Media inquiries:
Jessica Whitney
Vice President of Development & Marketing
jwhitney@bbbsaz.org
602-393-4115 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona In the News

Paul's Car Wash celebrates 15 years of paying it forward!

Paul Horton, Arizona’s Family, and community partners spend the week washing hundreds of cars and encouraging people to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona... READ MORE

Super Star Car Wash Named #1 Wash & Detail Business by Ranking Arizona

The brand donates and partners with organizations including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, HALO Animal Rescue and other local nonprofits for fundraising, events and sponsorships... READ MORE

Desert Ridge Marketplace announces fall entertainment schedule

The car wash starts Oct. 17 and runs till Oct. 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day on the east side of the center near Kohl’s. The hundreds of washed cars will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. Car washes are available for donation... READ MORE

Largest Phoenix-Area Nonprofit Organizations - Cultural/Educational

Surveyed list with the following information points: 2021-22 local budget, number of local full-time employees, number of local part time employees, number of 2021 local volunteers, top local executive and board chair... READ MORE

MassMutual Foundation Honors Dedication of Financial Professionals with $275,000 in Grants to Nonprofit Organizations for 25th Year

The MassMutual Foundation has awarded $275,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations through its annual Community Service Awards (CSA) program. These charitable contributions – which include two $25,000 awards, fifteen $10,000 awards, and fifteen $5,000 awards – are given in honor of financial professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to nonprofit organizations in their local communities... READ MORE

Mesa Fire and Medical Department Selects New Assistant Fire Chief

The Mesa Fire and Medical Department announced that Deputy Chief Forrest Smith has been selected as the new Assistant Fire Chief replacing Assistant Chief Mike Dunn, who is retiring in July. Smith is the first African American to serve as an Assistant Chief for the Fire and Medical Department...READ MORE

Become a Big Brother or Big Sister

More than 200 kids throughout the state are in need of a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Arizona...READ MORE

Community Partner: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

Every child is born with potential. But one-third of our nation’s youth are growing up without a positive role model. Stand with us to ignite, empower and inspire their potential... READ MORE

3 ASU leaders honored with Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 awards

Deguire is an Eagle Scout and is board chairman of the Phoenix East Valley Partnership. He serves as a Big Brother mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and was a Flinn-Brown Fellow for the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership...READ MORE

Mesa group, EVIT host free Father's Day event

The event is co-sponsored by the Family Involvement Center, JP Realty Solutions, Waterford, AZCEND, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest... READ MORE

An Evening with Larry Fitzgerald Jr. & Bell Bank Kicks Off Annual Golf Tournament

Guests enjoyed fabulous food and drinks as they arrived and mixed and mingled with Larry Fitzgerald and tournament golfers. The presentation included inspirational remarks from the leaders of the three incredible nonprofits chosen as beneficiaries of the tournament... READ MORE

Big Brothers Big Sisters desperate for Valley volunteers

The pandemic has made it difficult for several organizations to recruit volunteers, like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, which has a long waiting list for big brothers...READ MORE

Big Night Out Breaks Fundraising Record for Big Brothers Big Sisters

The 700+ guests in attendance were moved by the stories shared by Big Brothers, Big Sisters and their Littles, resulting in the organization’s largest paddle raise to date. The invitation for audience members to consider becoming "Bigs" to serve the waitlist of kids who would like to join the program was heartfelt and important...READ MORE

Big Brothers Big Sisters expands annual tee up for kids event

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) has expanded its annual Tee Up for Kids event to include a traditional golf scramble at Talking Stick Golf Club. The now two-day event will start on May 22nd at Topgolf in Scottsdale and close with the scramble on May 23rd... READ MORE

Here are the 164 Arizona nonprofits receiving Season for Sharing grants this year

The 2021-22 Season for Sharing campaign raised nearly $1.8 million to be shared by these 164 nonprofit organizations across Arizona. Because The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com cover all promotional and administrative costs, 100% of donations go to community organizations...READ MORE

Scottsdale's Quasar Quantum Youth Fund Benefits At-Risk Kids

Studies have shown holistic health practices like yoga, mindfulness and meditation benefit children and teens as much as they do adults. Yet all too often, opportunities to learn these tools seem out of reach for kids from disadvantaged homes...READ MORE

Big Night Out in the Valley

My View: Become a role model for youths during National Mentoring Month

Having a caring adult role model is a key protective factor in helping youths build resiliency against these types of stresses. That is why I am so passionate about the work we do at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ). We know the impact of mentoring is profound and changes the child’s life, causing a ripple effect on their family, school and community...READ MORE

