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

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.

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

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 

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  

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