September at the Foundation: Events, Resources & Ways to Get Involved

September is bringing plenty of ways to connect, get involved and learn something new with the community!

This month, we're highlighting opportunities to give back at our Volunteer Fair, helpful classes and resources to help you stay safe and independent, upcoming community events, and a special spotlight on some of the people who help keep the Foundation running.

Plus, we're sharing a few important updates, some Arizona trivia and a look ahead at what's coming this fall.

There's a lot happening, let's jump in!

Want to meet new people, try something new and make a difference? Come explore Sun City West Foundation's Volunteer Fair!

Meet local organizations, discover different ways to get involved and find a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests, skills and schedule.

• Thursday, September 24
• 10 a.m.–noon
• Sun City West Foundation | 14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.

Come curious, meet some great people and you just might find your perfect way to give back!

Register today!

Sun City West Foundation is currently looking for Monitors to join our team and help keep activities at the Foundation running smoothly.

Monitors assist with setting up and taking down meeting rooms and completing light janitorial duties. Monitor schedules vary and may include day, evening and weekend shifts.

The position offers competitive pay. Applicants should be comfortable with physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds, moving tables and chairs, and vacuuming.

Interested? Visit the Foundation office Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to complete an application.

Ready to explore more ways to get around? Sun City West Foundation's Find Your Ride program can help you get started!

Our upcoming free Find Your Ride class will have a special emphasis on Valley Metro's RideChoice program and helping residents with the application process. We'll walk through how to apply, what information you'll need and how to take the next step.

The class will also feature a presentation from All Thrive 365, including an overview of its programs and a special focus on the Volunteer Rides program.

We'll also share information about local transportation resources that can help you stay independent, connected, and on the go.

• Thursday, September 24
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Sun City West Foundation | 14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.

Have questions? We want to hear them! Call 602-662-4260 to RSVP today.

Can't attend the class or have questions about the Valley Metro RideChoice application? Call the Find Your Ride helpline Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–noon for application assistance.

Behind the work of Sun City West Foundation is a dedicated Board of Directors helping guide the organization, support its mission and keep it moving forward. Board members are elected to serve three-year terms, bringing their experience, perspectives and commitment to the Sun City West community.

This fall, we're welcoming new members, celebrating returning leaders and saying thank you to several longtime Board members.

Beginning October 1, 2026, Christine Novello and David Miller will join the Foundation's Board of Directors.

Christine Novello brings extensive executive, leadership, and consultant experience and recently served as President of the RCSCW Governing Board. She is also an active member of the Sun City West community and a professional musician.

David Miller brings decades of scientific, management and leadership experience, including more than 30 years at Idaho National Laboratory. He has also served on Sun City West's Budget and Finance and Golf committees.

We're also pleased to congratulate SCW Foundation President Robert Wilson and Treasurer Mark Hochstatter, who have been re-elected to serve another three-year term on the Foundation Board.

With Our Gratitude

As we welcome new and returning members, we also extend our appreciation to three directors completing their service on the Board.

Rosemary Dougherty and Karen Battaglia each completed nine years of dedicated service, and Jay Anderkin completed a full three-year term on the Board.

Their time, leadership and commitment have helped guide the Foundation and further its mission of enriching lives throughout Sun City West. We are grateful for the many ways they have contributed to the Foundation and our community.

As the Foundation moves into another year, our Board of Directors will continue to play an important role in shaping what comes next, helping to guide our work, strengthen our programs and ensure we continue responding to the needs of the Sun City West community.

Please join us in welcoming Christine and David, congratulating our re-elected and serving members and thanking Rosemary, Karen and Jay for their dedicated service. We look forward to another year of serving Sun City West together!

If you heard singing, laughing and maybe a little friendly competition coming from the Foundation in August… now you know why!

Music Bingo was a blast! Thank you to everyone who came out to play, test their music knowledge and spend the evening with us. We loved seeing the room filled with familiar faces, new friends and plenty of “I KNOW THIS SONG!” moments.

A big thank you to our August event sponsor, Sunridge Dental Care with Okun Dentistry, for helping us turn up the fun and make the event possible. We truly appreciate their support of the Foundation and the Sun City West community.

