8 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE she supported so wholeheartedly; and for the countless people who called her a friend. Friendship with Andrea meant being drawn into her fun, frenetic and fiercely philanthropic world. She had an incredible gift for lifting others, and a charm that meant leaving any event with her took an extra 20 minutes, because she seemed to know, and love, everyone. For me, Andrea was not just a colleague but a friend. She was energetic, savvy and deeply caring. Our hearts are with her husband, Tom, her children, Thomas and Ellie, and her family. We will miss her more than words can say. We will share more about Andrea’s life and legacy in the future, and hold a community celebration of life in her honor on Oct. 1. Until then, we move forward carrying her mission: to lift up those who make the Valley a better place. As you turn these pages, I hope you find a story that makes you smile or remember a moment that shaped you, too. Because if Andrea taught us anything, it’s that when we make space for creativity and wonder — and when we lift each other the way she always did — good things grow. Here’s to making more moments that matter. When we talk about what makes a community thrive, we usually start with the basics: good schools, safe neighborhoods, steady jobs. But there’s another ingredient that binds us together, sparks our imagination and shapes who we become: the arts. Arts and culture aren’t just nice to have — they’re vital. They open our minds, lift our spirits, boost our economy and help us understand the world and our place in it. But these benefits only reach their full potential when everyone feels they’re invited to take part. Our publishing partner for this special issue, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, has long championed this idea. The Trust’s president, Steve Zabilski, often shares a story that reminds us how powerful a single moment can be: As a seventh grader, he reluctantly boarded a bus for a field trip to see “Hansel and Gretel” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles — an experience he describes, all these years later, as “life-changing.” In these pages, you’ll meet local leaders shaped by moments just like that — moments that matter. You’ll read about Chris Hamby of TheaterWorks, who nearly dropped out of high school until a late-night documentary about Jim Henson changed his life. You’ll see how Betsy Vincent’s vibrant paintings now brighten St. Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam Manor, reminding residents that beauty belongs to everyone. And you’ll hear from Kate Wells, the CEO of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, who watches magic unfold every day at a place where many staff members first came as kids and now create wonder for the next generation. These stories remind us that the arts don’t just entertain, they create moments, small and large, that stay with us and change us. And those experiences ripple outward, building connection, inspiring futures and strengthening our sense of community. This issue also carries with it a heartbreaking moment. As we were preparing to go to press, we lost our dear publisher, Andrea Tyler Evans, to a rare form of cancer. Andrea’s loss is immeasurable — for our team, whom she championed with such joy; for the nonprofits and causes A happy moment with my friend and publisher, Andrea Tyler Evans ( right ). This is how I’ll remember her: full of joy and a sparkle that lit up the room. EDITOR’S NOTE KAREN WERNER EDITOR IN CHIEF Karen Moments That Matter

The Arts Experience “Some of my earliest arts experiences came from school field trips. Those were the first moments I realized there was a world bigger than my own, full of color, story, and possibility. Every person deserves that kind of spark and inspiration.” – Chris Hamby C.W. McMillin Executive Director of TheaterWorks / 2024 Piper Fellow Inspirational. Educational. Captivating. Community-Building. Enriching health, well-being, and opportunity for the people of Maricopa County. PiperTrust.org © 2025 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust