The 3rd Annual PFF Dog Show

When

Saturday, April 22, 2023

9:00 AM 11:00 AM
Dog Show begins at 9:30 AM

Where

Trevor's Liquor
On the patio
7340 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Event Sponsors

Trevor’s Liquor (venue)

CVL (The Hunting Dog Sponsor)

INFINITI HR (Puppuccino Sponsor)

Little Paws Pet Sitting (Furry Friend Sponsor)

Special Additions:

Fluff Bar will be offering nail painting, bows, bandanas and hair dye moments for your pup!

Tugs and Tails will be selling their personalized pet treats made with less than six ingredients! And there may even be some custom treats for the trophy winners as well!

HJ Trophies & Awards created custom trophies for each award category (see below), along with cute purple PFF dog tags!

What To Expect

The 3rd Annual PFF Dog Show is sure to be a PAW-TY!

Join us for a day out with your dog for a good cause on Saturday, April 22nd at Trevor's Liquor from 9am to 11am. The event will be held on the patio and there will be brunch bites and beverages for you and your furry friend to enjoy!

There will be multiple dog categories that you can enter your pup into with prizes for each winner. We have a few community “celebs” who will be judging the event and a variety of activities for your entire family to enjoy!

The dog show will begin at 9:30am and each participant will have the opportunity to walk the runway with their pup to be considered for the award categories.

All adult guests will receive a drink ticket when they check in that they can use at the bar inside!

The Reason Behind the Dog Show

Proceeds raised will go towards our initiative Angel Pups, which is a program that supports children in need of a service dog. This year in particular is extra special as we are working with a local family that is fundraising for a service dog for their daughter Zoie. Zoie is a five-year-old who has been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, which is a rare genetic neurological disorder that leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of life.

An amazing local organization called Arizona Goldens LLC met with the family and learned more about their specific need for a service animal and they even arranged a trial visit for Zoie with a dog to see how it would go for her. After the trial run with a service dog, the family knew what a blessing it would be for Zoie. Arizona Goldens has since located a dog for the family - it is a poodle named Forest and he is in Texas - and the cost to bring Forest home is $17,000.

Since diagnosis, the family’s life has been a rollercoaster of appointments, scan, doctor visits, hospitals stays and numerous therapies. It’s needless to say that they cannot wait to bring Forest home to Zoie.

These sweet parents are also very talented chefs and will be catering the food for us at the event! Make sure to grab a breakfast burrito from them at the event and you’ll even be able to purchase some of their famous salsa to take home (IT’S SO GOOD!).

Meet the Judges

Brian Hill - Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week

Brian works with 100's of emerging fashion designers each season as the Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week. Brian is also the host of fast growing podcast, Fashion Rewired focused on the 'Business of Fashion.' Brian has more than 15 years experience in the fashion industry after launching a women's fitness apparel brand on his college campus making him more than qualified to judge our fashionable furry friends.

Melody Pierce - Miss Arizona 2022

Melody Pierce, 26, is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. She currently works as an eating disorder recovery and body acceptance coach through her program, S.T.E.P.S. Recovery. Recipient of the Miss Arizona Quality of Life Award for her service work, Melody is dedicated to aiding her community in the recovery of eating disorders and directs Arizona’s chapter of the National Eating Disorder Awareness Walk. With her six years of experience in public relations, she is excited to connect with partners across Arizona throughout her year.

Marisol - Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer

A Midwest gal transplanted to the desert who loves discovering local places and rescuing pups.

@alltheprettys

Raffle Prizes

• Top Golf $50 Game Play Voucher: Draw 1 Ticket 

• Two Tickets to the Phoenix Art Museum: Draw 1 Ticket

• Stellar Off-Roading Adventure for Two People: Draw 2 Tickets 

• Two Tickets to a Tempe Comedy Show: Draw 2 Tickets 

• Kendra Scott Merrick Gold Chain Necklace: Draw 1 Ticket

• Kendra Scott Maggie Hoop Earrings: Draw 1 Ticket

• Two Night Stay at the Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort: Draw 1 Ticket

• Hot Air Balloon Flight for Two by Rainbow Ryders: Draw 1 Ticket

• Two Night Stay at the Embassy Phoenix Biltmore: Draw 1 Ticket 

• $50.00 Axe Throwing Voucher: Draw 1 Ticket

• One Teeth Whitening Treatment by Simply Radiant: Draw 1 Ticket

• Free Engine Oil Service by Brenton’s: Draw 1 Ticket

• 4 Tickets To AZ Dbacks vs Orioles Baseball Game on September 3rd: Draw 1 Ticket 

• A 30-Min Pet Portrait Studio Session by Shalimar Studios: Draw 1 Ticket

• One-Year Family Membership to the Phoenix Zoo: Draw 1 Ticket

• 2 Dog Treats and 2 Dog Toys from Noble Beast: Draw 1 Ticket

• Customized Angel Pathway Brick - You’ll get to customize a brick paver with your name, business or in honor of a friend or family member to be placed in front of our building for a LIFETIME: Draw 2 Tickets

