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.

Let's Get Real

This might come off harsh but I am so sick of companies or people who don’t keep their word. Whether that be; locations promising you a great venue, working with others as a collaboration, to even a business not paying you as a sponsor. I have been blown away by the lack of professionalism PFF has had to experience.

You would think that being a small nonprofit in our community would protect us from the riff raff of bad business deals, but that is not the case.

I am of course not going to name names of those who have burned PFF but I will say it is very upsetting. My husband says, “you have to get everything in writing” and I see why. Over the past almost five years, the bullets we have had to dodge or things we have backed out of because they were a joke is appalling.

People say you always learn from every experience. What I can take away from those experiences that have left a bad taste in our mouth, is that not everyone is like that. When we do have an amazing company that keeps their word, goes above and beyond for us, we need to show them some love.

With the “bad” ones there are more good ones of course. A few local companies who have done nothing but support us are the ones who will stand out in our hearts forever. They are also successful in their own right and will last-unlike the faux companies/people. 

So let’s show a little love to our rockstar companies:

• Sunstate Equipment

• Wolf WaterSports

• Crescent Crown Distributing

• Boyer & Bohn PC

• AZ Foothills Magazine

• HJ Trophies

• CVL CONSULTANTS, CIVIL ENGINEER, LAND PLANNERS AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

• Bretons Automotive

• Bumble

• 101.1 The Beat

• The Production Group

• Comfycozy’s for Chemo

• Goodvibe Media

• One AZ Credit Union

• Ben Avery Shooting Facility

• Barre3 Scottsdale & PV

• The Sparkle Bar

• Weezys Playhouse

• Goodwill

• Kendra Scott

• NYDJ

• S&L Trends

• The Foxy Kat

I could probably go on and name a few more, but those are a hand full of the ones that have been a part of the PFF family for years or who have done more than we have asked of them. They are the ones who believed in us when we were a small barely existing nonprofit hoping to make a name for ourselves.

Thank you for your endless love and belief in our cause. If you do not know who these companies are I hope you will check them out!I don’t think any company intentionally was out to get us or cause the foundation unnecessary work, I just sometimes think people don’t know how to work with other businesses. The foundation exists solely from donations and company grants- we are still in business because of the companies listed above. We are a PUBLIC foundation, meaning we have to raise a certain amount and giveaway a certain amount. There are salaries, expenses, and bills to pay just like any other business.

Whether you are a for-profit or not for profit doing business with someone else - big or small, you must work just as hard as they are on the job. The foundation has had to put new rules and steps in place to protect us from phonys.

So lesson is and point of this post is to be respectful of all companies and people you want to collaborate with. Be upfront and honest on what you expect - and remember it is not personal it is business. 

“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”

– Richard Branson

Community Angels - Our Newest Initiative!

A peak into the Foundation's newest initiative!

Community Angels, is a program that provides the family with physical needs to ensure a safe living environment in both the community and the home.

   When I first started the foundation I had NO idea how many different avenues we would be creating. People said that I shouldn’t call it “Pearce Family Foundation” because it was too broad- or that people would think we are a private nonprofit. I wanted to create something that wasn’t cause specific so that it would be the hub of all the different programs we assist with. And like they say, “trust your gut” and don’t let people talk you out of your dream.

Well, since that summer in 2013 we have created now 3 programs; Angels Around Us, Angel Pups and now (drumroll please) COMMUNITY ANGELS.

I am so excited to announce our brand new program, that helps families we have currently helped from our two grant programs with needs to make their home life better.

Home life meaning; new furniture or fixing a broken back porch, or even donating a new CAR to a family. The plan is to connect our donors with the families we have already helped who have additional needs. The foundation receives messages all the time about how people want to give back items they no longer need but do not know how. We have also been hearing how they want to help but they might not be able to afford to write a check to the foundation. So instead, now they can  give their old bed frame or donate a car that is no longer being used to make a difference in a family’s life who has a child suffering from a chronic illness.