Maricopa County Steps Up Again to Assist Local Nonprofits

Human services-centered nonprofit organizations across Maricopa County are getting a financial boost thanks to a new investment approved by the Board of Supervisors.  The Board approved nearly $14 million in grants to 82 nonprofits (listed below) serving residents throughout the region.  The organizations receiving money are trusted...READ MORE

Best Places to Work 2021: GoldBook Financial takes family atmosphere to heart

Ducey Announces $375,000 to support after-school programs

On October 20, Governor Ducey attended the Pay It Forward Car Wash, a week-long televised event that raises money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona...READ MORE

Governor Ducey invests $1.25 million to support mentorship, family programs

Governor Doug Ducey today announced an investment of $1.25 million to support mentorship programs for at-risk youth and training programs for parents of underrepresented families... READ MORE

Arizona allocates $375,000 to support after-school programs

PHOENIX (KVOA) - Gov. Doug Ducey allocated $375,000 in funding for after-school programs that promote healthy choices and social interaction among children in rural and underserved areas on Monday... READ MORE

PR Lab students capture gold and platinum awards at the annual MarCom Awards

The Cronkite Public Relations Lab took home two top prizes at the annual MarCom Awards – an annual contest that honors public relations professionals for concept, direction, design and production of marketing and communication materials and programs...READ MORE

A Legacy of Giving Back

This fall, Scottsdale Fashion Square marks six decades of bringing the latest trends in fashion and lifestyle to Arizona. For 60 days — Oct. 15 through Dec. 15 — shoppers can use their purchase power to benefit local nonprofits through the Shop It Forward program...READ MORE

Ducey investing $2.25M in federal funds for support program for Arizona kids and parents

Ducey is also putting $1.25 million toward the creation of a mentorship program for vulnerable youths at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, as well as half a million dollars for a parent training program by the Black Mothers Forum...READ MORE

Governor Ducey Invests $1.25 Million to Support Mentorships, Family Programs

BBBS of Central Arizona provides in-school, community-based and virtual mentoring programs to help at-risk youth reach their full potential. Since 1955, it has served more than 65,000 Arizona kids...READ MORE

Arizona to provide more than $2 million in programs to help children

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arizona will get $750,000 in federal funding to create a new youth mentorship program...READ MORE

Governor Ducey Invest $1.25 Million to Support Mentorship, Family Programs

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today announced an investment of $1.25 million to support mentorship programs for at-risk youth and training programs for parents of underrepresented families...READ MORE

Fiesta Por Los Ninos

Scottsdale Fashion Square celebrates 60th anniversary with 'Shop it Forward'

First and foremost, to celebrate the many nonprofit partners whose tireless efforts Scottsdale Fashion Square has supported through the decades, the center is calling upon shoppers to pay it forward through its "Shop it Forward" program now (starting Oct. 15) through Dec. 15... READ MORE

Matt and Xzavion's unbreakable bond shows true brotherly love

Matt Billups believes his purpose on earth is to help people, which was a driving force behind his decision to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona...READ MORE

Daily Inspiration: Meet Adrian Jamieson

In my day job, I am a fundraiser. I serve at the Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. My favorite thing to do is to meet someone new and help them get connected to a mission that is meaningful to them, either as a volunteer or as a donor. I know that both my volunteer and day jobs allow me to spend the majority of my time doing just that...READ MORE

Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust awards $123M in grants to Arizona nonprofits

The surprise grants made on Sept. 13 to 71 Arizona nonprofits represents the largest single-day grant initiative in Arizona’s history, according to trust officials...READ MORE

Super Star Car Wash opens in North Phoenix

The company is involved in the communities it serves, giving back to charitable causes and organizations such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul... READ MORE

Maricopa County Attorney's Office: MCAO Provides Grant to 13 Local Non-Profit Organizations

Super Star Car Wash continues Valley expansion with new Phoenix Location

 The company is involved in the communities it serves, giving back to charitable causes and organizations such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul...READ MORE

Realtors collect donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Scottsdale/Carefree office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona was among many that dropped off donations from its Back-to-School Drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona on Aug. 2... READ MORE

Cronkite PR Lab Students Win Top Awards in International Contest

Students in the Public Relations Lab at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication have won top honors in the international dotCOMM awards, which honor excellence in web creativity and digital communication...READ MORE

Council doles out $2M for social services

In recent months, Scottsdale City Council has approved the disbursement of over $2 million to local social services organizations and resident programs...READ MORE

Meet the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2021 honorees from The College

