Frontdoors is proud to recognize those who volunteer their time, treasure and talents to support local organizations in a leadership role. 36 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | APRIL 2019 CHEERS TO THE CHAIRS { Society of Chairs } Nicole Anderson and JoAnn Stevens Chairs of Inchstones: A Celebration of Champions benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona ucpofcentralaz.org Why do you support UCP of Central Arizona? Nicole: The day our child was faced with a devastating diagnosis, our world came crashing down. There were incredible moments of pain and sadness as we realized our dreams for our daughter were vanishing before our eyes. Alexandra had already begun services with UCP prior to our diagnosis, and our therapy team was among the first to know of this news. They were there for us as we grieved and wanted to learn as much as possible about her diagnosis of Pitt Hopkins Syndrome. Now over the course of three and a half years, her therapists and the support staff at UCP have offered us a renewed sense of hope for her future. Three times a week, every single week, Alexandra receives therapy to develop critical skills to help her achieve her dreams. I support UCP as a family ambassador, annual donor, volunteer and as a member of their board of directors, so that others can learn about UCP’s critical role in the community. Our family is forever grateful for the incredible therapists that have given Alexandra the gift of hope and cheer her on as she masters every single “inchstone” along the way. JoAnn: I support this organization because I believe they are doing amazing work for families, children and adults with special needs. They helped my family navigate a very hard path when our son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 6 months, and they continue to support Max through triumphs and challenges of everyday life with CP. He has grown to love his therapists as well as the teachers in their inclusive early-learning center. He knows everyone as we walk the UCP campus and they have become like family to us. Describe this year’s event. Nicole: Our 8 th annual fundraiser “Inchstones” promises to inspire and offer a unique glimpse into living life with a disability, while living a life without limits. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Alexandra and Max, my daughter and JoAnn’s son, as well as other children who are defying the odds on a daily basis. While medical journals tell us that our children may never walk or talk, UCP tells us they can and will . Either through a visit to UCP or by attending the event, you will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and hopefully inspired to do more and be more for your community. Favorite movie: JoAnn: Any Harry Potter movie. It was the first “real” book I ever read at the age of 10, and it cultivated my love for reading. The books continued to be released throughout my childhood and I finished the last book when I was 19. I’ve been obsessed with HP for most of my life, so naturally I love the movies. Favorite place to travel: Nicole: The French Riviera. I fell in love with the coastal beaches of France while in college and will never forget the majestic beauty of the Mediterranean waters, not to mention the fabulous food, shopping and history! I’ve been back since, but never with Alexandra. One day I hope to be able to share other cultures and experiences with her. JoAnn: Puerto Vallarta. The people are friendly and fun, the culture is rich and colorful. Great food, beach and sun. Such a beautiful place!

Thank you to all of our March Cheers to the Chairs! Nominees: Latasha Causey & Kate Baker Teach for America (Celebration Dinner) Scott Ellsworth & Braydon Dennis Brokers for Kids and Agents Benefiting Children (Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club, Brokers for Kids) Julie Hancock Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona (2019 Success Starts With Hope Breakfast) To Nominate Your Event Chair, Co-Chairs, Honorary Chair or Board Chair, Contact Jill@FrontdoorsMedia.com. Produced by You’re Invited! Society of Chairs 2019 Tables and Tickets Now Available Wednesday, May 8, 2019 | 6:00 pm The Arizona Science Center Featuring Culinary creations from Chef Michael DeMaria – M Culinary Award Sponsorships Now Available Contact Andrea@FrontdoorsMedia.com for details Honoring Nancy Hanley Interesting fact about you: Nicole: My daughter is one of only 1,000 children in the world living with Pitt Hopkins Syndrome. In an effort to raise funds for critical research and continue to build awareness for Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, I founded RareiTees for a Cure, an online clothing brand with 100 percent of proceeds going to research. I volunteer my design skills to launch personalized apparel for any cause, with my clients knowing they are helping to give back in a very big way, all through the purchase of a T-shirt. JoAnn: I’m passionate about sharing what life is like for kids like my son Max. One of my main goals is to ensure that the people around him know exactly who he is and that he is so much more than a diagnosis. CP is a small part of who he is. I use my voice to educate and advocate for my son and others in the special-needs community.