Community Spirit in Action: Events, Jobs & Ways to Give Back - Your Sun City West Foundation Update

We’re excited to share the very first edition of the Sun City West Foundation E-Newsletter! Each month, on the first Friday, we’ll bring you uplifting stories, event highlights, and ways to get involved right here in Sun City West. You can expect just one newsletter per month—plus the occasional important update when something special happens. Thank you for joining us on this new journey of connection and community—we’re so glad to have you with us!

At Sun City West Foundation, our mission is to enrich daily life by creating spaces where neighbors can connect, learn, and support one another. Recently, we hosted two events that captured the spirit of our community in action.

• Music Trivia Bingo: Residents gathered for an evening of music, laughter, and friendly competition. The game brought smiles and song to the room, reminding us of the joy of shared experiences. We extend special thanks to Ann Becknell, who donated her 50/50 raffle winnings back to the Foundation. Her generosity helps fund programs that directly benefit local residents.
• Ice Cream Social: Nearly 100 attendees came together for ice cream, conversation, and connection. With trivia games, door prizes, and the support of sponsors, the event offered more than a sweet treat—it helped bring residents together, encouraged friendships, and reinforced the welcoming spirit that defines Sun City West.

These gatherings are part of a growing calendar of activities designed to strengthen community bonds and support wellness.

We’re always planning new opportunities for connection, learning, and fun. Upcoming events will be added to our website and included in these emails. Add us to your contact list today so you never miss a chance to join your neighbors at the next gathering.

Behind every strong community is dedicated leadership. We are pleased to welcome Ken Holtz as the newest member of our Board of Directors. Ken brings professional experience and a deep commitment to serving others. His insights will help us grow programs and respond to evolving community needs. At the same time, we honor Richard Livengood, our past president, whose leadership and vision shaped many of the Foundation’s successes. While board members may change, our mission remains constant: to provide facilities, services, and programs that make life better in Sun City West.

Our banquet and meeting rooms are at the heart of many community activities—used daily for classes, club meetings, social gatherings, and special events. To ensure these spaces remain welcoming and functional, the Foundation is hiring part-time monitors. These team members play a vital role by preparing rooms, setting up tables and chairs, and assisting groups so events run smoothly.

• Hours: About 15 per week, flexible scheduling
• Shifts: Daytime, evenings, and weekends
• Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and a spirit of teamwork

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to directly support the everyday life of Sun City West. Monitors are the quiet heroes who help neighbors gather, learn, and celebrate together.

An Artistic Affair is one of our most anticipated community events—and this year’s main event on November 6, 2025 is officially sold out! Thank you for the incredible response and support. But don’t worry—you can still be part of the fun and help support vital community programs at our Free Preview Night on Wednesday, November 5, from 4–6 PM.

During Preview Night, guests can:

• Browse hundreds of beautiful handmade pieces created by local artists and residents
• Bid on silent auction items featuring unique art, crafts, and creative works
• Purchase bucket raffle tickets and drop them in for a chance to win themed prizes—winners will be contacted after the event

We’re also still accepting donations from artists and local businesses! We especially welcome jewelry, woodworking, metal, cards, paper crafts, weaving, quilting, stitchery, pottery, glass, and all types of paintings. Items can be dropped off at the SCW Foundation office (14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd., near the Posse and Resale Shop) Monday through Thursday, 8 AM–12 PM. Every artist who donates receives a Free Bucket Raffle Ticket Bundle as a thank-you for contributing.

Local businesses are invited to participate as well—gift baskets, gift cards, and themed prizes are always appreciated and add excitement to the evening. Past favorites include donations from local salons, restaurants, and shops right here in Sun City West.

This event directly supports Helping Hands, which provides free medical and mobility equipment to residents. Even if you can’t attend the sold-out main event, Preview Night is the perfect way to enjoy local art, meet neighbors, and give back to your community.

Stop by our office or call 623-584-6851 for more details about Preview Night, artist submissions, or business sponsorships. We can’t wait to celebrate this special evening with you!

We’re still welcoming local artists, clubs, and crafters to contribute to this year’s Artistic Affair fundraiser. Every handmade piece—whether it’s jewelry, woodworking, quilting, pottery, or painting—helps raise funds for Helping Hands, which provides free short-term loans of medical and children’s equipment to Sun City West residents in need.

• Deadline: October 30
• Drop-off: Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 12 PM
• Location: SCW Foundation office (14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.)

Each artist who donates will receive a Free Bucket Raffle Ticket Bundle as a thank-you for their generosity.

• Local artists: Jewelry, woodworking, quilting, pottery, painting, and more are all welcome.
• Local businesses: Gift baskets or gift cards make wonderful raffle prizes and are greatly appreciated.

You don’t need to be a professional—just a neighbor with creativity and heart. Your contribution ensures the Foundation can continue providing equipment, resources, and services that keep Sun City West residents healthy, active, and connected.

Have questions or want to arrange a drop-off? Call Teresa Brown at 402-312-0565 for more details.

The Sun Health Resale Shop is more than a store—it’s a vital source of funding for local wellness and healthcare. Every purchase and donation directly supports programs that benefit Sun City West residents.

• Shop for bargains: Find furniture, clothing, jewelry, home décor, kitchenware, and vintage treasures—all sales-tax free.
• Give back: Donate clean, gently used items; large furniture pickups can be scheduled.
• More than resale: The shop provides Vials of Life emergency kits, recycles ink cartridges, and offers rotating sales.

Located at 14445 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd., the shop is open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM (Drop Offs accepted until noon). Call (623) 584-3869 for details. When you shop, you’re supporting your own community.

We love rewarding those who stay connected! Every month, all newsletter subscribers are automatically entered into a drawing for a Safeway gift card. This is our way of thanking you for supporting the Foundation and engaging with community life.

• No entry required: If you’re subscribed, you’re included.
• Winners announced: Each month in this newsletter.

By staying subscribed, you ensure you’ll always know about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and services that matter—and you might just be our next winner!

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 corporation established to promote and support charitable, educational, and service activities and organizations that serve the 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 are more than words—they are the principles that guide every program, service, and event we offer. They are 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 West 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: Make a contribution via RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) - call 623-584-6851 for details.

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