mission is to educate, inspire and empower our readership to make eco-conscious decisions for a healthy life and healthy planet.
8. YOU DO A GREAT DEAL OF WORK WITH CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES. COULD YOU EXPAND ON SOME OF THOSE PROGRAMS? Early childhood can be a challenging time for any child and their family. For families who have children with developmental delays or disabilities, this time can be especially difficult. We work to support these families in every way possible to help them find the answers they need and live the best quality of life. Some of these programs include our Children’s Developmental Center, which provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment of young children with disabilities such as autism or feeding disorders, and our ADAPT Shop, which builds custom support devices for children with physical disabilities to better experience and navigate their home and community life.
9. IF PARENTS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR YOUNG CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO? Your conscious life
M a g a z i n e
advertise in the only eco-conscious lifestyle magazine in arizona and reach conscious, brand-loyal consumers
480-840-1589 | sales@greenlivingaz.com 24 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
We discovered long ago that many parents struggle to find the support they need when experiencing issues related to their child’s development. This included going from specialist to specialist searching for answers if their child wasn’t meeting their developmental milestones, calling family and friends for answers, and more. To help connect people directly with experienced early childhood professionals, we launched the Birth to Five
Helpline (877-705-KIDS), which is a free service to all Arizona parents, caregivers and professionals who have questions or concerns about their child’s development. Callers receive support around a variety of topics like sleep, feeding, challenging behaviors, general parenting questions and more. One of the best parts of the Helpline is that callers can also be referred to programs and services that can provide further assistance.
10. HOW CAN MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT THE WORK SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IS DOING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES? There are so many ways people can give back to their community by supporting Southwest Human Development. Whether it’s by making their Arizona Charitable Tax Credit donation of up to $800 to support our programs, or attending Walk With Me, our annual fundraiser to support children with disabilities, we’ve got something for people of all ages! A fun way people can get involved during the month of May is to support our Grow A Reader virtual book drive. We’ve partnered with more than a dozen businesses across the Valley to support this early literacy effort. Simply visit swhd.org/GAR, select the book titles you would like to donate, complete your tax-deductible financial donation and we’ll get the books into the hands of kids who need them the most!
Grow A Reader Campaign Involves Businesses Valleywide Did you know that there is only one book per 300 children in low-income neighborhoods? In contrast, children living in upper- and middleincome areas have 13 books each. Southwest Human Development is launching a campaign to promote reading and children’s access to books through its Grow A Reader virtual book drive. Donating to the drive is simple. People can visit a participating Grow A Reader business location, “pick a flower” and purchase books online at swhd.org/GAR to help get children’s books into the hands of kids who need them most. Books start at $3.99 and are also eligible for a dollar-fordollar Arizona Charitable Tax Credit up to $800. This year’s participating Grow A Reader partners include Camelback Toyota, Copper Star Coffee, Even Stevens Sandwiches, FEZ, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, HobNob’s, Joe’s Diner, MOD Pizza, My Slice of the Pie Pizzeria, Picazzo’s, Short Leash Hot Dogs + Rollover Doughnuts and Spinato’s Pizzeria. Visit swhd.org/GAR to learn more.
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KITCHEN DOORS {where we ate this month}
BALLPARK EATS — CHASE FIELD EDITION Forget peanuts and Crackerjacks. Chase Field offers some of the most innovative ballpark food in the country. With the 2018 season underway, we sent our team to sample some of the new eats you can enjoy while watching a D-backs game.
