Community Outreach

Dana Wolfe Naimark lobbies for Arizona’s kids

In 1988, a group of community leaders founded Children’s Action Alliance to be a voice for children and families at the Arizona State Capitol....

Mom-daughter artists raise cancer awareness

Scottsdale mom and art teacher Rachel Householder has been known to drive around town with a stack of torsos in the back of her...

Walk With Me: Southwest Human Development event focuses on hope

Ask Lissette Lent about her life and she will not hesitate to use a four-letter word: hope. It’s a recurring theme that embodies everything...

“Cinderella Affair” seeks prom dress donations

Beginning today, the East Valley Women’s League will begin collecting new and gently-used prom dresses and accessories to give for free to Arizona high...

The journey out of domestic violence

Seared into Maribel Gloria’s memory is the day her father tried to attack her pregnant mother with a giant barbecue fork. Convinced by jealous...

Girl Scout Cookies: A new take on an old tradition

Just in time to break your New Year's resolutions (as if you haven't already), Girl Scout cookie season is upon us. This year, the...

No time for senioritis

Just listing the many clubs and organizations Claire Evans, a senior at Seton Catholic Preparatory, is involved with could make anyone tired. She is currently...

The Pedal Power Foundation: bringing bikes — and more — to kids in need

Mike McIlroy started the Pedal Power Foundation after he fixed up and donated two bikes to children in need at a local church. The idea...

Feed My Starving Children: Packing hope for hungry children around the world

On a Friday afternoon in late September, Janine Skinner was in Haiti, standing near a mass gravesite where more than 200,000 victims of the...

Christmas Angels spread holiday joy

Almost three decades ago, Santa acquired some new helpers for his annual sleigh ride across Arizona. Marlene Klotz-Collins was one of them. In 1986, she was...

Spread good cheer: donate toys this holiday season

The holiday season is a time for gifts, shopping, making multiple lists, and checking them twice. But it can also be a time to help...

John Gillan: Taking expertise and experience to emerging countries

Patients who visit the office of Mesa endodontist John Gillan, DDS, MS, aren’t usually very happy to be there. Does anyone look forward to...

How one Valley mom is honoring another

Scottsdale mom Allyson Primack is eager to spread the word about a woman she calls "the ultimate cheerleader for all children involved in the...

Families Giving Back helps children help others

Arizona families can find kid-friendly, family-focused volunteer events thanks to local non-profit Families Giving Back (FGB). Co-founders Alex Sklar and Lisa Geyser of Phoenix began...

Food deserts in the Valley

At Thanksgiving, we express gratitude at festive, food-laden tables. We are thankful to live in a time when many childhood diseases have been eradicated....

Free Arts of Arizona: 20 years of arts and healing

A preschooler sporting blue Croc sandals clutched a teddy bear as he tapped a beat on the back of a nearby seat. Music played...

PARTY ARTICLES

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.

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