Nonprofits serve important roles in their communities. Many provide for those in need or are working toward achieving certain goals that might make the world a better place. On these pages, we’ve written about four nonprofits making an impact. Discover a playhouse that seeks to help children with Down syndrome and their families; a foundation that fundraises for ovarian cancer research; a group that provides beds, cribs and other essentials for Arizona kids in foster care; and an organization helping to reduce food waste and improve the environment. If you’re searching for ways to get involved, these organizations can use your time, donations, or even gifts.
Colleen’s Dream Foundation
Colleen’s Dream Foundation raises money for ovarian cancer research, funding research all over the country that supports early detection of ovarian cancer—the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Currently, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer.
The organization was founded in 2013 in honor of Colleen Drury, who passed away from ovarian cancer five years after she was diagnosed. Today Colleen’s daughter, Nicole Cundiff, serves as CEO and co-founder, along with her husband William “Billy” Cundiff, a former NFL kicker.
“We knew that her time on Earth probably wouldn’t be long,” says Cundiff. “So she quit her job…to devote all of her time to helping us start the foundation. The goal was to make her the face of the organization. But sadly she passed away before we could make that happen.”
The foundation achieves its goals through fundraising, including events like golf tournaments and a Hawaiian luau.
“She was so important to us,” says Cundiff, of her late mom. “And one of the things that was really devastating for her when she knew she was passing away was feeling like she hadn't had enough time on Earth to really make an impact. She just really wanted to feel like her life mattered, and she made a difference. It was really important to give her that legacy.” ColleensDream.org
Arizona Helping Hands
Founded in 1998, Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider to children in the foster care system in the state of Arizona. Specifically, the nonprofit gives beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, back to school support, holiday toys, and birthday packages to children in need. It has provided 1,266 cribs and beds, and 834 kids with birthday packages that include a birthday message, three toys, and one book. With the exception of clothing, everything given to the children is brand new.
“These children whose lives have been disrupted need normalcy, need safety, need comfort, need love, and a bed is a true representation of all of that. It's so important to raise these children up because they truly our are future,” says Dan Shufelt, president and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands.
To assist, you can purchase something from the organization’s Amazon Wish List, coordinate a diaper drive, or share a story on social media about the organization. AZHelpingHands.org
Waste Not
Waste Not Inc. is a hunger relief and environmental nonprofit that collects food from catering companies, restaurants and other businesses and delivers it on the same day to more than 60 nonprofits. Waste Not collects food from business including Urban Cookies, Fox Restaurant Concepts, the Phoenix Convention Center, and Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. It provides food to St. Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. In 2019, Waste Not supplied 3.5 million meals.
“We are an extremely lean and efficient operation,” says Kate Thoene, executive director for Waste Not Inc. Waste Not has no warehouses or operating facilities. “It's just a huge impact when people donate money to Waste Not. It goes directly to our mission.” WasteNotAZ.org
Gigi’s Playhouse
Gigi’s Playhouse provides free educational, social, and career development for children and adults with Down syndrome. It is an offshoot of a national company based in Chicago. The Scottsdale location opened in 2014, and serves more than 700 families.
“Gigi’s is one-of-a-kind. There are no other programs like it that are specific to children and families with Down syndrome,” says Jennifer Gage, founder of GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix.
Program offered include one-on-one literacy and math tutoring by trained volunteers, and helping to prepare adults with Down syndrome for meaningful employment.
Gigi’s also helps families. A veteran mom will show up at the hospital with a new baby basket for a family to help them celebrate. Another program is for children ranging in age from newborns to age 3. It’s a story music hour where kids can play and parents can, in Gage’s words, “network.”
“The moms end up making a connection,” says Gage. “This group goes on to be really solid places for information, learning.”
Gigi’s Playhouse temporarily closed back in March due to the pandemic, but thanks to grants, was renovated during that time. It re-opened in October, with a new playroom, fresh toys, new carpet, and new paint. GiGisPlayhouse.org/Phoenix
Additional Valley Nonprofits That You Should Know
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Founded in Phoenix in 1980, Make-A-Wish Foundation creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illness.
Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children
Providing social, emotional, and financial support to families managing the health of a child with cancer.
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Protecting and advancing the natural space of the Sonoran desert habitat in Scottsdale through science, education, and stewardship.
The Scottsdale Charros
An all-volunteer group of business and civic leaders dedicated to raising funds for youth programs, educational scholarships, and grants to local charities.