Award Categories:

• Best Golden Oldie

• Best Manners

• Best Dressed

• Liveliest Lady

• Fabulous Fella

• Raddest Rescue

• Most Unique Name

• Best Walk

• Floppiest Ears

• Look Alike

• Hot Dog Summer

• Best Underbite

Katelyn's Brave Story of Multiple Diagnoses

Everyone meet Katelyn! This sweet girl was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing only 1lb 6oz. When Katelyn was just two and a half years old, she was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a Neuromuscular Disease meaning "serious muscle weakness". There are treatments that can help with the daily symptoms, but there currently is no cure. To keep the symptoms under control, Katelyn undergoes IVIG treatment every two weeks through her port.

This wasn't the end of diagnoses for Katelyn though, unfortunately. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease. And most recently, at 12 and a half years old, Katelyn was diagnosed with epilepsy.

In May 2022, she was admitted into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital where they performed numerous tests, surgeries and lymph node biopsies that revealed another diagnosis: drug-induced Lupus.

Katelyn doesn't let any of it stop her though! After two years of online school, she is back in the classroom again!

Their family relies on Dad for income as Mom is Katelyn's primary caretaker full-time. With all the medical expenses, it's easy to understand how it can cause financial hardship.

Katelyn is now 14 and her mom calls her their miracle baby.

If you feel inclined to give to PFF, know that your money goes to help families like this. Thanks for reading Katelyn's amazing story. 💜

AZ Hustlers: Karie Johnson

Karie Johnson is the owner of Barre3 Scottsdale PV. We’ve been fortunate to have worked with Barre3 in the past and they are always so supportive of our efforts to help families around the valley. Get to know a little bit about Karie!

Name: Karie Johnson

Instagram Handle: @barre3scottsdalepv

Title/Profession: Owner of Barre3 Scottsdale PV

What city do you live in!
Paradise Valley

How do you know PFF?
Through the amazing founder, Meghan!

What makes PFF special?
They continually give back to families in need and make a huge impact!

What is something on your bucket list?
To go to the Amalfi Coast.

What was your first job?
Life guard

What/who inspires you?
Mother Teresa

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise

What is a motto you live by?
You can do hard things.

What does a normal day look like for you?
Early morning routine of meditation, bible study, prayers and journaling before my kiddos wake up, get the kiddos off to school, work on or at barre3, always dinner with the family, relaxing evening at home.

What is one thing you can not live without?
Coffee!

One thing you think every one needs to try?
Barre3! Some people are intimidated by the barre or that it is either too hard or not hard enough. It is honestly just right because you make it your own! It is so empowering and really helps to balance the body from the inside out!

AZ Hustlers: Kayla Iten

PFF AZ Hustler: Kayla Iten, CEO of All About Nannies.

Kayla Iten is the CEO of All About Nannies, PFF’s newest partner, and our AZ Hustler of the month. All About Nannies, is an easy and quick way to find reliable nannies in Arizona. Having reliable childcare is so important and we know how difficult it can be to find it, which is why we love what Kayla is doing! Learn more about Kayla and how she came to find PFF!

Name: Kayla Iten

Title/Profession: CEO of All About Nannies

What city do you live in!
Phoenix

How do you know PFF?
Through networking and our partnership donating a portion of each placement fee to PFF!

What makes PFF special?
I was so inspired by the foundations desire to help local families in tangible, creative and useful ways!

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why?
I haven't been yet, but can't wait to go!

What is something on your bucket list?
To start a family of my own. I can't wait to use my 20 years childcare experience on my own children someday!

What was your first job?
My very first job was working in a daycare at a local YMCA in the infant room and I loved it!

What/who inspires you?
My family! My parents worked tirelessly to provide for us growing up and gave us an amazing life and taught us to value hard work, relationships and are still some of my favorite people after all these years

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise

What is a motto you live by?
”One person can make a world of difference”

What does a normal day look like for you?
Busy! I am generally up and make the commute down the hallway to my office at about 6:30 after getting the furry office assistants their breakfast. The first thing I always do is organize and tackle my never ending daily to do!

What is one thing you can not live without?
My Husband, my family, and my phone!

One thing you think every one needs to try?
Traveling and allowing yourself to be unplugged for a while.

*If you’re in the need for a nanny, visit the All About Nannies website here.

AZ Hustlers: Brittany Yeaton

PFF AZ Hustler Brittany Yeaton (On right), alongside founder and CEO, Meghan Alfonso.

PFF Board member, Brittany Yeaton has been a supporter from the very beginning! Learn more about how she knows PFF plus a few fun facts about herself!