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FRIED CHICKEN BANH MI There’s something about going to a Diamondbacks game that makes me feel like it is OK to cheat on my diet. So, I did. The first menu item I tried was the Fried Chicken Banh Mi sandwich, a spin on a traditional Vietnamese sandwich. The base is a crispy chicken fillet piled with pickled daikon radish and carrots, accented with a cucumber and garliccilantro aioli, and tucked into a locally made hoagie roll. This delicious interpretation really hits the spot and has a tangy “zing” to it. And bonus points for incorporating pickled vegetables, which are all the rage this year. — Lynette Carrington
CURD & Q BURGER Sometimes more is more when it comes to cuisine, and that’s certainly the case with the Curd & Q Burger, which features a hamburger, barbecue pulled pork and crispy white cheddar cheese curds all on a bed of coleslaw. The burger, which is so heavily stacked you can hardly see the actual burger, is notable (to say the least) and is one of the more memorable additions to the Burger Burger menu. While it’s easy to get caught up in all the flavors, the real standout of this dish is the barbecue pork, which is coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that is well suited for the coleslaw. — Jamie Killin
SONORAN VEGAN WRAP The Sonoran Vegan Wrap is pretty impressive. The wrap includes vegan chicken (complete with grill marks and the right texture), a chunky black bean hummus, roasted corn, avocado and chipotle Vegenaise wrapped into a whole wheat tortilla. Had I not known this was a vegan item, I never would have suspected. The chicken imparts a slightly smoky flavor that combines with all of the ingredients to make this wrap a home run. — Lynette Carrington
CARNE ASADA DOG I really don’t even need to write about this — all I have to do is list the ingredients, and then you can tell me whether or not you think it’s good. A 24-inch Schreiner’s hot dog. Seven ounces of in-house-cooked carne asada. Fresh guacamole. Pico de gallo. French fries. Queso blanco. All on a locally baked roll. This amazing contraption weighs in around the threepound mark, and I decided to cut off a fourth of it and see how it went. When I was done I was totally full, but glad I did it. I’m not sure how you would work one of these in the stands, but if you have three or four like-minded friends, don’t hesitate to give it a shot. — Tom Evans
STEAK AND ALE TOTS I may have bit off more than I could chew with the Carne Asada Dog, but I did have a little bit of room left to try the dish that surprisingly became my favorite. Once you try melted cheese, steak and mushrooms served on tater tots, you’ll find yourself asking why you even bothered with tortilla chips in the first place. See, the cheese soaks into the potatoes in a way that doesn’t happen with chips, which drenches the whole concoction with flavor. Plus you can eat it with a fork, so your chances of ruining your $150 Paul Goldschmidt Diamondbacks retro jersey are somewhat lower. — Tom Evans
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KITCHEN DOORS CONTINUED
MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE MENU
CHEF STEPHEN TILDER
As executive chef, Stephen Tilder oversees food at Chase Field. Here, he talks about the food he’s presenting for the Diamondbacks’ 20th season.
A LOT OF YOUR MENU IS LOCALLY SOURCED. CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT? I try to use as many local vendors as possible, especially for produce, because if you’re buying produce from out of the country or out of the state, they want to sell it. So it sits in the warehouse for a really long time and is picked underripe. With local products, you can get freshpicked stuff that’s pretty much right from the farm. It’s the responsible thing to do to support the local economy. Plus, there are a lot of local craftsmen that make great products. I’ve used Schreiner’s for 22 years. They’re fantastic. We sell their sausage every year at the ballpark and they do our exclusive items. You can’t find anything that’s as good as that. I use MJ Coe for most of the bread that’s not in concessions, and some of the stuff that’s in concessions. We use Mrs. Klein’s Pickles wherever we use pickles and it’s just a great-quality product. I use Arizona Cheese Co. for most of the cheese. We use so many local products!
WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION? It’s hard. I’ve been doing this for 33 years and I don’t like to do the same thing over again so it gets harder and harder. I keep pen and paper around. After we open the season, we’re already thinking for next season and then during the off season we go really heavy in development. When I come up with something I always do a Google search because I might think it’s my idea but somebody may have done it before. If it’s something that’s out there, then I won’t do it.
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DO YOU EVER TAKE FEEDBACK FROM THE FANS? I don’t really get a lot of feedback. Realistically, at the end of the year we run numbers on everything and we see the trends and we know. I might think it’s the greatest idea ever but if people don’t get the creation or understand where we’re coming from, then it might not be a big seller. Those are the ones that come off the menu and we come up with something new.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP SELLER? The hot dog. We’ll sell 500,000 hot dogs — regular D-backs hot dogs. Chicken tenders come second. Nachos come third. Beer’s pretty high up there, too.
DO THE DIAMONDBACKS EVER GIVE YOU CONSTRAINTS? The Diamondbacks are probably the greatest organization I’ve ever worked with because they totally trust me and they pretty much let me do whatever I want to do. I know their vision so I kind of create around that, but pretty much everything I’ve created we’ve rolled out.
