Author: scottsdalevibes

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Scottsdale Leadership: How Lee Ann Witt Is Helping Shape the Future of Our City

For nearly 40 years, Scottsdale Leadership has been quietly shaping the people who shape Scottsdale.

On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood sits down with Lee Ann Witt, Executive Director of Scottsdale Leadership, to talk about how the organization develops community leaders, strengthens nonprofits, and creates lasting impact across the city.

As an alumna of Class 39, Alicia shares firsthand how transformational the program can be — not just professionally, but personally.

What Is Scottsdale Leadership?

Founded in 1986 by four prominent community leaders — Dr. Art DeBoer, former Mayor Sam Campana, Don Ruff, and Gary Shapiro — Scottsdale Leadership was created to give Scottsdale its own version of a civic leadership program tailored specifically to the city’s unique needs.

Today, the organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and runs a nine-month leadership program from September through May (with a retreat in August). Each class includes 45 participants selected from diverse industries and backgrounds.

The goal?
To develop informed, connected leaders who understand how Scottsdale works — and how they can serve it.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Scottsdale

Throughout the program, participants explore topics like:

  • City government
  • Public safety (separate police and fire days)
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Technology
  • Arts and culture
  • Scottsdale history

Each session is interactive and held at different locations throughout the city, giving participants behind-the-scenes access that most residents never experience — from water treatment facilities to key city departments.

As Lee Ann explains, many graduates say it feels like earning a “PhD in Scottsdale.”

The Power of Diverse Leadership

One of Scottsdale Leadership’s core values is diversity — not just in demographics, but in thought, industry, and experience.

Participants range from late twenties to mid-seventies and represent industries including real estate, healthcare, technology, nonprofit leadership, finance, education, and entrepreneurship.

The organization intentionally limits how many participants come from the same field to ensure a well-rounded class. This creates a dynamic environment where emerging leaders and seasoned professionals learn from one another.

That diversity strengthens not just the class — but the city itself.

Project Lead It Forward: Supporting Scottsdale Nonprofits

A cornerstone of the program is Project Lead It Forward (PLIF).

Midway through the year, the class is divided into small teams and matched with local nonprofits or schools that have an unmet need. Over four months, participants use their collective skills to complete impactful projects — ranging from strategic planning and marketing to physical improvements and operational development.

These projects provide:

  • Real-world leadership experience
  • Meaningful support to local nonprofits
  • Long-term community impact

Graduation culminates with a public presentation of each project before alumni and community members.

Leadership That Lasts Beyond Graduation

Scottsdale Leadership doesn’t end at graduation.

Alumni stay engaged through:

  • Ongoing community service projects
  • Networking events
  • Educational programming
  • Mentorship opportunities

The organization is also launching a new executive-level program designed for CEOs and C-suite leaders, offering high-impact sessions focused on civic integration and business leadership within the community.

A Transformational Experience

When asked what Scottsdale Leadership expects from participants, Lee Ann is clear:

Graduates are expected to serve.

Whether that means joining nonprofit boards, serving on commissions, participating in HOAs, or simply becoming more informed and engaged citizens, the expectation is continued community involvement.

For many, the experience is life-changing — deepening friendships, strengthening professional networks, and creating a greater sense of belonging in Scottsdale.

Celebrating 40 Years of Impact

As Scottsdale celebrates its 75th anniversary, Scottsdale Leadership celebrates 40 years of developing leaders who care deeply about the city’s future.

Applications are open, and prospective participants are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming applicant receptions to learn more about the commitment and the experience.

To learn more, visit:
👉 http://www.scottsdaleleadership.org

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Celebrating 75 Years of Scottsdale: Stories, Milestones, and the People Who Shaped a City

This episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast marks a truly special moment—the City of Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary and the 250th episode of the podcast. Host Alicia Haygood reflects on four years of sharing Scottsdale’s stories while looking ahead to a year-long celebration honoring the people, places, and moments that shaped one of the West’s most iconic cities.

To help tell that story, Alicia is joined by Holly Peralta, Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the City of Scottsdale. With more than a decade of experience in local government storytelling and community engagement, Holly offers an insider’s perspective on why this milestone matters and how the city is celebrating all year long.