And we can't forget our 50/50 raffle winner — congratulations! Thank you to everyone who grabbed a ticket and joined in on the excitement.

Of course, an event like this doesn't happen without the people behind the scenes. Thank you to our volunteers and everyone who helped make the evening run smoothly.

Ready for an encore?

We're bringing Music Bingo back in November!

We'll share all the details soon. Until then, start brushing up on those songs, artists and lyrics — you never know what might make the next playlist!

Join us for a free In-Home Safety and Fall Prevention Class in partnership with Arizona Fire & Medical Authority and discover simple ways to make your home and daily routine safer while helping you stay active, confident and independent.

• Tuesday, October 6
• 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
• Sun City West Foundation | 14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd.

A little prevention can make a big difference.

Register today, you don't want to miss it!

Sun City West Witches Ride for Charity is rolling back into town Friday, October 30!

Get ready for decorated golf carts, creative costumes, plenty of Halloween spirit and a whole lot of fun all while giving back to local causes that support seniors in our community.

Want to join or learn more? Event details, including participation information, are available on the Foundation website.

Can't join the ride, or missed the opportunity to donate? You can still make a difference! You can support Sun City West Foundation and Benevilla by making a donation directly to Sun City West Witches Ride for Charity. Contributions help support the work these organizations do for seniors in our community.

Grab your broomstick (or golf cart!) and get ready to ride!

Planning for the future can also be an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Sun City West Foundation is planning an upcoming educational workshop focused on charitable and legacy giving. The workshop will explore ways to support the causes that matter to you, including charitable giving from your IRA through Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), which may offer tax advantages for eligible individuals.

Whether you're considering charitable giving today or the legacy you hope to leave in the future, this workshop will provide helpful information as you plan ahead.

Save the date, more details are coming soon!

This workshop is for educational purposes and is not intended as tax or financial advice.

Heading out for your morning walk? Before you lace up your shoes and hit the sidewalk, add one more thing to your routine: a little extra visibility!

Sun City West Foundation's Safe Walker Program offers free reflective wristbands to help residents stand out to drivers, especially during early-morning and evening walks when visibility can be lower.

Stop by the Foundation Monday–Thursday from 8:00 a.m.–noon to pick up yours. They're lightweight, easy to wear and an easy way to add an extra layer of visibility to your daily walk.

Reflective wristbands are available while supplies last, with a limit of one per person and two per household. Free-will donations are always appreciated and help support the program and the Foundation.

So lace up, slip on your wristband and enjoy your walk because being seen is always in style!

In observance of Labor Day, Sun City West Foundation office, Helping Hands and Find Your Ride will be closed Monday, September 7.

Regular hours and services will resume Tuesday, September 8.

We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing Labor Day with family, friends and neighbors. Have a wonderful holiday!

1. Arizona became the 48th state on what holiday?

• A. New Year's Day
• B. Valentine's Day
• C. Independence Day
• D. Thanksgiving

2. True or False: Arizona is home to more hummingbird species than any other state in the U.S.

3. Which Arizona city was once known as “Pumpkinville”?

• A. Phoenix
• B. Prescott
• C. Flagstaff
• D. Yuma

4. About how many days of sunshine does the Phoenix area receive each year?

• A. 150
• B. 200
• C. 250
• D. 300+

Sunny Side Scorecard

No changing your answers now! Let's see how you did.

• B — Valentine's Day. Arizona officially became a state on February 14, 1912.
• True! Arizona's diverse habitats make it an especially popular destination for hummingbird watchers.
• A — Phoenix.
• D — More than 300! There's a reason we love our Arizona sunshine.

How'd you score?

• 4/4: Arizona expert
• 3/4: Desert-savvy
• 2/4: Not bad!
• 0–1: Looks like we'll see you at the next Sunny Side trivia!

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 Values: Ready to Help, Do the Right Thing, People First, Build Together, and Solution-Focused. These values shape how we serve neighbors through programs like Helping Hands, Find Your Ride, educational classes, and community events.

Want to learn more about how Sun City West Foundation serves the community, or how to get involved? Visit our website anytime.