Each year, the Arizona State University Alumni Association celebrates the achievements of alumni who own or lead successful, fast-growing, innovative businesses across the globe with the Sun Devil 100 awards. This year, 28 graduates from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences were recognized at the Sun Devil 100 Class of 2021 virtual reception...READ MORE

New CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters talks about their latest initiatives

For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have been providing mentors to kids all across the country, and they’re playing a critical role now more than ever. "More than ever, young people need mentoring in this country," the organization’s first Black CEO, Artis Stevens, tells the 3rd Hour of TODAY. "We need more volunteers." READ MORE

City Council Approves Nearly $2M To Social Service Agencies

The Scottsdale City Council recently approved just more than $1.9 million for nonprofit agencies that provide programs and services to assist thousands of residents at risk and in need...READ MORE

Announcing the Win Big 50/50 Raffle for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

On June 14th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) announced their new Win Big 50/50 raffle campaign. The raffle has a guaranteed jackpot of at least $10,000 and has already awarded two Early Bird Prizes to BBBSAZ supporters, Charlotte Shaff and Kris Smith. Each early bird winner will take home $500...READ MORE

Big Brothers Big Sisters 'Tee Up For Kids' event raises $72k

On June 5, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona hosted its annual Tee Up For Kids Topgolf Tournament presented by DEPCOM Power and Leslie’s Pool Supplies...READ MORE

Six Cronkite Alumni Named to 2021 Sun Devil 100 List for Successful Entrepreneurs

Six alumni from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University have been named to the Sun Devil 100, which celebrates the achievements and successes of some of the university’s most successful graduates...READ MORE

Antonya Williams promoted to Executive Vice President at McCarthy

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. announced Antonya Williams was promoted to executive vice president and was also appointed to serve on the firm’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). As executive vice president, Williams will continue to lead the Southwest region’s marketing and business development teams in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico as well as national markets including water and renewable energy. In addition, as a new member of the firm’s ELT, she serves as a steward of the company’s culture, guiding the firm’s national business strategy, including market sector team growth and development...READ MORE

Arizona Department of Educations announces additional $16 million in federal relief and recovery allocations

Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman and the Arizona Department of Education on Tuesday, May 11, announced the distribution of over $16 million to support Arizona’s public schools, educators, leaders, and families through strategic partnerships and initiatives...READ MORE

Arizona Organization Congratulates Big Brother & Mentor to Community Youth

On Friday April 9, 2021 Big Brother Mentor/Officer James Milano was recognized as the Site Based Big of the Year at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona’s Big Night Out Event in Phoenix. The program was attended by many, both online and in-person, and honored the impact of mentorship and the unlimited possibilities it can create for the youth in our community...READ MORE

Super Star Car Wash Opens 33rd Location in Vista

The company is heavily involved in the communities it serves, giving back to charitable causes and such organizations as Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul...READ MORE

Sara Begley Wins Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2021 AZ Corporate Counsel Awards

CopperPoint Insurance Companies' Sara Begley, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, received a special Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2021 AZ Corporate Counsel Awards. She was also a finalist in the category of Private Company General Counsel of the Year...READ MORE

Big Night Out Goes to the Wild Side!

The hybrid event included an interactive auction led by Letitia Frye and some special guests including a fairly large snake to kick-off the evening! Sheriff Paul Penzone, Veronica Penzone, Congressman Greg Stanton and Nicole Stanton also continued their long standing support of the organization with special video messages from home...READ MORE

Spring cleaning? 20 places to donate used clothing and items in metro Phoenix

Let’s face it, we all have clothes that fit before the pandemic that don’t anymore, or items we said we’d get around to using in quarantine but never did.

With spring comes spring cleaning, and there are plenty of places across the Valley where you can donate your freshly laundered, new and lightly used items to do some good while cleaning out your closet.

Here are 20 options for where to donate your used clothes and goods in metro Phoenix...READ MORE

Big Brothers Big Sisters Seeks Teams for 'Tee Up For Kids'

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is looking for organizations and individuals to participate in its annual Tee Up For Kids Topgolf Tournament presented by DEPCOM Power and Leslie’s Pool Supplies. Additional top sponsors include Fry’s Food Stores and Alliance Bank of Arizona among others. The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 5th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at Topgolf Scottsdale: 9500 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256...READ MORE

Arizona Gives Day on April 6 more vital than ever as nonprofits struggle

It was holiday time, the end of 2020, when Miriam came into the office of AZCEND, a Chandler nonprofit that helps families, senior citizens and individuals who are living in poverty and crisis...READ MORE

Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson continues distinguished career at ASU

Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson’s career at Arizona State University has spanned many executive leadership roles, from admissions to athletics, in addition to her role as a tenured faculty member in the Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. A long-standing executive leader in public higher education and a dedicated community service leader, Wilkinson currently serves in three capacities at Arizona State University: senior vice president and secretary of the university, president and CEO of the ASU Alumni Association and managing director of the trustees of ASU...READ MORE

Bigs and Littles Celebrate a Big Night Out in the Wild with Annual Gala

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) celebrates the 66th anniversary of serving the central Phoenix community, providing mentorship to youth in the area. All money raised from the gala will be used to continue supporting matches in Central Arizona. This year, the Big Night Out is being offered as a hybrid event with in-person and virtual options for attendees...READ MORE

176 Arizona nonprofits receive Season for Sharing grants, many to help address COVID-19 needs

The 2020-21 Season for Sharing campaign raised $2.1 million to be shared by these 176 nonprofit agencies across Arizona. Because The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com cover all promotional and administrative costs, 100 percent of donations go to community organizations...READ MORE

'I really want to dive into this community': Cardinals LB Devon Kennard stays involved

Devon Kennard and Derek Kennard Sr. already share so much. The father-son duo both played for the Cardinals, the third pair to do so. They now live near each other, neighbors at last, after Devon, 29, spent the last few years living in other time zones... READ MORE

NFL stars talk 'power of mentorship' for kids at Tuesday night Zoom event

The NFL is teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona to inspire change as we kick off Black History Month.

On Tuesday evening they set up a chance for families to chat with one of our Arizona Cardinals about the power of mentorship and how to set kids up for success in life... READ MORE

On the move at Insight Land, Lewis Roca, BofA, AAWL, NATAS

Jackson provides a full spectrum of intellectual property services and works closely with clients to help them develop comprehensive, global brand strategies. Clients value his creativity, strategic judgment, and ability to understand their business needs to help them best achieve their goals. He works with a wide range of clients in various industries including a Fortune 500 global technology solutions provider, a global billion-dollar tool manufacturer, and an internationally recognized research university. David manages complex global trademark portfolios for clients and also advises them on trademark selection, clearance and prosecution, trademark protection and enforcement including litigation, intellectual property agreements and transactions, and online intellectual property issues... READ MORE

A Letter from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona

As we head into the end of possibly the most isolating year yet, there are more children who are in desperate need of mentorship. We are currently experiencing a once in a lifetime pandemic. Schools have been out for months. Families are having to make tough decisions at the dinner table and we are also living through civil unrest due to the racial inequities that plague our society. Although it seems we have a lot of new challenges to address, one thing that has not changed is the need for good mentors. Now more than ever, our youth need a mentor in their corner to help them navigate through life’s most pressing challenges. Sometimes the gift of your time is more valuable than anything you can buy a child.... READ MORE

Invest in gift of yourself and be a virtual mentor

As we head into possibly the most isolating holiday season yet, there are more children who are in desperate need of mentorship. We are experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Schools have been out for months. Families are having to make tough decisions at the dinner table, and we are also living through civil unrest due to the racial inequities that plague our society. Although it seems we have a lot of new challenges to address, one thing that has not changed is the need for good mentors... READ MORE

Piper Trust exceeds grantmaking annual average with $27.7 million awarded so far in the year of COVID-19

PHOENIX, Ariz.— The end of a tumultuous 2020 brings forecasts of continued public health, economic, and social stresses in the new year. It’s abundantly clear that meeting this ongoing moment, filled with extraordinary challenges for individuals and communities, means doing more than the usual, and it often means doing things differently. Here’s what responsiveness looks like at Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.. READ MORE

Local pair bonds through mentoring program

Watching the comfortable and friendly way in which North Central resident Martez Killens, 38, and Savad , 14, talk, joke around and otherwise interact it might seem as though the two are relatives... READ MORE

Letters to the Editor

As we head into possibly the most isolating holiday season yet, there are more children who are in desperate need of mentorship. 

Although it seems we have a lot of new challenges to address, one thing that has not changed is the need for good mentors. Now more than ever, our youth need a mentor in their corner to help them navigate through life’s most pressing challenges. Sometimes the gift of your time is more valuable than anything you can buy a child... READ MORE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona mentors 1,600 kids a year. Your donations help.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona works to provide professionally supported mentorships and programs for more than 1,600 kids a year.

"Its vision is simple but ambitious — that all children achieve success in life. By taking a positive youth development approach, BBBS helps youth recognize and enhance their skills and personality traits during their paths to adulthood," said Laura Capello, president and CEO of the organization... READ MORE