when love leads Giving Grandmas
Ten years ago, a group of friends—all grandmothers—joined together to support Phoenix Children’s. “WINGS stands for ‘When In Need Grandmas Serve,’” says MaryJo Grogan, the group’s president.
Today, they’re a powerhouse, 50 strong. Demonstrating the spirit of philanthropy for their grandchildren, they’ve raised more than $1.5 million for Phoenix Children’s.
breaking the silence Tackling a Mental Health Epidemic
Two years ago, five women—all moms active in philanthropy—came together to support children’s mental health. “There was an epidemic happening, and emergency rooms were overwhelmed,” says Ashley Hawkins, a founding member of PCH Sage, an all-female philanthropic circle supporting behavioral health at Phoenix Children’s.
The numbers at Phoenix Children’s told a troubling story—at least seven children or teens visited the emergency department every day for self-harm or violent thoughts.
“We felt a calling,” Hawkins says. “We want to empower families to navigate these dark waters, and we believed partnering with Phoenix Children’s would make the greatest impact.”
PCH Sage draws its name from the wisdom of women and the hardy desert herb. In October 2024, the group welcomed 10 more members and has already raised $103,000. With a garden party fundraiser underway, they aim to raise at least $500,000 through signature events in the next five years. The Sage Secret Garden Soiree takes place December 7 at the Royal Palms Resort.
men on a mission How 50 Men Are Changing Pediatric Care
PCH50 is a group of 50 community leaders who are raising funds for targeted needs at Phoenix Children’s. “We share the intimate stories as to why and how we are selecting these causes,” says Chris Hanrahan, a PCH50 member and managing partner at Chevelon Capital Management.
Since 2017, PCH50 has raised more than $7.2 million for programs and equipment, including:
• Phoenix Children’s ambulance: Emergency transportation designed with young patients in mind
• Da Vinci robotic surgical system: Cutting-edge equipment that elevates the hospital’s reputation as a pediatric surgical leader
• Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT): Trained professionals who defuse situations when children in crisis may act violently
“This year, we’ve set a goal to raise over $2.5 million through our four events,” says Kory Leadon, president of PCH50 and senior lead advisor at Brighton Jones. Those events include Off The Record, an intimate country music concert, as well as the PCH50 Pickleball Championships and the Half Round Showdown golf tournament. They also partner on the annual car show, Concours in the Hills.