Name: Brittany Yeaton

Title/Profession: Internal Sale Associate/Brighthouse Financial

What city do you live in?
Scottsdale

How do you know PFF?
I have know Meghan since middle school and found out she was starting PFF and was very excited. I immediately started helping and volunteering at as many events as possible.

What makes PFF special?
PFF is special in so many ways. A foundation that is able to help families with children suffering is so incredible. I feel that people forgot the life still have to go on when a family is going through this difficult time so being able to help with bill or home repairs or whatever it my be is so amazing.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why?
My favorite event is definitely Clays for a Cause. I look forward to it every year! Rain or Shine

What is something on your bucket list?
To travel more! Sky Dive, African Safari so many things!

What was your first job?
Nanny

What/who inspires you?
Meghan! She is such an amazing person with an even more amazing heart.

Coffee or tea?
Tea

Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise

What is a motto you live by?
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a different battle

What does a normal day look like for you?
Work, gym, family and Friends

What is one thing you can not live without?
Family

One thing you think every one needs to try?
Giving back in any way they can

Thank you One AZ Credit Union!

Like many others, we had big plans for 2020 that were unfortunately put on hold due to COVID-19. This spring alone, we had four events on the calendar that benefitted PFF that had to be cancelled.

When shutdowns began taking place across the country, knowing we’d have to put our events on hold for the foreseeable future, Meghan started looking for grants that we could apply for to continue to help our families during this uncertain time. Thankfully, One AZ Credit Union approved our request and sent us a check for $2000!

With that, we’ve were able to send a few families we’ve helped in the past, Visa gift cards as a reminder that they are not alone during these times. And we will continue to disperse the funds to help families in need.

Huge thank you to One AZ Credit Union for helping us in such a hard time!

Read a little about the kiddos and families we were able to help with this grant:

Backyard Burlesque: Attend our virtual event!

COVID-19 can’t stop us from helping Arizona families. Due to the outbreak, we’ve had 4 events cancelled or postponed, so we started brainstorming ways that we can bring in funds to continue to be able to assist local families during this tough time. That’s why we’ve created our first-ever virtual event: Backyard Burlesque!

Join us on May 2nd for an evening of dancing for a good cause! Our friend, Eli Medina, from The Sparkle Bar in Old Town Scottsdale is going to teach us a fun dance number via Zoom – don’t worry, nothing risqué! So we can shake and shimmy for a good cause, all while maintain social distancing from the comfort of our own homes!

Plus, we’re also hosting a raffle with a lot of great prizes! Such as:

• 2 one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from Spencer’s Design Studio

• A Barre3 fitness class package

• A full spa package from Scottsdale-based studio Rvyve

• A date night package that includes dinner for 4 from Maple & Ash

and more…

We can’t wait to have some fun, take our minds off of the pandemic, and support the foundation with you! If you can’t “make it” Saturday, no worries, you can still purchase raffle tickets and be entered to win our amazing prizes!

AZ Hustlers: Jeff Vance

AZ Hustler, Jeff Vance, has been a PFF supporter for a few years and we can’t express how grateful we are that he and his family are apart of our Angel community!

Name: Jeff Vance

Title/Profession: SVP of Operations at Sunstate Equipment Co.

What city do you live in?
Scottsdale

How do you know PFF?
Our company donated to PFF a few years ago and I fell in love with the cause.

What makes PFF special?
PFF is willing to help families where other organizations might not. How cool is it to help take the burden off a family like a car or electricity payment when they are caring for an ill child.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why?
Clay Shoot. I'm an outdoorsman and it is a unique opportunity to do something I enjoy while giving to a charity and meeting like minded individuals.

What is something on your bucket list?
To out bid Art Pearce at the next live auction. Just kidding, I've been all over Europe, next on the list is Athens Greece.

What was your first job?
Pulling skeet at a skeet range.

What/who inspires you?
Genuine folks like Meghan who look out for others well being.

Coffee or tea?
Tea

Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise

What is a motto you live by?
Be kind and give back as much as possible.

What does a normal day look like for you?
I am involved in a lot of meetings with my peer group.

What is one thing you can not live without?
My family

One thing you think every one needs to try?
Donating in some way. It doesn't necessarily cost anything. Give someone a hand up.

PFF Turns 6!

This week the foundation turns 6 years old. I cannot believe we have come as far as we have and that is because of all of you. I want to thank everyone who has; donated to PFF, been to an event we have held, shared our mission with others, volunteered for an event, worked or interned for the company, sat on the board, or followed our journey. YOU are the reason we are still around. I might’ve gotten the idea off the ground but is because of you that we are still a strong and profitable 501c3. We have helped hundreds of families stay in their home, keep their lights on, or have provided them with a safe and reliable car.

You have allowed us to award service dogs to children who would otherwise need to go to the hospital every time an episode came on, and you have provided families with no available funds with toys during the holidays.

