Tag: Scottsdale lifestyle

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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/

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Scottsdale Fashion Square: The Evolution of an Iconic Luxury Destination

From Desert Beginnings to a Nationally Ranked Landmark

Since opening its doors in 1961, Scottsdale Fashion Square has transformed from a modest outdoor shopping center into one of the nation’s premier luxury destinations. Ranked among the top malls in the United States, the center continues to reinvent itself while honoring its storied past.

Recently, I sat down with Lauren McGlinch, Events and Communications Manager, and Melanie Sutton, Senior Marketing Manager, to explore how this Scottsdale landmark continues to thrive in a fast-changing retail world.

A Rich History of Growth

In its earliest days, Scottsdale Fashion Square was surrounded by ranch land and desert, a reflection of the city’s Western roots. Anchored by Goldwaters and Bayless, the original center soon expanded, adding Nordstrom, Barney’s, and later its signature luxury wing anchored by Neiman Marcus.

Over the decades, the mall’s evolution has mirrored Scottsdale’s own rise as a hub for luxury, lifestyle, and innovation. Today, it features more than 200 stores, from iconic luxury houses like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Hermès to contemporary favorites like Alo Yoga, Lululemon, and Foot Locker.

Meeting the Demands of a Growing City

Scottsdale is no longer just a resort town — it’s an economic engine attracting corporate headquarters, global brands, and new residents from across the country.

“2020 was a pivotal year,” Sutton explained. “We saw an influx of people relocating from California and Colorado, drawn by Scottsdale’s quality of life and vibrant culture. That growth pushed us to make sure we could offer every shopper — whether they’re local or visiting — the best mix of luxury and lifestyle brands.”

The arrival of Hermès in September 2024, featuring one of the brand’s largest shoe salons in the country, underscores that commitment.

Beyond Shopping: Creating Experiences

As McGlinch pointed out, Scottsdale Fashion Square is not just a mall — it’s an experience.

Shoppers can enjoy:

  • Fine dining at Catch, Toca Madera, and Nobu.
  • Luxury hospitality at Caesars Republic Hotel.
  • Coworking opportunities at Industrious.
  • Community events like Scottsdale Fashion Week and partnerships with Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“We want people to stay,” McGlinch said. “Grab brunch, attend an event, meet friends for dinner. It’s not just about shopping anymore.”

Innovation in Dining and Entertainment

Food is at the heart of every community, and Scottsdale Fashion Square is preparing for its most ambitious project yet: a full Palm Court Food Court renovation slated for completion in November 2026.

The redesign will feature:

  • Comfortable, family-friendly seating.
  • Immersive digital displays, including a state-of-the-art screen on the glass elevator.
  • Upgraded design to match the luxury look of other wings.

The relaunch will debut with a spectacular holiday experience, blending technology, dining, and entertainment in one central hub.

Scottsdale on the World Stage

Fashion Square’s influence extends far beyond Arizona. With exclusive brands like Brunello Cucinelli, Versace, and Princess Polly, the center has positioned itself as a global destination.

Marketing strategies extend to international fashion weeks in Paris and Milan, ensuring that Scottsdale is not only recognized locally but also celebrated by a worldwide audience.

“Our goal is to put Scottsdale on the global fashion map,” Sutton said.

Community Connection at the Core

Despite its luxury reputation, Scottsdale Fashion Square is deeply rooted in the community. From hosting charity luncheons to collaborating with Scottsdale Arts and Experience Scottsdale, the center continues to give back.

“We both stay active in local organizations,” McGlinch shared. “It’s about finding the right fit for each event and making sure Fashion Square remains connected to the people who live here.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Decade

So, what does the future hold for Scottsdale Fashion Square?

Both Sutton and McGlinch point to adaptability as the key. With Gen Z shoppers returning to malls for in-person experiences, the center is focusing on events, immersive retail, and expanding its dining scene.

“Things are always changing,” McGlinch said. “In five to ten years, our goal is to keep listening to the community, keep evolving, and keep creating experiences that make Scottsdale Fashion Square the place people want to be.”

The Scottsdale Vibe

When asked what excites them most about the mall today, McGlinch highlighted the expanding culinary scene, while Sutton emphasized the prestige of being Scottsdale’s go-to destination.

Their favorite Scottsdale vibes?

  • McGlinch: Scottsdale’s country music culture and lively nightlife.
  • Sutton: Outdoor adventures in the McDowell Mountains — balanced with a martini at day’s end.

Both answers reflect the same spirit that drives Scottsdale Fashion Square itself: a blend of luxury, lifestyle, and community that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.