I have been blown away (well not really because we have amazing supporters) with the kindness our donors have shown our families again who still are having a tough time. Believe me, it is hard for me to not just go out and buy a new couch or new mattress for a family, which is why I believe our new initiative will help people connect even more to our family’s they have allowed us to pay a bill for.

I want the foundation to not just be a one stop shop for a family and for the families a part of our Angels Around Us or Angel Pups program, I want them to know that we truly care about them. Since the first family we have helped they are not just receiving a water bill payment or their rent paid for, they are becoming part of the family here at PFF.

Some things might need to change as we see what works and what doesn’t, but one thing I know for certain is that we won’t stop trying for these families.

We have already sent a survey out to our families and the most needs are; landscaping, car repair needs, cleaning services, and groceries. If you are a company that would be willing to help our families with a need like this with either the actual item or a donation to help us pay for a cleaning service please click here.

Thank you for always believing in us and for allowing us to make a difference in the Valley of the Sun!

David Shapiro

Name: David Shapiro

Instagram handle: @d_shap001 – Company - @dialdavidshapiro

Profession/Title: Personal injury attorney – Owner of David Shapiro Law, PLLC

City you live in: Scottsdale, AZ

How do you know of PFF: Meghan Pearce Alfonso and I have been good friends since U of A!

What makes PFF special: PFF is an amazing organization. It works collaboratively with individuals, businesses and other charitable entities to make a huge difference in people’s lives. Unlike most charities, recipients of the PFF charity get to witness firsthand the generosity of the PFF donors/sponsors.

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: By far, the fashion show! It raises an amazing amount of money and features local designers with local models. It embodies the local spirit of PFF.

What is your favorite thing about AZ? Aside from the sunshine and golf, I love the tightness of this community. My wife Elizabeth and I are constantly amazed by how fast our community has glued together to take care of those who are less fortunate. PFF is a shining example of this!

What is something on your bucket list? I definitely want to go on an African safari and learn about innovative ways to protect all of the endangered species who live there!

What was your first job? Fry’s Food and Drug as a clerk.

Sunrise or sunset? AZ Sunset for sure!

Coffee or tea? Coffee

What/who inspires you? My wife inspires me with her work ethic and my sister with her refusal to let any physical disability stop her success. And of course, my clients who unfortunately have been badly hurt in a collision or wreck but refuse to give up on their life – these folks give me inspiration every single day to go fight for them.

What is a motto you live by? Be grateful for what you have.

What does a normal day look like for you? I wake up at 5:30 a.m., train from 6-7 a.m., get into my office, meet with clients, draft and edit motions, disclosure statements, perhaps take a deposition, grab a late lunch, go over the cases with my staff, update clients, take a late client or vendor meeting and get home around 7:30 p.m. to have dinner with my incredible wife Elizabeth and two pups, Moe and Harper.

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

One thing you think every one needs to try? Try listening more and talking less. 

Runway of Hope 2018

On May 11th 2018 we hosted our 4th Annual Runway of Hope fashion show.

Prior to the show, we have hosted 3 incredibly successful fashion shows… so we had our bar set pretty high for our 4th! With that being said, we started by sitting down as a team and began to gather everything, brainstorm ideas, and set up all that we need in line to create an amazing show. Our Founder, Meghan, ran into Ashley from Ashley Paige Collective who then kindly offered to co-host the show with us; we knew with each new year, the show gets bigger and we could use all the additional help!

As we started locking in each detail to make the event come to life, we teamed up with some amazing people and companies to be involved! To start, we secured the venue with FABRIC in Tempe, beats by DJ Psycho Pat and locked in our amazing designers and stylists: B James LA styled by Weezy’s Playhouse, Frockify, Theo Doro, Wet Haute Couture styled by Braden Conwell, Chaos in Denm styled by Neyda Melina, Qmulative styled by #thesmartblondes, NYDJ styled by The Foxy Kat Stylist, and Rockin Street Wear styled by Beth Yohanny.  We couldn’t believe how amazing the line up of designers were and the fashion couldn’t have gotten bigger and better from past years! Each model was glammed by The Sparkle Bar makeup and S&L Trends hair. All of which were introduced during the show by our gorgeous Emcee’s Katie White and former E! News reporter Kristina Guerrero (they were both pretty entertaining too ;) ).

Making the night as yummy as possible was True Food Kitchen with snacks, Crescent Crown Distributing on kindly donating alcohol as well as Postino Wine Café with wine and rosé. We were also thrilled to have Bumble as our Bubbles & Bites Sponsor giving each guest a little take away. To top of the event, each guest had a little something on their seat! Whether they were a GA seat, a VIP seat, or sat up in our Sky Box as a media influencer tasting moonshine tequila from Roger Clyne, a goody bag and Purely Sedona water awaited for each guest. Our goody bags were filled with incredible gifts ranging from Kendra Scott, Postino Wine Café, Nordstrom perfume, Barre3 tickets, and plenty of gift certificates to use around the valley!

As you can see, we had a lot of people involved in this years’ show and we are truly grateful for all the help we were gifted with! We learned a lot from this year’s show and created memories that our Foundation will carry for a life time. We were able to beat previous years with an outrageous earning of over $26,000 being directed partially into our Angel Pups program! Without the help of our supporters, families, friends, and partnering companies around the valley, we couldn’t even imagine a day where we get to write all that we just did and share the successful, fun, proud moments like our 4th Annual Runway of Hope! Now we are able to say “YES” to even more families and continue on with our mission to ‘being the bridge between the hospital and the home’. Cheers to another Runway of Hope in the books and Runway of Hope 2019… we’re ready for you!

Sincerely,

The Pearce Family Foundation

 

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR PHOTOS CAPTURED HERE

Dakota Jeane Hilton

Name: Dakota Jeane Hilton

Instagram handle: (I have a few!)Personal / stylist profile: @dakotajeane, Business profile: @frockify

Profession/Title: I wear way too many hats and I really should have only chosen one… but my titles include: Fashion Stylist / Owner of Frockify / Art Director / Fashion Designer / Political Campaign Manager / House Flipper & Home Designer / Musician 

City you live in: Downtown PHX 

How do you know of PFF: I had a retail store for Frockify last year and I was lucky enough to have Meghan walk through the door. She ended up buying an item and we chatted for a while. She told me about her great non-profit organization and we have been keeping in touch since then. 

What makes PFF special: Phoenix really needed PFF. Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States, even though it doesn’t always feel that way. Due to our large population, there are inevitably many children with a life threatening illness and families need help during those trying times. PFF is there to help families in our city get back on their feet and provide hope that is so necessary. 

If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: I was honored to participate in the 4th annual Runway of Hope where I was able to showcase six looks down the runway. This is my favorite event because we were able to integrate the fashion community with PFF and do our part to contribute to the great cause Meghan is fighting for. 

What is your favorite thing about AZ? Everything – the people, the dry air, the sunshine, the warmth, the freedom, the space… I lived in NYC for several years, which was amazing. One year in LA, which was great. But, there’s nothing like being home. There’s so much creative energy happening here right now and I love being a part of it. 

What was your first job? I just turned 15 years old when I was offered my first job at the Steaming Bean (Durango, CO, where I lived until I was 16) as a barista. I worked in coffee for eight years before I got into fashion. 

Sunrise of sunset? Sunrise in LA and NYC, sunset in PHX. 

Coffee or tea? Coffee. At least 4 cups throughout the day. I enjoy green tea while I chow down on sushi, but otherwise I’m a huge coffee proponent. 

What/who inspires you? So many people and things inspire me. One person who inspires me to work hard and be confident in all I do is my mom, Delina DiSanto. She’s currently running for US Congress and seeing her during this process has been incredible. I’m also very much inspired by my husband, Michael, who encourages me to live my dreams and (many) aspirations. In terms of fashion and styling, I’m inspired by rock and roll styles of the 60’s and 70’s. 