Since its incorporation in 1951, Scottsdale has grown from a small Western town into a nationally recognized destination—while still holding onto the close-knit community feel residents cherish. Holly explains that the 75th anniversary is more than a birthday; it’s an opportunity to reflect on where Scottsdale has been, celebrate who it is today, and look toward what’s next.

A major focus of the anniversary is storytelling. The City of Scottsdale is inviting longtime residents and those with special connections to share their personal Scottsdale stories. These stories will be preserved through a historical book and a documentary-style video, capturing the voices and experiences that define the city. Residents can learn more and submit their stories at Scottsdale75.com, which also features a historical timeline and a full calendar of anniversary events.

Throughout the conversation, Holly highlights Scottsdale’s long-standing spirit of innovation. From the development of modern mechanized trash trucks to the transformation of the Indian Bend Wash into the beloved Greenbelt, Scottsdale has consistently found creative solutions that balance growth, livability, and preservation. Many of these initiatives, including the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, were driven by residents who stepped up to protect what makes the city special.

The year-long celebration includes activations tied to Scottsdale’s signature events, spring training, summer festivities in Old Town, merchant promotions, and even a citywide scavenger hunt that encourages residents and visitors to explore meaningful locations throughout Scottsdale. One particularly meaningful initiative includes restoring an Honor Grove for veterans, with 75 trees to be planted later this year.

Another highlight? A reimagined version of one of Scottsdale’s most iconic figures—the Old Town Cowboy, affectionately known as Chuck. Through a creative installation, Chuck will be showcased across different decades, celebrating Scottsdale’s past, present, and future.

As Alicia and Holly discuss the city’s evolution, one theme remains clear: Scottsdale’s strength lies in its people. Despite tremendous growth, the city has maintained its welcoming, small-town feel—where tradition matters, innovation thrives, and community involvement drives progress.

Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary is an invitation for everyone—longtime residents and newcomers alike—to celebrate the city they call home and be part of its next chapter.

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Keeping Scottsdale Safe During the Waste Management Phoenix Open

With Scottsdale Police, Fire, and Community Leaders

As Scottsdale’s social season hits full stride, one event rises above them all in size, energy, and impact: the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Known as “The People’s Open,” this iconic tournament draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and can nearly double Scottsdale’s population for the week. With that level of excitement comes an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes planning to ensure the event is not only fun—but safe.

On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood is joined by Aaron Bolin of Scottsdale Police and Dave Folio of Scottsdale Fire, two key leaders responsible for public safety planning during one of the largest sporting events in the world. Together, they break down what it takes to transform a 220-acre golf course into a fully functioning “city within a city.”

From traffic control and crowd flow to emergency response and medical preparedness, the coordination required is massive. Planning begins nearly a year in advance and involves a unified command structure that brings together Scottsdale Police, Fire, federal agencies, medical partners, city departments, and the Thunderbirds. The goal is simple but critical: make sure fans can enjoy the week safely while the city continues to operate smoothly.

One of the biggest changes in recent years has been traffic and parking logistics. With general admission parking no longer on site, fans are encouraged to park at locations like WestWorld and Salt River Fields and use the continuous shuttle system. While this may feel less convenient at first, it significantly improves traffic flow and pedestrian safety around the course. Additional gates, widened walkways, and reconfigured entrances—like the Hayden Road gate—help move people more efficiently throughout the event.

Public safety efforts go far beyond traffic. Scottsdale Fire works strategically across the course with staged equipment, water access points, and rapid response teams prepared for everything from medical emergencies to fire suppression. Medical tents staffed by healthcare partners allow first responders to treat guests on site, reducing strain on local hospitals while still providing excellent care.

Scottsdale Police deploy a wide range of resources, including bicycle units, motorcycle officers, specialty patrols, undercover detectives, and regional law enforcement partners. From large-scale threat mitigation to underage drinking enforcement, the focus remains on prevention, visibility, and quick response. Fans are reminded that the entire tournament footprint operates under a single liquor license—meaning disorderly behavior can result in immediate removal from the event.