Last year we moved into our forever home and this year we are now working out of our houses because of COVID-19. I know we will get back to the days where we can celebrate our mission together and hug one another again.

But until then let’s take a look back at one of my favorite videos from year one.

Click above to watch the video on Facebook.

I thank each and every one of you for your endless support of our little nonprofit.

Runway of Hope Update

Runway of Hope 2019

Whether you have noticed or not, the foundation has not posted or talked about one of our signature events, Runway of Hope. After hosting the show for the last 5 years we have decided to end it after last year's event. I am so thankful to everyone who has modeled, sponsored, DJed, attendeed, volunteered, and co hosted this amazing event. Every year the show surprised me with how many people wanted to be involved, which is why it is bittersweet to not do the event again.

Runway of Hope 2018

From our first two years at my father’s old Coors warehouse to all the other venues we made an impact in the Phoenix fashion world. I am going to miss working with the stylists and local designers who loved showcasing their looks down our runway. Last year was the perfect year to officially close the curtain, with an element theme.

Runway of Hope 2017

Runway of Hope 2016

The foundation is on to bigger events and we promise there will not be a lack of ways you can support and get involved. I am truly humbled to know that so many of you enjoyed being a part of our event and hope we will see you at our next one. Thank you for believing in our fashion show and for supporting families at the home!

Xo

Meghan

Runway of Hope 2015

Amandalyn Wulfert

Name: Amandalyn Wulfert

Instagram handle: @Amandalynrose

Profession/Title: Social Media Influencer

City you live in: Gilbert

How do you know of PFF: The amazing Runway of Hope Fashion Show

What makes PFF special: PFF is special because they help and support the many families, who have children with

life-threatening illnesses, overcome struggles they may face. They host events that bring the community together for a great cause snd show support for those who need it most.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: The fifth annual Runway of Hope fashion show was the first PFF event that I have been to, and I cannot wait to attend the many other events that they put on. The event that I

attended was not only an exciting atmosphere, but it gave the attendees an opportunity to see the different ways that PFF helps families in need.

What is your favorite thing about AZ? My favorite thing about Arizona is the landscape and the weather. I was born and raised in AZ, so the heat is something that I have come to adore. Plus, it gives us a year-round chance to go outside and soak up the sun, or do any other outdoor activities. Arizona is my home, I never plan on leaving.

What is something on your bucket list? One thing that is on my bucket list is to travel to Tokyo. It has been one place that I have always wanted to go, I would love to experience the culture and cuisine.

What was your first job? My first job was a hostess at Texas Roadhouse.

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset. Arizona sunsets are some of the prettiest in the world, yes I am biased. But honestly, it is one of my favorite things to sit back and watch the sunset and take in the amazing Arizona beauty.

Coffee or tea? Coffee...all day everyday!

What/who inspires you? My Grandma inspires me, she is the toughest lady I have ever known and she always pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and find my own happiness.

What is a motto you live by? “Do what you love”- a quote from my Grandma.

What does a normal day look like for you? A typical day for me would be waking up early, heading to Dutch Bros for a coffee with my dog, Lollipop. After a day at work, I typically like to end the day watching some reality tv with my family.

What is one thing you can not live without? One thing I cannot live without is my Malshi dog, Lollipop. She is my mini me and we practically do everything together.

One thing you think every one needs to try? I definitely think that everyone in life needs to try getting out of their comfort zone. There is something so special about doing something that you have always wanted to, even if it scares you!

5 Years Down...

5 years down…

Imagine being 29, you just left a job you thought you would be at forever, two weeks before you moved into a new apartment, and now you have no source of income. YEP, that was me. I was beyond stressed and embarrassed that I was jobless with no plans on what to do next.

Thank god my now husband put the idea into my head that I should start my own nonprofit and use my families name who brought us success for many years to back the nonprofit. Being beyond scared to ask my family to believe in me and let me run with it was the first hurdle to get over. Then I hired a life coach who reminded me I had the confidence I would need to start a nonprofit.

After numerous meetings one must go through to start an organization, I eventually did it and it took just 6 months.

Since then, we have hosted over 50 events (remember it has just been me with a few interns and now two part time employees) and we have created three programs under the Pearce Family Foundation umbrella.

I always get asked why I decided to create a nonprofit, and it was because I saw a need that was not being fulfilled. I believe a child gets better faster when they are recovering in their home versus in a shelter or a hospital.

Creating the nonprofit has allowed me to continue my family’s legacy by connecting with businesses and people in a new way. The nonprofit has also reconnected me to friends I went to school with who we may have not crossed paths with again unless I was in this position.

PFF has been a blessing to me I have been able to help as many families as I can have a safe and stable living environment. I pray we continue to grow and receive the generous donations we have to keep us around. I am excited to see where the next 5 years will take us. But we have already found our forever home off 90th and Bell and have three amazing events we host every year.