What is a motto you live by? Stay busy, but always make in-person time for friends and family. 

What is one thing you cannot live without? This is basically two things, two contrasting things… But, I cannot live without my personal time when I can be my most creative. I am much more creative when I’m in my own head and focused. I also cannot live without the people around me. I love my friends and family so much and I need time with them often. 

One thing you think every one needs to try? Everyone needs to try and have at least 5 solid vintage pieces in their wardrobe. Wearing vintage always feels good because it’s sustainable, and also it transforms your confidence to new levels. My personal wardrobe is about 50% vintage. I love to style vintage in a fashionably relevant way, and it works well with new styles when you put things together correctly. This is why I got into styling – vintage makes my vision come alive.

Oh The Places You Will Go

“Oh the Places You Will Go”

-Dr. Seuss

As another school year comes to an end, that means the Pearce Family Foundations’ interns are moving on. Hard to believe that only being four years old we have said “hello and goodbye” to four amazing women. I feel beyond blessed to have worked with each one of them and watch them mature into strong, confident women ready to take on their next phase of life.

Over the past year and a half, the foundation has had Kourtnie Martin as our “Event Liaison” and Lindsay Cardoza as our “Family & Community Specialist”. -We felt fun titles would be better than “intern”…because as we all know they do a lot more than just intern.

Before the girls moved on either with the foundation or to new adventures, I wanted them to answer a few questions so that you could get to know them before they take over as Girl Bosses themselves.

Here is a little bio and interview from our event enthusiast, Kourtnie:

Name:

Kourtnie Martin

Instagram:

@kourtnie.renee

Where were you born:

Iowa City, IA

How old are you:

22

Where did you go to college?

Grand Canyon University

What was one of the best life lessons you learned in college?

I definitely learned how to handle tough situations better. I have had some hardships over the last four years and had to learn how to push through them and keep moving forward. This has made me so much stronger and shown me I can handle way more that I thought.

Do you have any regrets?

I don't regret anything. I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason and each mistake I have made has taught me something and made me a better person.

How did you find out about the Pearce Family Foundation?

Facebook! I was looking for an internship and a family friend sent me Meghan's post!

What was one of your favorite moments at PFF?

I just love seeing the impact the foundation has on the families they help. The toy drive was really rewarding seeing the kids react to the donations.

My favorite event PFF held was…

Runway! I just love the fashion and the overall vibe of the night.

Name three of your favorite foods to eat:

Donuts, chocolate, and pasta

My favorite store to shop at is?

Anything online! I am not ashamed to say I have an online shopping addiction! Lol

Name one of your role models (can be alive or dead):

My grandfather. He was the smartest person I knew but was so humble and caring and always put others before himself. I always admired how calm he could stay in any situation and how strong he was even if he was hurting.

All time classic movie you love:

The Lion King. I have loved this movie since I was a kid and had definitely played a role in my Disney obsession!

Favorite Quote:

Be still. Short and sweet but holds a lot of meaning for me. It keeps me calm in stressful situations and reminds me to live in the moment. Time goes by really fast and I want to enjoy each moment, even the little things. I guess you could say it's my life motto!

I hope to be this in 5 years:

As cliche as it sounds I just hope to be in a happy place with a job I love, great friends, and my family.

Kourtnie will be staying on at the foundation as our Office Administrative Assistant. She will not only be with PFF on a daily basis but also helping with my father and his daily office needs. We are excited to see where the future will take us and glad she found her calling.

Here is a little bio and interview from our Northern Cali girl, Lindsay:

Name:

Lindsay Cardoza

Instagram:

@lindsaycardoza

Where were you born:

Walnut Creek, CA

How old are you:

22

Where did you go to college?

ASU

What made you choose that college?