Another important conversation highlighted during the episode is awareness. With large events comes increased risk for issues like human trafficking, medical emergencies, or safety hazards. The message from both departments is clear: If you see something that doesn’t seem right, say something. Whether it’s an unattended bag, unsafe behavior, or someone who appears to be in distress, reporting concerns helps keep everyone safe.

Despite the seriousness of the work, both Bolin and Folio emphasize that this is a labor of pride for Scottsdale. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is internationally recognized not just for its energy, but for how well it is run. Delegations from other countries regularly observe Scottsdale’s planning model to learn how large-scale events can be managed successfully.

As fans prepare for the week ahead, the advice is simple: plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, use shuttles, respect private property, and most importantly—have fun responsibly. With thousands of professionals working around the clock, Scottsdale is ready to welcome visitors for another unforgettable—and safe—Waste Management Phoenix Open.

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Curiosity, Community, and Storytelling with Jose Acevedo of Finding Arizona

This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood turns the mic on a fellow storyteller who has spent nearly a decade capturing the heart of Arizona. Alicia is joined by Jose Acevedo, founder of the award-winning Finding Arizona Podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, community, and why places like Scottsdale continue to inspire creators and entrepreneurs.

In a fun full-circle moment, Alicia recently appeared as a guest on Jose’s podcast—so this episode flips the roles and continues the dialogue. The result is an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at podcasting, storytelling, and the shared mission of amplifying local voices across Arizona.

If you love discovering the people, businesses, and stories that make Arizona special, chances are you’ve already heard of Finding Arizona. The weekly podcast highlights local business owners, creatives, chefs, nonprofit leaders, and entrepreneurs from across the state through organic, conversational interviews that feel more like chatting with a friend than sitting through a formal Q&A.

Over the years, Jose has interviewed more than 400 Arizona business owners and community leaders, giving him a rare perspective on what makes the state—and especially the Valley—so unique. During the episode, he shares how his love of storytelling began during his childhood on the Hopi Reservation, where his grandfather taught him the importance of listening as deeply as speaking. That early lesson became the foundation for his podcasting style: thoughtful, respectful, and rooted in genuine curiosity.

The conversation also explores how Jose’s path evolved from screen-printing t-shirts and attending Arizona State University to launching a podcast that has become a trusted platform for local stories. Along the way, Jose reflects on the growth that comes with nearly ten years behind the mic, how fatherhood has shaped his perspective, and why podcasting is as much about empathy as it is about content.

Alicia and Jose dive into what makes Scottsdale’s entrepreneurial and creative scene stand out, touching on the city’s investment in infrastructure, branding, and local business growth. They agree that one of Arizona’s greatest strengths is its collaborative spirit—where community often outweighs competition, and creators are eager to support one another.

From memorable guests and live podcast moments to the realities of podcast production, SEO, and audience growth, this episode offers a candid look at what it really takes to build something meaningful over time. Jose also shares his vision for the future, including expanding into podcast production, collaboration, and even a potential father-son podcast project.

At its core, this episode is a celebration of storytelling as a way to connect people, preserve legacy, and strengthen community. Whether you’re a longtime listener of Finding Arizona or discovering Jose Acevedo’s work for the first time, his passion for amplifying Arizona voices is impossible to miss.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast to hear how curiosity, conversation, and community continue to shape Arizona’s creative landscape.

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Breaking Barriers in Arizona Car Culture with Rebecca Nguyen of The Warehouse

As Barrett-Jackson approaches and Arizona Car Week gears up, the energy around Scottsdale’s automotive scene is unmistakable. On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood sits down with Rebecca Nguyen, founder of The Warehouse, to explore how cars, community, and connection are redefining what car culture looks like in Arizona.

Rebecca’s journey into the automotive world began early—at just 16 years old—behind the wheel of a Sonic Yellow Subaru WRX that once belonged to her older brother. What started as a shared bond between siblings quickly evolved into a lifelong passion rooted not in status or speed, but in memories, storytelling, and human connection. That early experience shaped Rebecca’s perspective on cars as emotional touchstones rather than simple collectibles.