IF YOU WERE GOING TO ORDER ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Depends on what day it is, because we have a concept upstairs called SOL La Terraza that’s only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We’re doing a traditional Sonoran dog there with carne asada, al pastor and tortas. It’s great. It’s all locally sourced and fresh. I’d probably go there first on a weekend. Also, anything from Big Dawgs, because that’s where we have our hot dog, which is super popular. It’s kind of hard to pick one place!
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OFFICE DOORS {leadership} of Commerce. Before she turned 30, she was appointed the director of the agency. “I don’t think there’s another city in the country where you can come in at 27, be working at the Department of Commerce and actually be able to call the governor when you want,” she said. “You can make anything happen here. It’s such a welcoming place for people that want to make a difference.” When she met with Gov. Fife Symington to discuss the position, she raised concerns about her youth, but he was confident she was the right fit for the role.
SARA DIAL
CEO of Sara Dial & Associates Jamie Killin | Web Editor
Balance is something everyone struggles to achieve, but it’s a skill Sara Dial has mastered. As the mother of three, president and CEO of Sara Dial & Associates and a member and chairman of multiple boards, she’s excelled in business, community and family life. She began her career in investment banking but transitioned into working on political campaigns. At 27, she was invited to be the finance director for the Arizona Department 30 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
“He said, ‘You know, you have to go through this confirmation process. Is there anything that would come out that would be embarrassing?’ They have to ask you that — do you have any baggage?” Dial said. “I said, ‘The only thing I can think of is my age,’ and he goes, ‘Well, how old are you?’ I’d been working for him for two years. I go, ‘I’m 29,’ and he said ‘Oh, I’m not worried about it. I know you can do the job.’ Didn’t even hesitate. And then I had every single Democrat and Republican confirm me. It was a great experience.” Dial continued in the role for the next three years. A year after having her first son, Tyler, she decided to start her own company, Sara Dial & Associates. In the 21 years since its formation, the company has represented a variety of high-profile clients including Google and the Arizona Department of Commerce. “It was a serious position and we had three international offices, so there was tons of travel — constant travel,” she said of her time as Department of Commerce director. “I was lucky that I could start my own business and have more flexibility as a mom.” However, Dial didn’t stop with starting her own company. She continued her commitment to
SARA DIAL’S THREE PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS TYLER DIAL The oldest of Patrick and Sara Dial’s three children, Tyler will graduate with a business degree from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas this month. Following graduation, he’ll move to Nashville to continue pursuing a music career. “He was really committed to getting his degree and he will move to Nashville just about a week after he graduates,” Dial said. “He’s got a new EP that he’s going to be coming out with. He’s ready to launch very, very seriously in just a couple of weeks.” This month, Tyler’s EP “REPAINT” will be released. His song “Damn Good Time” has already debuted on XM Radio and he has collaborated with songwriters who’ve written for awardwinning country acts such as Eric Church and Little Big Town.
WYATT DIAL A 20-year-old Cadet 3rd Class at the United States Air Force Academy, Wyatt also plays D1 soccer full-time. “He’s the one that’s serving our country and taking the biggest risk and working extraordinarily hard at it,” Dial said. In addition to his role in the military and dedication to soccer, Wyatt is also a skilled artist and music enthusiast. He will make his commitment to serve in the Air Force for five years at the end of the year.
TATUM DIAL The youngest of the Dial children, Tatum is a junior at Xavier College Preparatory, where she writes for the Xavier Xpress and recently started a kindness initiative called The Kindness Project with a friend. She is also involved in the school’s theater program as well as Valley Youth Theatre. “She’s very passionate about that,” said Dial. “She and a couple of other kids at the Valley Youth Theatre just started something called VY Teens. So she’s pursuing a little philanthropy herself. They are a group of kids who are available to donate their time to perform for sick kids and the elderly.” Tatum currently plans to study broadcast journalism.