If you want to build something on your own- do it. It will be scary as F**k but why not…if you don’t you will always wonder what if.

Kourtnie Martin

Name: Kourtnie Martin

Instagram handle: @kourtnie.renee

Profession/Title: Event Operations Manager

City you live in: Phoenix, AZ

How do you know of PFF: I started as an intern for Meghan about 2 years ago and have been working as the Event Operations Manager for about 9 months now!

What makes PFF special: The impact that it makes on the community. Hearing some of the stories of the families breaks my heart but being able to see the immediate impact the foundation makes is amazing!

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why:I LOVE Runway of Hope! Everything about it is so fun and it has this incredible, high energy vibe the whole night.

What is your favorite thing about AZ? Definitely the food!

What is something on your bucket list? I have always loved traveling so my dream is to go to Australia and Greece.

What was your first job? I’ve been around volleyball for most of my life, so naturally my first job was as a youth volleyball referee.

Sunrise or sunset? There's nothing like an Arizona sunset!

Coffee or tea? Iced coffee.... even in the winter!

What/who inspires you? My parents inspire me with how hard working and supportive they are.

What is a motto you live by? Keep moving forward – it’s a reminder to not look back or dwell on the past.

What does a normal day look like for you? Everyday is so different but I can always count of staying busy!

What is one thing you can not live without? Music!... Or chocolate lol

One thing you think every one needs to try? Try to stay open minded and see situations from other people’s perspectives. 

Cassandra Kusa

Name: Cassandra Kusa

Instagram handle: @kusacmphotography

Profession/Title: Project Manager

City you live in: Phoenix, AZ

How do you know of PFF: I became familiar with PFF when I participated in the Runway of hope fashion show in 2018.

What makes PFF special: Everyone that I've met who is a part of this program and organization shows passion and love, I can see that they believe in what they are shooting to accomplish. It's incredible to see how it comes to life when you hear the recipients of this organization's stories and how much gratitude they have to be able to be a part of the PFF family. The work truly translates when you see the glimmer in the eyes of the families.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: My favorite PFF event that I have been to was their holiday party in 2018. I got to see families and hear stories of families that have been helped by the organization and listen to real life struggles that have been experienced by those who received help from PFF. The stories touched my heart and to see the gratitude and passion in their eyes really stuck with me.

What is your favorite thing about AZ? My favorite thing about AZ is that the people I care most about live here. I get to see those who love and support me every week which I'm very grateful and lucky to be able to do.

What is something on your bucket list? I would love to travel outside of the states and experience the culture in other countries.

What was your first job? My first job was being an assistant to an accountant for Nation Wide Vision.

Sunrise or sunset? Definitely a sunset person - the deep shades of red always get me.

Coffee or tea? Tea all the way.

What/who inspires you? Lately what has been my biggest inspiration has been reading about people’s stories, who have struggled to find themselves and what to do with their future. Their stories about how their friends, family- ultimately their support system around them starts to step up and shine in their eyes. Showing and making them realize that they can do something that matters, and that love is on their side. I’ve had my struggles with self-doubt and thinking that accomplishing something that matters and won’t make a difference is out of my reach. Seeing other people’s stories has helped open my eyes that this is something other people struggle with and that I am more then capable of doing what I set my heart to. One thing that inspires and impresses me about the PFF organization is giving people a chance and showing them that there are people who care and are on your side, that you can overcome and get help what is happening- you are never alone.

What is a motto you live by? Try everything once. A good friend of mine told me that a few years ago, something I never thought would make a difference in my life, but I put in the effort to live by that. Many things I try, I don’t care much for, but there are a few things that I would never have done that I show a lot of passion for and I absolutely love it. You never know until you try and guess what, if you don’t like it, you don’t lose anything.

What does a normal day look like for you? I wake every morning to my cat, Mister Pooper staring at me, giving soft meows until I get out of bed,  I usually wake up and either go to work, my family owns a construction company, or I go down to Scottsdale and inline skate. After that I like to eat, and as of late I start reading books that suck me in until I finish them- regardless if that takes me into the early morning

What is one thing you can not live without? One thing that I cannot live without is my one year old twin nephews. Everyday I wake up and see their smiling face on the background of my phone, receive photos and videos of their daily activities from my family, and get to spend every Sunday with them. They’ve showed me what true love and happiness is, not only through my eyes but how much they mean to my parents and my brother. It has been a blessing having them come into my life and I can’t imagine what things would be like without them.

One thing you think every one needs to try? I am a big fan of music, I think everyone should try and go to one big music festival or rave to see their favorite artist, nothing is better than seeing the people around you showing the same passion you have for the music you love

Irene Marie

Name: Irene Marie

Instagram handle: @iweezy_ - Personal, @weezys_playhouse - Company

Profession/Title: Fashion Creative

City you live in: Phoenix, AZ

How do you know of PFF: I was graciously invited to showcase one of my go to designers BJAMESLA at their Runway of Hope 2018. I fell in love with the movement and everything that PFF is about.