Today, Rebecca is the founder of The Warehouse, one of Arizona’s most unique automotive concepts: a collector car storage space and social club designed to foster community. More than a place to store vehicles, The Warehouse is an environment where enthusiasts of all levels—first-time collectors and seasoned owners alike—can gather, learn, and connect. From curated vehicles with meaningful backstories to creative community events like Lego nights and automotive art showcases, Rebecca has intentionally built a space that prioritizes inclusivity over ego.

As a woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Rebecca openly discusses the challenges of being taken seriously in automotive spaces—and the importance of mentorship, education, and creating welcoming environments. Rather than positioning herself as an authority on engineering or performance specs, she embraces the storytelling side of car culture, proving that passion and curiosity matter just as much as technical expertise.

The conversation also dives into what makes Arizona’s car culture uniquely positioned for growth. While Barrett-Jackson has long anchored the state’s automotive reputation, Rebecca believes Arizona Car Week is still evolving—and that presents an opportunity. With inspiration drawn from Monterey Car Week, she’s working to help establish a broader, more intentional narrative that celebrates local culture, creativity, and responsible enthusiasm.

Looking ahead to January 2026, Rebecca teases exciting plans at The Warehouse, including a week-long automotive art gallery featuring multiple artists and evening events designed to bring the community together. It’s another example of how she’s pushing boundaries and expanding what car culture can be.

For Rebecca Nguyen, cars are more than machines—they’re memory makers, conversation starters, and gateways to community. Her story is a reminder that passion, when paired with intention, can reshape an entire industry.

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How Design Shapes Culture: Jennifer Reynolds on Hospitality, Innovation & Scottsdale’s Global Rise

Scottsdale has quietly become one of the most influential hospitality and culinary destinations in the country—and behind many of its most memorable spaces is Jennifer Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of Ideation Design Group (IDG).

On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood sits down with Reynolds to explore how intentional design fuels cultural tourism, attracts global brands, and shapes the way cities like Scottsdale show up on the world stage.

With more than 25 years of experience, Reynolds has built Ideation Design Group into a boutique architecture and interior design firm known for creating standout restaurants, hospitality spaces, airport concepts, and entertainment venues across 48 states and internationally. From Universal Studios and Planet Hollywood to airport lounges, celebrity chef restaurants, and beloved local concepts, her work blends creativity with business-minded execution.

Why Scottsdale Became a Hospitality Hotspot

Reynolds credits Scottsdale’s rise to a combination of factors: strong tourism, year-round outdoor living, economic growth, and an influx of culinary talent. What was once a market dominated by chain restaurants has evolved into a thriving hub of one-of-a-kind dining concepts, chef-driven brands, and design-forward spaces.

Scottsdale’s affordability compared to cities like Los Angeles and New York, combined with its lifestyle appeal, has made it a magnet for restaurateurs, hotel developers, and national brands looking to expand west.

Designing Experiences, Not Just Spaces

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is Reynolds’ belief that great restaurant design goes far beyond aesthetics. Successful hospitality spaces must balance timeless materials, budget-conscious execution, and memorable “wow” moments that stand the test of time.

Rather than chasing trends that may feel dated in just a few years, Reynolds emphasizes classic foundations—natural materials, layered textures, and thoughtful layouts—paired with bold design elements that create emotional impact and lasting memories.

This philosophy is evident in projects like Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails, where IDG transformed a limited budget into a richly layered, high-end experience, and Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen at Sky Harbor Airport, which channels personality, energy, and fun through immersive visual storytelling.

Emerging Design Trends in Scottsdale

Reynolds points to several design trends shaping Scottsdale’s hospitality scene today, including:

  • Biophilic design, bringing greenery and outdoor elements inside
  • Elevated patios that blur the line between indoor and outdoor dining
  • Natural, regionally inspired materials
  • Speakeasies, supper clubs, and experiential dining concepts

Scottsdale has also shed outdated design stereotypes, emerging as a city known for cutting-edge hospitality spaces that rival major global destinations.

What’s Next for Ideation Design Group

Looking ahead, Reynolds is expanding IDG’s footprint into hotel design and airport lounges, allowing her team to shape entire environments rather than individual spaces. She’s also continuing long-standing collaborations with clients like Sammy Hagar, working on projects across Hawaii, California, and beyond.

