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!

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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

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

A Note from the Roberts

The other day the foundation had sent out an email. We emailed a few of our families who are a part of our Angels Around Us and Angel Pups program. We asked them to be a part of our blog and to help share their experience with PFF.

There are some families we can just count on and one of those are the Roberts family. Paige (mom) is always willing to send me pictures of her son Devin and their service dog Teddy. Last year (2017) we helped pay for the remaining balance needed for their son to receive a service dog. Teddy helps with day to day tasks for Devin and is not only his service dog, but his best friend.

Here is the mom's answers to our questions:

Name: Devin Roberts (Paige and Patrick  Roberts- Mom and Dad)

How you know of PFF:  Elizabeth Ayers- Cluff told me about PFF almost 2 yrs ago, their family was a friend of Meghan who she met while working at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

What makes PFF special:  PFF is an amazing organization that has many different facets.  It is so special for families and their kiddos in need.  The foundation makes dreams come true for special need children with their Angel Pups program. PFF grants a portion of the money needed to attain a service dog, and that is life changing for these kids.   They provide assistance for many families in times of crisis, when chronic medical issues plague their family and weigh them down financially and emotionally.

The founder, Meghan, is so invested in this organization and is constantly spreading the word and raising money and generating resources to help families in need.  This is an outstanding organization that Phoenix, Az should be proud to have as part of their city. 

#aboveandbeyondforthekiddos

-Paige 

It is 2018, but lets go Back

   Wow can you believe it is already 2018?! The Pearce Family Foundation will be coming up to our 5th birthday (of being founded in July 2013). What was an idea of sorts to "create a foundation" actually became a reality. In conclusion to the people who believed in our cause.A few name changes of the grant programs and figuring out what works regarding bill payments we are finally at a point where it just, works. I remember having a lot of gut feelings where I wasn't sure if something was going to happen and miraculously it just did. I wanted to do a little #tbt of where we first started to where we are now.... 

2013-2014

• Zebulon Pearce Monument- never having built a statue before or knowing where to begin this was for sure a challenge. The City of Mesa gave me the go ahead and then it was on to find an artist who wasn't going to charge a nonprofit hundreds and thousands of dollars. Thankfully Jeff Carol Davenport came into my life and after receiving permission from Pete Coors himself that we could use their trademarked logo we were ready to build. Raising almost $40,000, we now have a statue of a legend. Zebulon Pearce the founder of our family's success and why Coors beer came to the Southwest.

 

• Angels Around Us Grant was born- since PFF  has started we have helped 70 families. Assisting with bills ranging from; car transmission payments, mortgage/rent, utilities, new furniture, and even service dogs. Donating out $55,989 since we have started!
• 

2014-2015

Events We Hosted:

• Brew Something that Matters- beer taping party we hosted at O.H.S.O. Brewery twoyears in a row. Together raised about $15,000

 

• Hula's Modern Tiki Charity of the Month during June 2014, we raised over $3,000 in just 4 days. On every Monday 20% of bill would come back to PFF. In addition to the donation from the restaurant  we hosted a variety of events each week! The image below is of Randall Hedden after he painted a beautiful painting of an angel.
• 

• National Bikini Day Party at Shop Pepper in Old Town- F0od trucks, bikinis by GreenLee Swim and drinks during a hot summer day!

• Clays for a Cause- First annual sporting clay tournament, raised over $13,000 our first year

2015-2016

• Spring Bark- To kick off this year we decided to host a dog friendly event at Boulder Falls Pet Resort and raised over $5,000.

  

• Runway of Hope- Hosted at the Coors beer warehouse in downtown Phoenix the event proved you can hold a fashion show anywhere. A variety of local boutiques from around the Valley walked the runway and helped raise over $17,000!
• 

  While, I could keep going on and on about all of the events we have hosted or been beneficiary recipients of I won't.Due to the success we have had by the past events we wanted to host more. We have had three more Clays for a Cause events, two more fashion shows, a yoga event, two Kendra Scott jewelry parties, a barre3 event, a few holiday parties and three toy drives. Dang we are busy ;) Thank you for your endless support and we are excited to see what 2018 holds for usxo,Meghan  

Toys Ahoy with Barre3

Fitness, Food, all for a Great Cause!The holidays are here and what that means for PFF, is that we have our annual Toys Ahoy drive. Instead of boats at OdySea in The Desert this year, we had the community from Barre3 out on the plaza supporting our drive. Owner Karie Johnson is not only beautiful but she is very charitable. We have been wanting to host an event together and the idea of doing a fitness event seemed effortless. When I told her about the toy drive that we host  she immediately wanted to step in. The Barre3 tribe was determined to help us make all of our family wishes come true because they believe in our cause.The barre3 studios (both PV & NS) had Angel Trees in their lobby with over 90 wish lists on them. Our families  hoped that their wishes would be granted by the barre3 angels. And guess what....they were. ALL OF THEM!

On Sunday we were the beneficiary charity of Impact + Giveback with b3 at OdySea. Over 100 people came to the event to deliver toys and to workout in the plaza. The members met a few of the family's they bought toys for. It was a perfect ending to a great year. We are so grateful to everyone who support our families.    see you next year! Happy Holidaysxo Meghan