November Community News: Giving Back, Chili Cook-Off,  Holiday Helping Hands + Much More!

As the year winds down, many residents are preparing to take their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from retirement accounts. Did you know you can donate all or part of that amount directly to the Sun City West Foundation — tax-free? A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) not only reduces your taxable income but also helps sustain vital programs such as Helping Hands and Find Your Ride, ensuring residents continue to receive the support they need.

Consult your financial advisor or IRA custodian for details, or give us a call at 623-584-6851 to learn more about how your RMD can make a lasting impact right here in Sun City West.

The winter season is one of the busiest times of year for Helping Hands, as residents welcome family and friends for the holidays. The Foundation’s lending program provides free short-term loans of wheelchairs, rollaway beds, cribs, walkers, and children’s equipment — helping residents prepare for guests with comfort and ease.

We’re also seeking new volunteers to join our dedicated team! Helping Hands volunteers greet visitors, clean and prepare equipment, and ensure that every loaned item is ready for use. Each shift directly supports the independence and wellbeing of our community. The more people we serve, the more donations we receive — and the greater our impact across Sun City West.

Whether you’re looking to volunteer or need equipment for the holidays, Helping Hands is here for you. Visit us Monday–Friday from 8 AM – Noon at 14624 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd. or call 623-975-5499 to learn more.

Warm up your December with friendly competition and delicious food! On Thursday, December 11, from 3–5 PM, Sun City West Foundation will host the first-ever Chili Feed & Cook-Off — a flavorful community event that brings neighbors together to share recipes, laughter, and goodwill at 14465 W R H Johnson Blvd.

• Enter the Contest: Residents can compete for the title of Best in the West by entering their homemade chili.
• Be a Judge: For a small free-will donation, receive a Judge’s Badge and vote for your favorite chili.
• Dinner for Everyone: Enjoy chili with toppings, cornbread, dessert, and good company for just $5.
• Give Back: Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Valley View Community Food Bank and earn extra raffle tickets for door prizes.

Water will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own beverage of choice. This family-friendly evening is the perfect way to connect with neighbors while supporting local families during the holiday season.

Reserve your spot early to cook, taste, or simply enjoy the festivities!

Keep your confidence and independence strong with our ongoing educational programs, designed specifically for Sun City West residents. These free monthly classes help you stay informed, prepared, and connected to essential community resources.

• AED/CCO Safety Training: Learn hands-on CPR, AED use, and compression-only CPR skills with the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority. Next sessions: November 11 and December 9, 9–11 AM.
• Find Your Ride Transportation Workshop: Discover how to use local ride options — from volunteer programs and ADA services to Uber and Lyft apps. Next sessions: November 20 and December 18, 10–11 AM.

Both programs are open to the public and hosted at Sun City West Foundation. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Don’t miss the chance to learn valuable skills and stay mobile and safe.

Visit our website to view class details, future dates, and simple sign-up instructions.

There’s always something happening at Sun City West Foundation! From community fundraisers to educational workshops, our events bring neighbors together, build friendships, and strengthen the heart of our community. Mark your calendars and join the fun:

• Dec 11: Chili Feed & Cook-Off – Great food, prizes, and community fun.
• Jan 15: Music Trivia Bingo – Back by popular demand!
• Feb 28: “A Better Tomorrow” Health Fair – Free health screenings with the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy.
• Mar 6: Pickleball Ball Drop Fundraiser – Watch thousands of pickleballs fall from the sky in a high-energy community event benefiting local charities.

Check our website often for details, sign-up links, and updates as event dates get closer. Every gathering is an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and give back to the place we call home.

Each month, we love to thank our newsletter readers with a special giveaway — and this month’s Safeway gift card goes to:

🎉 John Zupanc 🎉

Congratulations, John! Click the video above to see the live drawing result and share in the excitement.

Thank you for being part of our Sun City West Foundation community! Staying connected helps us share updates about local events, volunteer opportunities, and programs that make life better for everyone in Sun City West.

Missed out this time? Don’t worry — every subscriber is automatically entered into our monthly drawings. Stay tuned for the December giveaway winner in next month’s newsletter!

Our Vision: A community where life is enriched every day.

Our Mission: Enrich lives by providing facilities, services, events, and support to community partners.

Our Purpose: A 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and support charitable, educational, and service activities that serve the Sun City West community.

Our Core Values:

• Ready to Help: We show up with open hearts and helping hands.
• Do the Right Thing: We act with honesty, fairness, and integrity.
• People First: We treat everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion.
• Build Together: We believe in the power of community and collaboration.
• Solution-Focused: We listen, learn, and take action to create lasting solutions.

These values guide every program, service, and event we offer — and they’re why the Foundation has been a trusted part of Sun City West for nearly 40 years.

Your support keeps vital community services strong and accessible. Every contribution — big or small — helps us provide medical equipment loans, affordable meeting spaces, transportation guidance, and community programs that enrich daily life in Sun City West. There are several ways to give:

• Mail or drop off a gift: 14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.
• Donate online: donate.scwfoundation.org
• Planned giving: Talk with your estate planning attorney about leaving a legacy.
• Tax-free charitable donation: Contribute via your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) — call 623-584-6851 for details.

Consider becoming a monthly donor to sustain programs that directly support your neighbors.