the Phoenix area by becoming involved with multiple nonprofits through volunteering, fundraising and board positions. “There are some people that were kind of disappointed that I had dropped out of the workplace because I was sort of this rising female leader and we didn’t have a lot of those in this town. But I tried to be really smart about my career because I had kids and a couple of clients. I really got involved in the community, and that’s when I joined the Childhelp board,” she said. “I ended up chairing Childhelp and I got the Spirit of Children award a couple of years later. I purposely stayed very engaged.” Since then, Dial has amassed experience on more than two dozen nonprofit and corporate boards, including the Barrow Neurological Foundation, Valley Youth Theater, Phoenix Suns Charities and the Governor’s Strategic Partnership for Economic Development. “I love participating in nonprofits but I’m not as interested in status quo organizations,” she said. “I like to come in at a time when they need to be taken to the next level or there’s a big idea or a big project they’re working on. That’s what gets me excited.” Dial continues to make a meaningful difference in her community through her work on several boards, her consulting firm and by raising her family. “I learned early on that your path isn’t going to be what you think it’s going to be and to always be open to an opportunity, because you never know where it’s going to lead,” she said. “I keep saying to my kids, ‘Whatever your first job is out of college, it’s not going to be your career. Just take it for the experience.’”
Jamie Killin is a writer, editor and public relations specialist. Her work has been published by Thrillist, Phoenix Magazine, The Arizona Republic, So Scottsdale! and more. She is also the Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Frontdoors Media’s sister company Evans Communications. She is a media enthusiast with experience in all things news, marketing, public relations and social media. MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 31
GIVING IN STYLE {fashion in the philanthropy lane}
THE ART OF FEARLESSLY GIVING BACK A story of good corporate citizenship Tyler Butler | Fashion Writer
From a quaint home in Cave Creek, socialpractice artist Michelle Micalizzi makes art based on inspiration she gleans from the community. She takes handmade wooden easels and transforms them with her broad brushstrokes and colorful creativity. The series that Micalizzi is currently focused on is titled the Art of Fearlessly Giving Back (AoFGB). Through this project, Micalizzi is telling the story of WebPT and showcasing how the Phoenix-based company has helped six charities. To understand how this project came about, we must go back to 2006. That’s when Heidi Jannenga, a sports physical therapist and clinic director, took a hard look at her bottom line and realized that dictation and paper documentation management were two of her practice’s biggest costs. So she enlisted the help of a seasoned technologist, and WebPT was created to solve these issues. Since then, the software platform has helped more than 10,000 other businesses improve patient care and fuel business growth. 32 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
The story of WebPT’s success is well-known in the Valley. However, the story of their company culture, the values that drive the business and the reason for their selection as the inaugural AoFGB corporate partner are not familiar. The original inspiration for WebPT’s philanthropy came through the company’s connection to Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue (DLRR) and the Jannengas’ dog Topper, who was a Labrador himself. “Topper was our company mascot and part of the WebPT team,” said Jannenga. “Everyone loved Topper, so when the opportunity to give back to DLRR arose, everyone on the team wanted to get involved.” The pup served as a catalyst for the company’s philanthropy even after he died. When DLRR created a fundraising opportunity for WebPT’s 2011 holiday party, the furry stuffed Labradors that were sold to support the cause were bought by everyone who attended — showcasing the lasting impact this “mascot” had on WebPT.
Artwork by Michelle Micalizzi
As the company showcased by AoFGB, WebPT has had a chance to shed light on some important causes that will receive a portion of the proceeds from the campaign, namely the Arizona Science Center Girls in STEM program, Conscious Capitalism, PT Day of Service, United Blood Services, Support My Club and the Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue. Through AoFGB, Jannenga is highlighting her company’s values by pairing them with charities that have benefited from
WebPT’s social investments. What’s more, the recently launched WebPT Foundation will focus on STEM, education, and philanthropy in Arizona, bringing back one of Jannenga’s fondest memories of WebPT’s early years of charity work. “When we sponsored the Science Center’s Girls in STEM program for the first time it was amazing to see how many girls of all ages from all over the state came to be a part of this incredible learning opportunity. We could MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 33
Giving back is an integral part of WebPT culture.