What makes PFF special: 100% of the proceeds earned from events goes towards families in OUR community. PFF is having a direct impact on families in need in Arizona. The fact that I feel I can give back through fashion makes me passionate and excited to be apart of this incredible organization. PFF is paying for families' mortgages, getting vehicles for families, paying bills, so families going through tough times can focus on their family. That's insane.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: Runway of Hope 2018. I led the closing designer and I'll never forget the crowd screaming when my final model dropped her jacket to reveal the final look. I thought she fell, I remember peeking out from backstage expecting to see my girl on the ground. Fashion moments like that are what it's all about. The experience. The goosebumps.

What is your favorite thing about AZ? The epic sunsets.

What is something on your bucket list? To live in Ashram, India for a year, no phone, no connection to the outside world. Just me, myself and Irene (I had to).

What was your first job? Luxury designer assistant in Dallas, TX. Re-doing women's closets, styling socialites for events, building wardrobes for powerful, busy women. I felt so inspired as a young woman, dressing intelligent, strong women who wanted their wardrobe to say "yeah, I'm the boss". I think that's what luxury styling is about, the fit sets the tone when you walk in the room lookin sharp. If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you do good.

Sunrise or sunset? I loathe mornings. Sunsets forever.

Coffee or tea? Americano, extra hot.

What/who inspires you? The artists I surround myself with. Pushing one another to put out our very best work, to focus on true authenticity in what we create. Never sell out for the Koolaid.

What is a motto you live by? "Color my life with the chaos of trouble."

What does a normal day look like for you? There is absolutely no normalcy in my life. My home is a giant playhouse, dual studio, a place to create something new every day. So that's what we do. Everyday brings something unique and special.

What is one thing you can not live without? My man.

One thing you think every one needs to try? Prickly Pear Margarita at Joyride.

It Could Be Anyone, Even You

Take a moment to think about a time you had difficulties paying for something that was either a necessity or maybe something you just really liked. Can you remember how you felt when you knew you could not afford it but still needed it? The fear of the credit card not going through or being declined. The embarrassment of being told your card was not approved. OH my gosh it is the worst feeling ever.

I can admit I have felt that way and it is humbling. I have lived paycheck to paycheck and remember hoping to not have my account be in the red. Thankfully I did not have any one else I was responsible for and could live off of soup for a few days.

But imagine having a child. Now imagine that child being sick. Not only sick but with a life threatening illness. Your child is so sick you have to stay at a hospital a few times a month.

Now what do you do?

Life throws us curves balls all the time and a lot of the families we help were not ready or prepared to have to dedicate their paycheck to a hospital or doctor visit. It was not in their budget to pay for their child to have surgery.

I was determined to be able to eliminate that fear and stress a family has when they cannot pay for their rent or utility bill.

Recently we had a mom (Ruth) apply for our grant who was 4 months late on her rent. Her bill was over $5,000! I spoke to her landlord and she confirmed to me that Ruth had never been late in the past and that her and her daughter have been living in her apartment for a few years now. I was able to work out a deal with the landlord and the foundation sent her a $2700 check to help. I know that was not the total amount but that is the most we have EVER helped one family.

Every family leaves an imprint on my heart but for some reason this one hit me differently. I spoke to her on the phone and she was walking me down the path her and her daughter have been on the last few years. She first told me that her daughter was not properly diagnosed and her doctors thought she had a urinary tract infection. They sent her home, and a few days later she went into a seizure. Her daughter has chronic kidney disease. She has been on the verge of death a few times and is fighting for her life. If it wasn’t for the persistence of her mother to fight for her she might not be alive.

So do you leave your child who is in the hospital to go to work? I wouldn’t think so.

I am not a mother yet but I am a “bonus mom” and I believe that when your child is this sick it is a moment of fight or flight. You fight for your family and continue until there is no fight left.

The impression I received from Ruth is that she will do anything for her daughter and will continue to fight for her and her health until she cannot anymore.

I wanted to write this post because it is important to focus on why The Pearce Family Foundation exists. Sure, we love throwing events and fun parties but at the end of the day it is for the families who have nowhere else to turn. We are trying to keep them from living in a shelter or on the streets.

With the money we bring in from events and individual supporters we can make these exceptions sometimes.

Do you think you could spare $5 or $10 a month to be a part of our Angel Club? It is one or two cups of coffee a month, that you won’t miss as much knowing you are helping a mom like Ruth.

If you are ever in this situation or know someone who is, wouldn’t you want to know that there is a place like PFF who can help them? 

Think about it, be an angel.