A Lasting Impact on Scottsdale’s Identity

From iconic restaurants to global hospitality brands, Jennifer Reynolds’ work continues to influence how people experience Scottsdale—whether they’re locals, snowbirds, or first-time visitors. Her designs don’t just reflect the city’s growth; they help drive it.

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The Future of Pain Care: Dr. Ashu Goyle on Regenerative Medicine, True Healing & Taking a Stand for Patients

When it comes to modern medicine, few voices are pushing the boundaries of true healing like Dr. Ashu Goyle, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician who trained at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. After years of practicing traditional pain management, Dr. Goyle experienced a professional turning point that reshaped his entire approach to medicine — and ultimately led him to build a regenerative, concierge-style practice in Scottsdale focused entirely on healing rather than masking pain.

In a new conversation with Alicia Haygood, Dr. Goyle shares how he transitioned away from insurance-driven, quick-fix care and into a holistic model that treats the whole person. Instead of cortisone shots, symptom-based visits, and short appointment windows, his practice emphasizes nutrition, sleep quality, biomechanics, advanced imaging, PRP, bone marrow therapy, and cutting-edge biologics that stimulate the body’s natural ability to regenerate.

Why Regenerative Medicine?

After a decade in traditional pain management, Dr. Goyle began noticing a troubling pattern: although patients’ symptoms improved temporarily, their imaging often showed worsening damage. The standard system of cortisone injections and pain management simply wasn’t healing anything — and in many cases, was accelerating degeneration.

A regenerative medicine conference changed everything.

“I realized the body has an incredible ability to heal itself,” he explains. “I had dedicated ten years to helping people manage pain, but I wasn’t helping them heal. That realization hit me hard.”

From there, he immersed himself in the science behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapies, and the role of nutrition, sleep, physical therapy, and stress reduction in long-term wellness.

What “Natural Healing” Actually Means

For Dr. Goyle, regenerative medicine begins with the basics:

  • Food as medicine — the foundation for healthy tissues, joints, and cells
  • Sleep quality — when the body repairs itself and produces stem cells
  • Biomechanics and movement — the key to avoiding re-injury
  • Low-inflammation living — reducing alcohol, sugar, and processed foods

When someone’s lifestyle foundation needs more support, advanced biologic therapies come in — all derived from the patient’s own body. By concentrating platelets or bone marrow stem cells, he helps damaged tissues heal rather than simply masking symptoms.

A Concierge Approach That Makes Healing Possible

Regenerative medicine requires time, personalization, and participation — something the traditional insurance model no longer supports. Instead of rushed 15-minute visits, Dr. Goyle offers hour-long consultations, direct communication, and a multi-month partnership focused on long-term outcomes.

He describes it as a journey: “My goal is for you to be better one year from now than you would’ve been without this work. We go on that journey together.”

Part of that journey includes collaboration with a wide network of specialists — physical therapists, sleep doctors, functional medicine providers, personal trainers, chiropractors, and nutrition experts — creating a true village of care around every patient.

The Results Speak for Themselves

One of his favorite success stories: an 87-year-old executive who wanted to feel better at 90 than he did at 87. Through nutrition changes, PRP, stem cell therapy, laser treatments, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, he now hikes Camelback Mountain multiple times a week — pain-free.

“It takes time and commitment,” Dr. Goyle says, “but the body can do incredible things when we give it what it needs.”

The Future of Medicine

Looking ahead, Dr. Goyle believes regenerative medicine will continue to grow — especially among younger generations who already prioritize prevention, cleaner living, and long-term wellness.

“People don’t want joint replacements at 50,” he says. “They want to prevent them. And now, we have the tools to help them do that safely.”

From food to biologics, from sleep to stem cells, from biomechanics to concierge care — Dr. Goyle is redefining what medicine can look like when the goal is healing, not just symptom relief.

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How Scottsdale Serve Squad Is Transforming Community Care Through Compassion and Connection

On this week’s episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood sits down with someone who is quietly—but powerfully—changing the way Scottsdale gives back. Scottsdale Serve Squad, a community-led nonprofit movement founded by Rocky Diehm, has become one of the fastest-growing grassroots efforts in the Valley. And it all started with a simple idea: show up, give back, and treat every person with dignity, compassion, and heart.

