Backyard Burlesque: Attend our virtual event!
Like many during this time, we’ve had to pivot our original plans for spring, which ultimately lead to us postponing multiple events. Which is why we’ve created a virtual event! Join us for an evening of dancing and fun, all for a good cause!
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!
PFF Turns 6!
This week the foundation turns 6 years old. I cannot believe we have come as far as we have and that is because of all of you.
This week the foundation turns 6 years old. I cannot believe we have come as far as we have and that is because of all of you. I want to thank everyone who has; donated to PFF, been to an event we have held, shared our mission with others, volunteered for an event, worked or interned for the company, sat on the board, or followed our journey. YOU are the reason we are still around. I might’ve gotten the idea off the ground but is because of you that we are still a strong and profitable 501c3. We have helped hundreds of families stay in their home, keep their lights on, or have provided them with a safe and reliable car.
You have allowed us to award service dogs to children who would otherwise need to go to the hospital every time an episode came on, and you have provided families with no available funds with toys during the holidays.
Last year we moved into our forever home and this year we are now working out of our houses because of COVID-19. I know we will get back to the days where we can celebrate our mission together and hug one another again.
But until then let’s take a look back at one of my favorite videos from year one.
Click above to watch the video on Facebook.
I thank each and every one of you for your endless support of our little nonprofit.
Terry Morrison
Get to know AZ Hustler, 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.
Community Angels - Our 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.
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
Get to know PFF AZ Hustler, 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.
Oh The Places You Will Go
As another school year comes to an end, that means the Pearce Family Foundations’ interns are moving on.
“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
Drop & Gimme 20 - Autism Awareness Month
Join us in celebration for Autism Awareness Month 2018 and please donate and support the thousands facing an autism diagnosis!
Of all the families apart of our PFF programs, several face the spectrum of Autism. Our first Angel Pups recipient has severe autism and we were thrilled to be able to financially assist a service dog for him so he can exercise, control his emotions, provide responsibility, give care, give comfort, and give him opportunity for his highest quality of life. This diagnosis and the families that have come to us who face this are so near and dear to PFF’s heart. There are so many families that ask for our help and apply for our grants and we need YOUR help to be able to tell them yes.
Nearly a century ago, April was dedicated nationwide to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and self determination for all. In these efforts, assurance was made for each and every person with autism to be provided with opportunities to achieve their highest quality of life. This year we want to go above and beyond simply promoting autism awareness but actively promote a PFF campaign in support of a close friend’s movement of Drop & Gimme 20.
Drop & Gimme 20 is a movement created by Jay Dallstream. Jay’s son is on the spectrum for autism and has collected the knowledge of around 1,000 children in Arizona are born daily on the spectrum. Jay committed last year to doing 1,000 push ups everyday in the month of April in support of those children and their families, and that is how Drop & Gimme 20 was born! This year we will be pushing this movement the extra to mile to really make an impact this month and collect donations for our families apart of our Angel Pups program. Each day we challenge YOU and the rest of our supporters to do 20 pushups and post at least once on social media and tag/challenge 5 others to join us!
Join us in celebration for Autism Awareness Month 2018 and please text GIMME20 to 50155 to donate and support the thousands facing an autism diagnosis!