Carly Gilleland

Name: Carly Gilleland

Instagram handle: @carlygilleland - Personal, @_goodvibemedia - Company

Profession/Title: Owner/Lead Producer at The Good Vibe Media, as well as a spin instructor at The Madison!

City you live in: Phoenix, AZ

How do you know of PFF: Meghan, I am pretty sure the two of us connected through the Madison when PFF was in it’s early years. I have been doing video work for them ever since!!

What makes PFF special: First, their dedication. I’ve never seen a team and community more loyal and dedicated to their cause. It’s been a treat to produce some of these videos because I get to see first hand how they are making such a positive impact on SO MANY families lives. Second, their community. Each event I go to of theirs, I meet so many awesome people. They have built a pretty stellar community of likeminded people wanting to do good for others.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: Oh jeeze. They are all so awesome in their own different and unique way!! Which is probably my favorite. It’s so much more than a fancy gala or dinner party to raise money. Their Clays for a Cause tournament is SO fun! I haven’t spent much time shooting on a range, so it was a new experience! Also love the fashion show!!

What is your favorite thing about AZ? Weather, community, and the up-and-coming food scene!

What was your first job? Receptionist at Steven Paul Salon.

Sunrise or sunset? BOTH!!

Coffee or tea? Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.

What/who inspires you? Almost everyone. That’s vague I know, but I’m a storyteller so I literally find inspiration in most everyone I come across. There is a lot to learn from those around us if we can be open to it.But you know, Oprah, Brene Brown, and Brooke Shields are a few names that I idolize. ;)

What is a motto you live by? She believed she could, so she did.

What does a normal day look like for you? Wake up, take dog and daughter on a bike ride, get my girl off to school, workout with spin/run/yoga, then it’s shoots/meetings/editing at our office at The Marilyn off of 46th and Thomas.

What is one thing you can not live without? Good music, haha. It fuels me!

One thing you think every one needs to try? Meditation, every day, even if it’s for 1 minute. We live in a society of busy busy, hurry, hurry. I think every one needs to try being still and present.

Clays For A Cause... 5 Years Later!

After asking my event coordinator Kourtnie to take a look back at who has attended Clays for a Cause, since event one, I was shocked to find something out. Our first year we had 10 squads (teams). TEN. That was it. And today I am trying to fill 40 spots.

I had one of those ah ha moments where you are like, “Meghan, you have successfully thrown a sporting clay tournament and people enjoy it”. I am going to have to give full credit to the man who came up with this event and it was my amazing husband Sean. When I was trying to think of something other than a golf tournament to hold, Sean immediately chimed in and said I should host a sporting clay tournament. He kindly reminded me my father would be a great resource and that not very many nonprofits (if any at the time) held a sporting clay tournament.

My father, Art Pearce, has been an avid hunter in AZ as well as all over the country and even internationally for as long as I have been alive. He only hunts game, that he can use all of the animal for (the skin and the meat). My father used to take my sister and I bird hunting when we were younger and always taught us the importance of gun safety. While growing up I was never afraid of guns or people carrying them, because the people my father put us around I knew I could trust. Seeing how competitive hunting is and the sport behind it made me respect this type of an event.

After the idea came to host an outdoor sporting clay tournament, I began investigating how to hold one. I immediately went up to Ben Avery Clay Target Center and met with their event coordinator. The team up at the range were very patient with me and helped me figure out how to hold an event for PFF.

Clays For A Cause 2014

Without their help, I know I would not have been able to hold that event because my knowledge of how to host a shotgun tournament was at about a -4 compared to most activates. The terminology was a lesson in itself and the different types of guns and shells was also something I needed to become an expert in.

I am so happy I stuck with it, because to see how we started to where we are now amazes me.

After the success of the first event I went out to Las Vegas for the Shot Show and met with big time shooting companies (Remington, Boyt & Harness, Fiocchi etc) and they were impressed with my drive to bring this type of sport to a nonprofit event.

I have been so lucky with the sponsors, the volunteers and everyone who has helped make this event work. Every year we have grown by at least 8 squads and to some of you that might not seem like a lot, but for an event that is sort of uncommon it is a tremendous growth.

The first two years we gave a portion of the funds to a program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital called, Camp Maska. This was a camp to help children who had a kidney disease get out of town for a few nights and enjoy summer camp. After Angel Pups was born we decided to focus the additional funds to our new initiative, which has allowed us to bring in even more sponsors because hunting and dogs go hand in hand.

Clays For A Cause 2015

Clays For A Cause 2016

From the days we all wore orange vests like construction workers, to the time our outdoor tent blew away in the middle of the night and had to be replaced every year is a memory. Then one of my absolute favorite memories was when we had one of our Angels Around Us families out on the range shooting targets, it is my favorite event we host.

I am not here to talk about gun rights or have the energy to argue about why I am okay with a sporting clay tournament….I am here to tell you if you have ever wanted to try shooting this is the event for you.