GIVING IN STYLE CONTINUED
feel the enthusiasm and excitement, and just seeing them make friends with people they’d never met and become so deeply engaged in the program showed us the impact we were having on this next generation,” she said. WebPT has done this not only through financial donations, but also by sharing their expertise. Jannenga is the newest member of the Arizona Science Center board of trustees and has taken a hands-on approach. To this end, she’ll be speaking at this year’s Arizona
Science Center Girls in STEM program in an effort to inspire the next generation of women to understand the opportunities available to them through a career in tech. And by doing so, she is taking the giving efforts of WebPT to a very personal place. The company makes sure to support causes of all sizes as Jannenga recognizes that positive change is made not only through large actions, but through small, deliberate actions as well. One of the smaller charities Jannenga works
ATTEND THE AOFGB ART OPENING RECEPTION & AUCTION Friday, May 18 | 6 to 9 p.m. CREATE at Arizona Science Center The Art of Fearlessly Giving Back (AoFGB) is a community-awareness series that focuses on one company’s social responsibility mission and the charities that company supports. The project features the work of artist Michelle Micalizzi of Fearlessly Deliver LLC (right) and is made possible through her partnership with Tyler Butler of 11Eleven Consulting (left).
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with is Support My Club. This scrappy startup leverages its own technology to overcome the issue of limited resources in schools by pairing a need at a school with those who want to give. Thanks to supporters, especially WebPT, Support My Club has gained financial support and skilled volunteers who have helped increase the organization’s SEO and efficiency with processes and systems. These are just a few examples of WebPT’s impact on Arizona. There are more, and each will be highlighted through AoFGB. The campaign has also included countless hours of interviews by Fearlessly Deliver’s
Michelle Micalizzi, which have given the causes a social media boost. Ultimately, the causes will benefit financially as well. It is opportunities like this, where business supports the nonprofit community, that the best versions of culture can shine. Attend the Art of Fearlessly Giving Back (free and open to the public): bit.ly/AoFGB Learn more about the Art of Fearlessly Giving Back: fearlesslydeliver.com/aofgb Learn more about WebPT: webpt.com
Tyler Butler is a corporate social responsibility practitioner, columnist, blogger and influencer. Through her endeavors with her firm 11Eleven Consulting and her column and blog, Giving In Style, Tyler is connecting communities, companies and causes to make positive change possible.
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
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 35
GIVING IN STYLE {fashion in the philanthropy lane}
MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK Tyler Butler | Fashion Writer
Mother’s Day is around the corner and the only thing that feels as good as selecting a gift for this special person is finding an item that gives back to society in some positive way. So check out these altruistic options from local retailers that realize that giving back isn’t only good for the soul, it’s also good for business. Happy shopping!
HEART YOURSELF MOTHER AND DAUGHTER HEARTS The mantra of this necklace is, “Take this tiny HEART of mine as a reminder that you will always shine.” It was created to remind your loved one that she will always have a place in your heart. Made of sterling silver, the pendant comes on an 18-inch chain while the daughter’s version comes on a 16-inch chain. A portion of proceeds of all Heart Yourself products benefits the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering women through its comprehensive self-help center.
$50
WHISH Renewing Mud Mask Consider a gift that allows your mom to play with mud while experiencing a really amazing, natural, anti-aging face mask. This product improves the texture of skin while it renews and purifies. It deeply cleans and minimizes pores by exfoliating and removing dead skin. With gentle, all-natural retinol replacement, this product is not only cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified, its maker proudly supports many local causes, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Rosie’s House.
$48
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MARKETPLACE 12-Inch Oil Drum Tree Representing the power of family, this elegant piece can make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift, serving as a symbol of peace and love in the home. Measuring 12 inches in diameter, this beautiful wall art is carefully crafted by metalworkers in Haiti who depend on the sale of their craft for their livelihood. This product benefits Feed My Starving Children, which runs a marketplace as a social-enterprise endeavor. Best of all, each purchase of an oil drum tree provides 71 meals for children in need.
$32
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Society of Chairs Gala Wednesday, May 16, 2018 | 5:30 pm The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Recognizing those who chaired charitable events this past year, the organizations they serve and the partners that make philanthropy in the Valley possible.
