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!
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
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! Get to know more about Kayla!
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 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!
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
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!
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.
Let's Get Real
A few local companies who have done nothing but support us are the ones who will stand out in our hearts forever.
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:
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
Beauty for Good Gala & PFF
Grab your best 1920's Great Gatsby attire and join us for a night at the Arizona Biltmore on April 14th.
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!
xoMeghan
Investing In Yourself
A few weeks ago I (Meghan) decided to attend The Workshop hosted by the Bloguettes.
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
A Note from the Roberts
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.
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
Interns & Assistants
When I started the Pearce Family Foundation it did not occur to me that I (Meghan) would need to hire anyone. Why would I need an assistant? I can handle everything...UMM NOT (lol) since starting the foundation I have been fortunate to have now had 5 1/2 interns.First I had my sister Jessica Pearce help me with some of the first events (the Zebulon Pearce monument and Brew Something that Matters). I was so thankful Jess wanted to help since I was taking on a huge new business venture. Then the beautiful and smart Kylie Ray came to our PFF family after one of my good friends introduced us and it was a true blessing. Kylie ended up working with me for over 18 months and is one of the hardest working women I know.The next wonderful assistant/intern was Kylie Mudd who I met through Kylie 1 and I was again so thankful for her to step in when I needed her help the most. She was there during my wedding months and was my voice of reason when I thought I was going to loose it. (oh and I promise I do not hire just girls named Kylie).Then after I saw how fast we were growing and that I needed help at all times I found two amazing girls. Lindsay Cardoza and Kourtnie Martin became new team members of PFF and worked with me every week on every upcoming event. Neither of these girls were receiving class credit-they just did it out of the goodness of their heart. Kourtnie is studying entrepreneurial courses at GCU and now wants to work for PFF after college (YIPPIE). Lindsay in addition to all of her time working without credit hours is now receieving 12 credit hours to help her graduate in May.The moral of this story is that us #girlbosses need help and we need to ask for it. I wish I could handle every email, every family application, and every event but I can't. I am fortunate to have met like minded women who believe in our mission and want to learn from ME.So ladies- let others help you and don't forget that we are teachers in a way and should share our knowledge! xoxoMeghan 
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
We Have a BLOG!
Hello, Hi, Hola, Welcome...PFF has a blog!! After going through a few websites the foundation has finally decided to document all of the fun, different, unique, and special things we do here at the Pearce Family Foundation. Time to time we might have a guest writer- say one of our families we have helped or a special donor but most likely it will be from CEO & Founder Meghan Alfonso. ****************************************************************************************************************** Wow isn't it amazing how fast time goes by. When we were younger we wished time would hurry up and that we would be 16 so we could drive or that we would turn 18 so we could go to college. Then it was I cannot wait until I am 21...and now it is like, "wait it's my birthday again or Christmas is less than a month away". Time... it is something we can never get back but is monumental in decision making. I have been the CEO of the Pearce Family Foundation (PFF) for over 1,600 days and it feels like just yesterday when I got the guts to start a nonprofit. That day in July of 2013 the timing could not have been more perfect. I was jobless, could barely make my $1,000 rent, and was lost. I had worked at other nonprofits and after being beaten down too many times I just up and quit a job I thought I was going to be at until I was old and gray.Thankfully I swallowed my fear and followed my dreams of being my own boss. Living on my own time and not letting others tell me what I had to do and what my weekend plans were is something I hope to never loose. I will tell you that I work harder and longer hours now than I ever did before, but I am the happiest I have ever been.This will be a place to voice my opinion on events throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix as well as to give an inside look on what goes on at PFF. We are a grassroots nonprofit that believes in being the "life savers" behind the curtains. We are not saving cancer or doing any research but we are keeping families at their home and hopefully out of the hospital. The families we help sometimes do not have "time" on their side and needs someone to step in...which is where we come inWelcome and I hope you enjoy, xoMeghan PFF Angel