A huge thank you to Fred Fleet who is our Goodwill Ambassador this year and who has been nothing but supportive of our event since 2014. Fred is my go to guy for any sporting clay question and I appreciate how he is always willing to go the extra mile to help me fill the squads at the event.

From ten teams to now forty teams, PFF promises to continue this event for many years to come.

Clays for a Cause 2017

If you are coming to the event I promise, it will be a BLAST

Xo,

Meghan

Host A Beneficiary Event!

Did you know you can host a beneficiary event for PFF!? We get approached on a daily basis with event ideas and ways to give back to the community. We know you have a busy schedule, as do we, so we've made it easier on everyone to host a beneficiary on YOUR own!

Our beneficiary event program is a way for you to plan any event you would like (you're in full control) and proceed the funds back to an initiative that touches your heart. It's incredible the things a beneficiary event can do to bridge the gap between the hospital and the home for our program families. Big or small, a beneficiary event is so magical and it's a way for you to be involved and still be fully independent! We've had 2 recent beneficiary events hosted for the behalf of PFF and they couldn't have been more perfect.. take a peak!

The Foxy Kat's Birthday Bash

To celebrate the Foxy Kat's 33rd birthday, she planned an incredible workout at BODI to raise funds for Angel Pups. It also worked out that the day followed National Dog Day, now who wouldn't want to celebrate that!? The day was filled with celebration, family, friends, sweat, and puppies! We are so thankful of Kat to host this birthday bash in honor of PFF and bring back $811 to a child that would benefit from a life saving service dog.

Click here to read more about the special day and meet our close friend and supporter herself, Kat!

Weezy's Arthouse

Irene, Founder of Weezy's Playhouse has been a close foundation friend and supporter since we met back during Runway of Hope 2018. Though we've only known her for a short amount of time, she has done immense work to give back to PFF. She hosted a fashion and art show at 9 the Gallery to showcase incredible looks, art pieces, and bring together local models, artist, influencers, and media. The night of art dedication and networking brought back funds to our Angels Around Us families and we couldn't be more thankful!

Take a peek at the night below and click here to meet Weezy on her Instagram page!

Terry Morrison

Name: Terry Morrison

Instagram handle: @wtmorrison - Personal, @crescentcrownaz - Company

Profession/Title: Vice President - National Accounts, Crescent Crown Distributing

City you live in: Scottsdale, AZ

How do you know of PFF: From my good friend Art Pearce, invited me to Clays for a Cause event and have participated every year since!

What makes PFF special: When families have children who are in need of special attention and assistance, PFF allows them to concentrate on what’s most important by assisting with the necessities of living such as paying bills, providing support service dogs, etc.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: Clays for a Cause is a departure from the standard charity golf tournament. It allows participants to fellowship, perhaps try something they have never done before, and have a lot of fun outdoors doing some shooting.

What is your favorite thing about AZ? The history and the outdoors. The history is fascinating from days of outlaws, mining, agriculture, and politics. It is a true illustration of what the old West was like. When enjoying the outdoors, hiking, camping, golfing, fishing, etc. you truly understand the diversity of our beautiful State. From the desert of the valley to the pine forests in the mountains, there are many wonderful aspects for anyone to discover.

What is something on your bucket list? I have been so fortunate to experience so many special things that I have wanted to, nothing jumps out at me. I would like to go to Africa and see all of the wild animals. I love animals.

What was your first job? Working on a cattle ranch in Northeastern New Mexico. We pastured cattle that were eventually shipped to feed yards in Texas. We roped, branded, vaccinated, and managed several thousand head of cattle. My primary mode of transportation was a horse and looking back I was the luckiest kid in the world.

Sunrise or sunset? Tough to call in Arizona because both are exceptional but I would say sunset, I see more of them than sunrises, ha. And a cold beer goes better with a sunset for me personally, although I’m not judging.

Coffee or tea? Coffee, black.

What/who inspires you? Those who are dedicated and committed to a goal and are not easily dissuaded or discouraged. That could be a professional athlete, a first responder, or just someone simply committed to doing the best with what they have been given.

What is a motto you live by? I try to never forget or take for granted how lucky I have been in my life. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that have not been as fortunate as me and I try not to lose sight of that in everything that I do. I have my father to thank for that.

What does a normal day look like for you? We don’t have normal days in the beer business. We are customer and service orientated with over 5,000 customers and there are always opportunities to improve. It’s a fun, competitive, challenging environment every day and I can’t imagine doing anything else. The people I work with are the best part of my work day and I love my team, each and every one of them.

What is one thing you can not live without? My wife Christine first of all, and of course our dogs. Her and I have made a pretty good team for 20 years and we get so much joy from our dogs.

One thing you think every one needs to try? Chicharones, most people are surprised at how good they are after tasting them, particularly with your favorite hot sauce on them accompanied by a cold cerveza.