I liked the big college atmosphere and the town of Tempe. My sister went to ASU as well so that was a bonus. I also liked the idea of going to college out of state and not really knowing anyone. It was a fresh start in a way.

What was one of the best life lessons you learned in college?

I really found my best friends in college, they genuinely care about me which was something I didn’t have in high school. I also have grown and matured in many areas of my life. At this point in my life I know what I want and what I deserve. I also have gained more confidence and self-awareness.

What was one of your favorite moments at PFF?

I loved working with the whole PFF team. It felt like we were a little family. It’s really amazing working with strong women who are passionate about what they do. Working with the girls, I was inspired daily. They always made me feel welcomed and cared for.

My favorite event PFF held was…

I loved all the fundraisers, but I really enjoyed the toy drive. The holiday season is my favorite time of the year and I loved being able to make our kids wishes come true. Moments like that put everything into perspective and help you focus on what is important in life.

Name three of your favorite foods to eat:

carne asada tacos, cheeseburgers and ice cream

If you were stuck in a room for a week and could only watch one TV SHOW it would be:

probably Friends or New Girl

My favorite store to shop at is?

Urban Outfitters (when I can afford it 😉)

Name one of your role models (can be alive or dead)

My dad, it is really inspiring seeing how much he has accomplished in his life despite having a rough childhood. Hardest working person I know!

Favorite Quote:

“Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them”

Lindsay will be graduating soon and is deciding her next steps in the future. I wish her nothing but the best and that she knows she will always have a family here at PFF.

Cheers and congrats to both you girls, you helped when I needed you the most and you stayed when I had no one else. Sending you lots of good vibes and love

Xo

Meghan

This Looks Like the Start of a New Chapter!

Can you believe it’s already April?

Yes, sounds so cliché but it is so appropriate for how we are feeling here at PFF. In just a blink of an eye, there are so many new changes, additions, and updates that PFF has start to gone through and we couldn’t be more excited!

To start things off...

this month PFF turns FOUR years old! Okay, wait. It’s seems like just yesterday we were starting things off and meeting our very first Angels Around Us family. Since then we have hosted over 20 huge events, expanded our board, took on a team, started Angel Pups and created long lasting memories. Going in PFF’s 4th year, so many things are changing around the office! We are MOVING. In the next couple of months, we will be taking the old office and moving somewhere new; this will be exciting and refreshing to start on a clean slate and continue to grow. Speaking of growing, we expanded two positions in the PFF team. Meet Hannah our Digital Marketing Specialist and Kourtnie our new Administrative Assistant! You will definitely be seeing Hannah around now and Kourtnie even more as she spent the last year with us as Event Liaison. We are excited to be expanding the PFF team and even reaching into our board. So many great things happening.

It’s always a little scary growing so fast but we are so excited and over joyed with all the success and growth that PFF is going through. We have made incredible new connections, partnered with amazing brands for upcoming events, and scored relationships that will help us give more back into the community.

So, it’s safe to say,

that many changes are amongst the horizon and we couldn’t be happier! We will also be featuring guest influencers on our blog here every month… so message us if you would be interested in a feature! We can’t wait for this 5th year of PFF and connecting with more of you.

What are some challenges you have faced recently and what are you doing to overcome them? Comment down below to share and let us know, we’re not the only ones that feel the urge to switch things up recently and head into a new chapter right!?

Beauty for Good Gala & PFF

Who doesn't love a theme?

Grab your best 1920's Great Gatsby attire and join us for a night at the Arizona Biltmore on April 14th. Champagne, feathers, music, and more will be a part of the 2nd Annual Beauty for Good Gala. Hosted by Mosharraffa Plastic Surgery, who has asked the Pearce Family Foundation to be one of their charitable partners.

There are four other nonprofits that will benefit at the Beauty for Good Gala including; The Phoenix Dream Center, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, A 2nd Act, and Breast Reconstruction Awareness USA. The night is about having fun as well as a chance to introduce you to a few  nonprofits that you may or may not have heard of. Each nonprofit is responsible to provide a raffle item valued at $1500-$2500.