Deborah Bateman, Chairwoman Linda Herold, Honorary Chairwoman
Enjoy dinner, drinks, dancing and entertainment Cocktail Attire
Proceeds to benefit
The Sauce Foundation The new charitable arm of Frontdoors Media, dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer and creating the storytellers of tomorrow. Presented by
Produced by MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA  37 
GIVING BACK {charity spotlight}
#LOVEUP
Supporting children living within the foster care system Jamie Killin | Web Editor
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The Story It’s a rare occurrence for an autocorrect fail to lead to something great, but that was the case with #LoveUp. KISS FM Phoenix radio host and #LoveUp Foundation co-founder Johnjay Van Es was texting Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner about their sons’ football game when Warner accidentally texted “love up” instead of “love it.” Van Es instantly knew it would be a great name for something bigger. “Kurt wrote, ‘love up’ — I mean ‘love it’ — and he goes, ‘stupid autocorrect.’ I’m sitting there staring at it. ‘Love Up.’ You know, that is so good,” Van Es said of the conversation. “So I text him right then and there and say, ‘Dude, you should take Love Up and you should use that to promote kindness.” While Warner didn’t end up using the slogan, Van Es mentioned it on the radio and it took off — prompting listeners to tweet logos for #LoveUp and inspiring one listener to make T-shirts. The T-shirts became a huge success and it became the name of the Johnjay & Rich charitable foundation. “Somehow, #LoveUp became bigger than Johnjay and Rich Care for Kids, because Johnjay and Rich Care for Kids took place in December and we’d talked about trying to do things for people all year long. Because
Johnjay Van Es (left) and Rich Berra (right) have been spreading kindness throughout the communities they serve and helping kids for more than 15 years.
of our connection to foster kids — my oldest son was adopted — we tied that in and it morphed,” said Van Es. “One day we all just started calling the foundation #LoveUp, then we officially changed.” Now, the foundation includes LOVEUP Movement & Moments, which hosts events and experiences for children in the foster care system; Heart Gallery, which works in partnership with the Department of Child Safety to take photographs of children in the foster care system; #LovePup, which finds homes for rescue animals; and Christmas Wish, which grants wishes to children and families in need during the holidays.
The Cause #LoveUp primarily focuses on offering support services to children in foster care by hosting events for kids, raising awareness, and supporting the Department of Child Safety through the Heart Gallery program. According to #LoveUp, there are 425,000 children in the foster care system
nationally and one in five will become homeless after the age of 18. One in four will experience PTSD, and fewer than 3 percent will earn a college degree. “It’s hard, because there are so many needs just in foster care,” said KISS FM Phoenix radio host and #LoveUp Foundation co-founder MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 39
GIVING BACK CONTINUED
Rich Berra. “There are little babies that need to be adopted, kids that are aging out that need mentorship and jobs. There are kids in the middle that are at the prime time where people are probably looking for a 7 or 8 year old.” Van Es and Berra’s families also make a difference by engaging with the cause — with both founders’ children spending time with the kids, Van Es’s wife Blake helping to make connections between parents and adoptable children and Berra’s wife Kristi helping to lead the Heart Gallery initiative.
They also hope to grow their impact by merging initiatives — such as their focus on foster care and their dog rescue program, #LovePup. “The big dream is to build a #LovePup brickand-mortar building for our dog rescue and then have the dog rescue work with foster kids, so foster kids come in and help with a program we set up,” said Van Es. For more information, visit loveupfoundation.org.
“It’s great seeing our kids get involved and seeing the connections that the kids that are in foster care make, because we don’t know what life is like for them in group homes,” said Berra. “I can’t imagine being ripped away from the only world I’ve ever known — my parents — and then being put in some group home with a bunch of kids who don’t like me or don’t want to have anything to do with me or who have their own problems to worry about and how lost you must feel and how unbelievably traumatic that can be.”
The Future Van Es and Berra plan to continue raising awareness and support for foster children and encouraging others to get involved as well. “A lot of times we’ll talk to other radio shows and they’ll say, ‘You guys do so much,’” said Berra. “We don’t want people to say, ‘Oh, we can’t keep up with that.’ Like, beat us. Do more. Please get out there and do it. It’s a big job. If every single radio host and every single TV show host in this entire city were working to get kids adopted there’d still be a lot of kids that need to be adopted. It’s a giant mountain.”
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The community can support the foundation by purchasing a #LoveUp or #LovePup T-shirt.
Find your cause. Invest in your community.
