Community Outreach

Detour Company Theatre stages “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.”

Valley audiences have an opportunity to see a special performance by Detour Company Theatre this weekend, when Detour returns to the Scottsdale Center for...

Socks From Santa brings the spirit of the season

The goal was 5,000 socks. But at the end of the day, when all the donations were bundled, tied up in red ribbon and...

MORIAH Cooperative: Peer mentors for kids with special needs

On a sunny day at Enchanted Island Amusement Park in Phoenix, the air is filled with children’s laughter, carousel music and the whistle of...

My daughter’s Iraqi best friend taught me to hope and help

At our kitchen table one evening, my 10-year-old daughter, Victoria, wanted to show me something as I checked her homework. “Here’s how you write the...

Homeless teens find shelter, and hope, at Tumbleweed

Tonight and every night, at least 600 young people in Arizona will find themselves sleeping on the streets. They are homeless --- runaways, castoffs,...

Why I’m going to March for Babies

In 2003, I found out I was pregnant. My baby was due in early September 2004. My husband and I were ecstatic! The first...

CaringBridge keeps families and friends up to date during a medical crisis

Gilbert pediatrician Tim Jacks, DO, and his wife, Anna, found out in August 2014 that their little girl, Maggie, had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a...

Emma joins “Super Six” to start Run to Fight Children’s Cancer

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” Eleven-year old Emma Kerr, of Phoenix, proudly wears the...

Cookies 4 Change helps teen entrepreneurs learn life lessons

On the second floor of Children First Academy, a K-8 school for homeless kids, there is a classroom they lovingly refer to as The...

Walk With Me to support disability services

It’s a short distance that makes a big difference—and it’s a lot of fun. Just ask any RAK magazine staff member who participated in last...

Little Free Libraries foster literacy-friendly neighborhoods

Phoenix dad Jake Adams awoke one morning to find a Little Free Library in his neighbor’s yard. It looked like a big birdhouse, with...

“Night to Shine” brings prom experience to teens and adults with special needs

Who can forget prom night? Whether it was a dream or a disaster, it's part of the fabric of many people’s lives. But for...

5 local organizations that welcome children volunteers

As we wait in the car under the overpass for the light to turn green, my 10-year-old daughter spots a man with a backpack...

Joke books offer laughs—and help to families struggling with medical bills

What do you call a thief that steals only meat? A hamburglar. If that joke brought a smile to your lips, read on: A series...

Avondale siblings crusade to thank police officers

Have you thanked a police officer today? That's what the Benedetto siblings Tayler, 8, and Caleb, 6, of Avondale, would like to know. This young...

Christmas at Child Crisis Arizona

"Christmas here is a blast!" That’s not what you would expect to hear about Christmas at Child Crisis Arizona's Phoenix shelter, but it’s what...

PARTY ARTICLES

Themed Birthday Ideas for Grown-Ups

As parents, we often go all out celebrating our kids' birthdays—planning elaborate parties, baking cakes, decorating, and making sure their day feels extra special. But somewhere along the way, many of us stop celebrating...

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe