Every year, the AFCCA Foundation for Children commits to strengthening the health and well-being of Arizona’s kids. That includes expanding access to dental care, supporting emotional and mental health, helping children in foster and kinship care, and making sure basic needs like beds and clothing are met. This year, our board set a goal to donate $25,000 to $30,000 to organizations whose missions align with ours.
We reached that goal because of you. Our members, partners, and especially our metal recycling donors made it possible to put resources into programs that change children’s lives.
Here is a look at who we supported, why each partnership matters, and the impact our collective generosity made.
Camp Patrick: Supporting Arizona Children With Spina Bifida
$5,000 Table Sponsorship at the 2025 Camp Patrick Gala
camppatrick.com
The Foundation was proud to once again support Camp Patrick, an incredible nonprofit that provides summer camp experiences and year-round programming for children with spina bifida. Their mission creates joy, independence, connection, and lifelong confidence for campers and families. This aligns strongly with our commitment to supporting the physical and emotional well-being of Arizona’s kids.
We sponsored a table at the 2025 Camp Patrick Gala with a $5,000 contribution, and several Foundation and Association members attended in person. Not only did they show up, they also contributed even more throughout the evening to further support this worthy cause.
This year’s gala theme was Kentucky Derby, and our group fully embraced the fun. We arrived dressed to impress in our hats, colors, and Derby flair, and it was a wonderful night spent celebrating the power of community and supporting children who benefit so deeply from Camp Patrick’s programs.
Gabriel’s Angels: Healing Through Compassion and Connection
$5,000 Donation
www.gabrielsangels.org
Gabriel’s Angels provides trauma-informed pet therapy to children experiencing neglect, homelessness, abuse, or behavioral challenges. Their work supports emotional wellness, confidence, and coping skills. This aligns directly with our mission to strengthen mental and emotional health for Arizona’s children.
This donation helps bring therapy teams to more schools and youth programs. We also had the pleasure of meeting Bella, one of their therapy dogs, at a board meeting. She instantly reminded us why this work is so important.
The SmileZone: Bringing Health and Confidence to Arizona Kids
$1,400 Sponsorship of Their Annual Golf Tournament
www.thesmilezone.org
The SmileZone ensures children have access to dental care and the confidence that comes with a healthy smile. If you attended our 2024 Fall Mixer, you know they were our charity of choice. We believe strongly in their work because dental health is a basic part of a child’s ability to learn, thrive, and feel confident.
Our sponsorship included two foursomes, tee box hosting, and visibility throughout the event. We donated one foursome back as a raffle prize at the Fall Mixer to keep the support flowing into the community.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley: Holiday Joy and Community Support
$5,000 Donation for the Holiday Shopping Event
www.bgcaz.org
Every December, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley give children the chance to choose gifts for themselves and their families. It brings joy, dignity, and a sense of belonging to kids who may not otherwise experience that confidence during the holiday season.
Their thank you letter captured it beautifully:
“Your support is already lighting up the season for our Club members, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and cared for.”
They also shared that the event is not just about presents:
“It is about the joy of giving, the pride in choosing something meaningful, and the warmth of knowing they are supported by a caring community.”
And the handwritten note says it all:
“We are so grateful. Thank you so much for investing in our kids.”
This is exactly the kind of support that builds emotional health and helps children feel connected and valued.
Helen’s Hope Chest: Standing With Children in Foster and Kinship Care
$5,000 Donation and Three Boxes of Toys for Jakelle’s Christmas Box
helenshopechest.org
Helen’s Hope Chest supports children in foster and kinship care by providing clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies, books, and holiday items. These essentials help children feel prepared, comfortable, and confident at school and at home.
Their thank you letter explains the need clearly:
“Your gift serves the most vulnerable children in our community, those in foster care, kinship care and group homes.”
And the need is significant:
“With 14,000 children across the state in need and only 3,000 licensed families, support like yours is critical.”
They also shared how efficiently they stretch donations:
“More than 400 volunteer hours monthly help stretch financial support to meet the needs of as many children, from infancy to 18, as possible.”
The impact is impressive:
“Over 500 visits a month and more than 50,000 items of clothing, books, toiletries and diapers provided each year.”
Thanks to our Fall Mixer attendees, we delivered three full boxes of toys for Jakelle’s Christmas Box. The Foundation also contributed a $5,000 gift to support their continued work.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Ensuring No Child Sleeps on the Floor
$4,800 to Each Arizona Chapter in Phoenix and Kingman
20 Beds With Bedding Per Chapter
shpbeds.org
Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds and delivers beds to children who do not have a safe place to sleep. This directly affects physical health, mental health, school performance, and overall stability.
Each chapter will receive $4,800 which provides 20 complete beds and bedding. That means 40 children will sleep safely and comfortably because of this donation. We are planning in person visits with both chapters soon and we look forward to sharing more.
Our 2025 Giving Total
Total Giving for 2025: $31,000
This brings over our goal of $25,000 to $30,000 in charitable giving. It is a milestone for our Foundation and for our profession statewide.
A Special Thank You to Our Metal Recycling Donors
Metal recycling drives nearly everything we do. These donations generate almost $60,000 each year. That revenue allows us to reinvest directly in Arizona communities.
A heartfelt thank you to:
- Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center
- Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery
- Messinger Mortuaries Cemeteries Crematories
- Sunwest Funeral Home (Heritage Funeral Chapels)
- Deca Cremation Services (Hansen Mortuaries)
We are also grateful for every individual who contributed throughout the year. Your support allows us to serve thousands of children across Arizona and expand our reach into even more communities. If you would like to make a personal donation or if your organization is interested in participating in our metal recycling or gifting programs, please email director@azfcca.org. Your partnership truly makes a difference.
Help Us Identify Our Next Community Partners
The Foundation loves supporting statewide organizations, but we know that every community has its own needs. If you know of an organization in your area that aligns with our mission to Keep Arizona School Children Happy and Healthy, please let us know. We welcome new connections and partnerships.
Together, we can make 2026 an even stronger year for Arizona kids.