THANK YOU! Arizona Gives Day generated a record-breaking $3.2 million this year, and has raised $13.4 million for Arizona nonprofits since 2013. Give to a nonprofit today! www.azgives.org is accepting donations 365 days a year. Find your cause at
MAY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 41
BOOKMARKED {what are you reading} Busy Moms Share Their Favorite Reads
CHRIS GINTY Secretary to the Principal at Sousa Elementary School – Mesa Public Schools
IS READING “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
H E R TA K E “I don’t enjoy predictable books so I really enjoyed this one because I was challenged to figure out how the parallel story would eventually come together. Set during World War II, it focuses on a little girl in Paris who becomes blind at age 6, and an orphaned German boy in the midst of Hitler’s youth indoctrination.
Although initially the individual stories seemed to have nothing in common, the author weaves the story lines together brilliantly so that when that ‘a-ha’ moment finally came, I was able to fully appreciate the interconnectedness and the many things the title means.”
CHRISTINA ENRIGHT Medical Assistant, Independent Contractor
IS READING “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman
H E R TA K E “We all had a life before our children. Through the eyes of 8-year-old Elsa, we are sent on a fantastic journey as we watch the lives of the adults around
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her unfold, present and past, just as her grandmother planned. This book was entertainingly insightful, filled with adventure, laughter, forgiveness and love.”
BOOKMARKED {what are you reading}
STEPHANIE JARNAGAN President, Think Communications
IS READING “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline
H E R TA K E “Rooted in history, ‘Orphan Train’ tells the story of Vivian, an Irish immigrant who was orphaned in New York City and put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children for lives that were often rooted in upheaval and heartbreak. The story is balanced by Molly, a teen close to aging out
of the foster system, who develops an unexpected friendship with the now elderly Vivian while helping her sort through her possessions and memories. I was unaware of the historical significance of the orphan trains and enjoyed the rich details woven with a message of resilience and overcoming odds.”
MORGAN VANDERWALL Owner, Vanderwall PR
IS READING “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty
H E R TA K E “I fell in love with the author after reading and then watching ‘Big Little Lies’ on HBO. This book had me intrigued right from the beginning because, just like ‘Big Little Lies,’ Moriarty has a unique way of introducing characters and then connecting them in the
coolest ways. Once you learn the connection it almost becomes an obsession to continue to read more, and there are lots of twists and turns. This is definitely a book to add to your summer must-read list before it is turned into a movie, in which Blake Lively will be starring.”
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A 2ND ACT {stories of perseverance}
BEE-ING KIND Like honey, it never spoils Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer
It’s believed that twins think alike. Justin and Scott Clarke clearly prove that. In fact, Justin’s wife, Jaime, put it well: “They’d give you the shirts off their backs!” A well-used phrase, but perfect for these identical twins. The story starts with Scott, as Justin explained. “Every Mother’s Day, Scott would give the cashier at his local Starbucks money and roses, asking the clerk to use the cash to pay for every mother’s coffee and give them a rose until both ran out. He didn’t ask for recognition or repayment of any type. His only wish was that the recipients would pay the kindness forward in some way,” Justin said. On Mother’s Day, 2011, Scott and Justin’s mother went to that same Starbucks. After ordering, she was presented with a rose and learned that someone had already paid for her coffee. Waiting for her drink, she mused about who might have done such a kind deed. The answer, of course, was her own son, Scott. Scott died unexpectedly a few weeks later, at the age of 29. During the funeral, Justin 44 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2018
shared the story about Scott’s Mother’s Day act of kindness. Later, he was surprised to learn that the story had inspired more kindness. A group of his friends collected hundreds of dollars to pay for dads’ coffees on Father’s Day, in the same way, at the same Starbucks, in Scott’s honor. It occurred to Justin and Jaime that there should be a place for individuals to pay forward their kindness while inspiring others to do the same. So, the Honey Foundation was born on September 11, 2012, with the tagline, “Just Bee-Cause.” Not only that, they designed an innovative pay-it-forward tracking system. Here’s how it works. A participant signs up for a Honeybee ID number. When they act kindly toward a stranger, the stranger receives their ID number on a sticker, card or pen. And they’re asked to pay the kindness forward and then register the kindness at HoneyFoundation.org to inspire others. This domino effect of kind acts can then be tracked. Justin and Jaime’s dream is for their kindness map to stretch nationwide.