A Grassroots Idea That Sparked a Movement

Rocky shares that Scottsdale Serve Squad wasn’t born from a formal plan or a large organization. It began with just four friends who wanted to make a difference in their city. After a Saturday run club, they went to Costco, bought Gatorade, snacks, and water, and drove to downtown Phoenix to hand them out to people experiencing homelessness.

They posted a photo on Instagram.

And then everything changed.

More people wanted to join. More people wanted to help. Donations began coming in. Within months, the group grew from a handful of friends to 20+ volunteers each month, all showing up ready to serve.

“It really was organic,” Rocky explains. “People are looking for ways to give back, and we’re just happy to create the space for it.”

Small Items, Big Impact

Scottsdale Serve Squad focuses on simple, meaningful essentials—water, snacks, hygiene kits, blankets, sandwiches—and delivers them to people who need immediate relief. In the summer months, volunteers pack ice-cold towels to place around people’s necks. The instant relief, Rocky says, is something you never forget.

These items may be small, but the message behind them is powerful: You are seen. You are valued. Someone cares.

Rocky emphasizes that their mission goes beyond handing out supplies. Volunteers take time to look people in the eyes, ask how they’re doing, listen to their stories, and offer hope. “It’s not just transactional,” she says. “Sometimes the most meaningful gift is presence.”

Stories That Stay With You

During the conversation, Rocky shares a story that deeply moved her. While serving downtown, the group met a young man named Chase. He wasn’t homeless, but he lived in a transitional home and was struggling to afford a bus ticket to see his mom for the first time in five years.

They gave him the money—and something even more important: kindness, conversation, and prayer.

It’s moments like these, Rocky says, that remind her why the Serve Squad exists.

How the Serve Squad Operates

The group currently meets once a month, typically on the second Saturday. Before each event, they post a packing list on Instagram so volunteers know what to bring. People can also donate financially, and 100% of contributions go directly toward supplies.

Because the group is growing so quickly, Scottsdale Serve Squad is now building a website, systemizing operations, and collaborating with others—including a local organizer named Jenna who discovered the group on TikTok. Together, they’re assembling 900 Thanksgiving food boxes for families in need.

And the momentum keeps building.

Holiday Outreach: What’s Coming Up

This month, the Serve Squad is helping provide full Thanksgiving meals to families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them. Next up: a Christmas outreach effort offering customized stocking stuffers for families navigating financial hardship.

“These are the things kids remember forever,” Alicia notes. “Being able to bring that joy back to families is priceless.”

A Movement Built on Compassion

Scottsdale Serve Squad is still under a year old, yet the ripple effect is undeniable. People want to be involved. People want to help. And Rocky is proof that you don’t need a big organization, a big budget, or a big platform to create big change.

You just need heart.

Get Involved

If you want to volunteer, donate supplies, or support an upcoming outreach event, you can connect with the Serve Squad on Instagram at:

@scottsdaleservesquad

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Inside the 66th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball: Scottsdale’s Most Elegant Night for a Lifesaving Cause

This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood welcomes two remarkable community leaders—Sue Carter and Caroline Connor, vice chairs of the 66th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball, taking place November 22nd. Considered one of the most elegant and meaningful philanthropic events in the Valley, the Phoenix Heart Ball brings donors, volunteers, and supporters together to champion heart health and raise critical funds for the American Heart Association.

For more than six decades, the Phoenix Heart Ball has stood as one of the nation’s top-performing Heart Balls, distinguished not only by its legacy but by its unique approach. Unlike many galas, this event includes no auctions and no paddle raises. Instead, the ball serves as a celebration of the fundraising accomplished throughout the year—a glamorous culmination of community generosity, dedication, and impact.

A Tradition Built on Purpose and Passion

Founded in 1959 by philanthropist Peggy Goldwater, the Phoenix Heart Ball has grown into a year-round philanthropic effort driven by nearly 100 women who plan every detail—from fundraising to décor to community partnerships. Each year introduces new leaders, themes, and initiatives, yet the mission remains the same: to fight heart disease and stroke, the leading cause of death for both men and women.