What to wear?

Now that you know what the event is about and why the Pearce Family Foundation is a part of this great gala, let's figure out what you are going to wear. I would recommend googling 1920's and checking out this Pinterest board: Click Here.  

The foundation has our own special code for everyone to receive $20 off tickets- PFF

Get your ticket tonight for a fun themed night with raffles, and a chance to learn about a variety of nonprofits!

Tickets

xoMeghan

Investing In Yourself

What do you do to make yourself better?

A few weeks ago I (Meghan) decided to attend The Workshop hosted by the Bloguettes.

Prior to the workshop, I was asked by a friend to be a part of a Bumble Bizz panel. The group of women who I sat on the panel with were entrepreneurs, bloggers, fitness studio owners, and then myself. That night I met owners Sakura and Lorena. It was a fun panel to be on with other #girlbosses and to hear what kinds of struggles they go through or have gone through and how they got to where they are today.

I felt an instant connection to the women of the Bloguettes and wanted to learn how they had grown so fast in just a few years. It seemed like perfect timing to attend their Workshop held at Events on Jackson in early February.

During the two day event there were high powered CEO's from all walks of life and different careers, there to teach us how to be our best selves. They were there to teach us in different classes what we felt we needed to know. I took a course on how to "write a newsletter people give a f**k about" as well as how to "how to brand yourself in the digital age". From the adorable coffee truck in the morning (Gypsy Cup) to the braid bar at lunch by Hainsworth Hair & Co. There were even swings next to the lunch tables! It felt like we were at Disneyland-but for entrepreneurs.

No matter what time of day it was, you saw women mingling and talking to one another. Either about what they do for a living what they were hoping to get out of the event. Being able to walk up to anyone and instantly make a new friend is my favorite type of event. We all wanted to "learn the secret sauce" so whether we were from the same city or from out of town we wanted one thing. I met two girls from Canada, one sweet photographer from Dallas and a few local girls who all had one thing in common, to better themselves.

To have a reach like the Bloguettes do, it is impressive and something to not ignore.

What I learned...

We all were there to learn and absorb as much knowledge and information as we possibly could. I love our city and to see how every little detail was considered was inspiring. It makes me proud to be a Phoenician and that even us desert dwellers can host a great event...well the Bloguettes can at at least ;)

Having picked up some new tricks for PFF as well as for myself personally, I feel completed by the event. I believe we all need to remember to take those days and focus on you. Never forget what makes you jump out of bed in the morning and that it is okay to ask for help!

xoMeghan

Angels Around Us Committee

Want to Help Families in AZ?

People always ask how they can help the Pearce Family Foundation, and my typical response is that we need help at events-so to volunteer would help. Today though, we have a new request, we need more people to sit on our Angels Around Us committee.

What is the Angels Around Us Committee?

Well, this is a group of a variety of people who look over the applications we receive from Phoenix Children's Hospital, Banner Cardon Children's Hospital and word of mouth of people needing help.

What does it mean to be on this Committee?

Honestly, not a lot. Whenever the foundation receives an application we send it to the committee and between those people they decide who will contact the family to find out what is going on. The Pearce Family Foundation receives on average about 8 applications a month, so it will take an hour out of your day maybe a week.

Is it Hard?

No, but it can be emotional hearing what these families are going through and that PFF cannot always help every time. You will read about families like yours and mine who have no where else to turn and if we don't help or another nonprofit assist they might be on the streets. BUT don't worry we always figure out a way to get them back on track. 

Qualifications

• Have a computer and an email

• Work in a field that you understand medical conditions or in finance

• Believe in PFF

• Want to be a part of the decision making on who we assist

• Can call families and ask questions on how they are in a hard financial state

• Be available to the Pearce Family Foundation if we have questions

 If you are interested and want to help us continue to make a difference please email Meghan at meghan@pfffarizona.com xo