But they went a step further. Educators contacted them, reporting that students were having a hard time understanding the “BEE Kind” concept. They asked Justin and Jaime to teach kindness in schools, so the Honey Foundation’s Kindness Education Program was launched. Schools from California to New Jersey have since implemented the program. Best of all, results indicate that the program has increased the sense of safety and security at schools, and has improved student participation, confidence, leadership and positive relationships. With this spirit of optimism, the Honey Foundation wants to “pollinate” the world with kindness. And it appears to be happening. The organization routinely receives Facebook messages from schools and students alike, thanking them for making their world kinder. Recently, the Clarkes received a letter from a 12-year-old boy who had attended one of their events.
BEE Kind bees teach a young do-gooder that anyone can make a difference.
“He said he loves our mission,” Jaime said. “He wants to help us spread kindness by teaching others about it — and he enclosed a check for $100!” Scott summed it up. “We believe the world receives hope through kindness. Every member of our ‘hive’ is a part of a global colony of do-gooders who prove daily that no matter how big the problems of the world may seem, any one of us can make a difference,” he said. “All we have to do is take the time to show love, appreciation and kindness to others. Like honey, kindness never spoils.” To learn more about the Honey Foundation, visit HoneyFoundation.org.
Judy Pearson is a journalist, published author, and the founder of A2ndAct.org. Her organization supports and celebrates women survivors of all cancers as they give back to the greater good in their 2nd Acts. Her passion is finding those who have healed themselves by helping others.
Justin Clarke (right) started the Honey Foundation after tragically losing his twin brother Scott in 2011.
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OPEN DOORS {publisher’s page}
MOTHERS� WORK
I’ve said it before, every day is Mother’s Day in my book … and for several Valley nonprofits this statement is not only true, it’s the passion behind their missions. From helping moms prepare for the issues that will be facing their children in today’s fast-paced world to mothers leading the charge to support single parents facing a cancer diagnosis to an organization that provides opportunities for any organization founded by a mother, these are just three examples of some incredible work being led by moms in our community.
dedicated mothers who recognized the need to consistently educate families on rapidly changing issues. Their mission is to engage and educate parents, children and the community about the issues facing youths today and to empower children to make safe, healthy choices. Their programs tackle important topics — from drugs and alcohol to bullying and Internet safety — and give students, parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage these potential challenges.
TAKING ON THE TOUGH ISSUES
“We live in a fast-paced, time-deprived world and it’s not easy to keep up with the latest information and trends affecting children. We want to help you and your family navigate through the school-
MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-Age Kids) was created in 2007 by a group of
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age years by providing information and solutions about various issues before they may even arise.” — maskmatters.org
FROM SINGLETON MOMS TO THE SINGLETONS Since 2006, Singleton Moms has served single parents with cancer — both moms and dads — in honor of Michelle Singleton, a single mother of four children who lost her battle to cancer at just 32 years old. In early 2017, the organization grew by expanding their population to serve single-parent families with a child battling cancer as well. This expansion of programs led to a name change to The Singletons. Their programs focus on meeting the day-to-day needs of the entire family facing the effects of a cancer crisis, at no charge to the families. “Life doesn’t stop with a cancer diagnosis. The bills still need to be paid, dinners still need to be made, the house still needs essential supplies, and children still deserve a childhood. Imagine your close friend, neighbor or family member is a struggling single parent undergoing cancer treatment OR a single parent anxiously nurturing a child through a cancer diagnosis. Either scenario can create overwhelming hardships for everyone in the home.” — thesingletonsaz.org
MOMS HELPING MOMS Mother’s Grace became an official nonprofit in 2010 after founder Michelle Moore-Fanger, who had spent years supporting several special projects for mothers in need, found herself in need of a support community when her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Since its inception, Mother’s Grace has supported more than 1,000 moms with financial assistance by way of monthly bills, medications, meals, housekeeping, childcare and ancillary services. Mother’s Grace has also given grants to more than 25 Arizona nonprofit organizations run by moms, either through fiscal sponsorship, mentorship and/or strategic partnership. — mothers-grace.org
I am so thankful to live in a community where moms like those involved in these organizations are all in to make a difference. Thank you ladies — and keep up the excellent work! Enjoy your Mother’s Day, and every day.
Andrea
Andrea Tyler Evans PUBLISHER
@AndreaTEvans
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