With over $60 million raised and more than 35,000 attendees over its 66-year history, the Heart Ball continues to be one of the most influential philanthropic traditions in Arizona.

Local Impact, National Reach

While the funds raised support the American Heart Association nationwide, a significant portion directly benefits local research, programs, and heart-health initiatives here in Arizona. This includes grants, community education, training programs, and advancements in lifesaving technologies.

The Phoenix Heart Ball is unique in that its committee is composed entirely of community-based volunteers—not corporate boards—creating a deeply personal connection to the cause. As both Sue and Caroline shared, nearly every volunteer has a “why”: a personal family experience with heart disease that inspires their commitment and service.

Stories That Fuel the Mission

For Sue Carter, involvement began with a profound personal loss—her father passed away at age 45 from a heart attack. Over the years, she has lost several family members to heart disease, making her advocacy both personal and powerful.

For Caroline Connor, memories of her father’s heart attack when she was a child and the loss of her niece to a congenital heart condition strengthened her family’s dedication to raising awareness and funding research.

These stories—shared by so many Heart Ball members—are what make the event more than a glamorous evening. They make it a movement.

A Night of Elegance and Celebration

Each year, the Phoenix Heart Ball is hosted at The Phoenician, welcoming approximately 850 guests dressed in black-tie attire and ballgowns. With dining, dancing, and an atmosphere of heartfelt celebration, the night honors the accomplishments of the year and the individuals who made them possible.

This year’s theme, “Vision for the Future,” reflects the committee’s dedication to continued progress, innovation, and expanding the reach of heart-health resources throughout the community.

Giving Back Beyond the Ballroom

While the Heart Ball itself is the signature event, the year includes additional opportunities like the annual golf tournament and ongoing fundraising efforts. Both Sue and Caroline are also deeply involved in other local charities—from Phoenix Children’s Hospital to SARRC to the Boys & Girls Club—demonstrating the strong philanthropic spirit that fuels this community.

How to Support the Phoenix Heart Ball

Whether you’re interested in attending next year’s event, volunteering, or making a donation, you can visit:

PhoenixHeartBall.org

Registration details, committee information, and donation links are available year-round.

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Vineyards in the Valley: Where Fine Wine Meets Purpose

On this week’s episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, host Alicia Haygood sits down with Scottsdale natives and lifelong friends Skyler Badenoch and Ricky Palmer, the duo behind the much-anticipated Vineyards in the Valley event returning this December. What began as a shared love of wine has grown into one of Scottsdale’s most meaningful celebrations—uniting community, compassion, and connection over exceptional wine and cuisine.

Now in its second year, Vineyards in the Valley will feature 70+ ultra-premium wineries, local chefs, and unforgettable experiences—all benefiting Hope for Haiti, a nonprofit where Badenoch serves as CEO. The organization provides vital healthcare to Haitian women and families, including early detection and treatment for breast and cervical cancer.

For Badenoch, this mission is deeply personal: “Our work focuses on improving quality of life, particularly for women and children. It’s not just about what we do, but the problems we help local Haitian leaders solve.”

Palmer’s inspiration also came from the heart. Wanting to honor his late mother, a breast cancer survivor, he turned a simple idea—hosting a wine event—into a powerful cause. “I wanted to make an impact that mattered,” he says. “When Skyler told me about the women walking miles to get screened in Haiti, I knew we had to make this happen.”

An Event Rooted in Community

This year’s event takes place at the Scottsdale Stadium, a full-circle moment for the friends who grew up watching spring training games there. Guests will enjoy world-class wine, local restaurant partnerships, and music—all while supporting life-changing healthcare in Haiti.

Leading up to the grand tasting, a series of exclusive dinners at top Scottsdale restaurants like Bourbon Steak, Catch, Hearth ’61, and Course Restaurant will pair exquisite cuisine with featured wineries.

Every sip tells a story: of community, of friendship, and of hope. “We started with a dream,” Palmer shares, “and now we’re helping change lives.”Tickets are already going fast for this year’s Vineyards in the Valley.

To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit https://hopeforhaiti.com/vineyardsinthevalley/