Day 5, March 26 - Metro Phoenix
The big orange bus returned to the Valley of the Sun for the final day and the last of 25 stops during the week of Kindness. It was an early start and lasted well into the late afternoon/early evening, as the goodness kept pouring out.
GCU VACCINE POD
It was a Good Morning in Arizona on Friday, as the Kindness Arizona bus entered the Grand Canyon University campus to celebrate the volunteers who have been serving the community for weeks as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those volunteers were treated to breakfast on Kindness Arizona, with a sandwich, drink, snack and goodwill as they distributed vaccines to Arizonans.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
Giving out Kindness directly to the public continued in the morning, with a stop at Circle K. Adorned in Kindness Arizona wardrobe, our volunteers surprised customers filling up for gas by giving a gift card to cover the final tally.
"I was wondering what was going on. Some dude runs up to me, with cameras, and gives me a $50 gas card," said customer and receiver of Kindness Nate Chapman. "You put a smile on my face, I was having a rough morning. I didn't know what was going on, but it feels good and made me want to smile. I really appreciate it."
PHOENIX FIRE
More than ever given the needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders have been incredibly busy, helpful and patient. Phoenix Fire serves the needs of residents from a healthcare perspective, as well as battling fires when necessary.
To recognize the tireless efforts of the firefighters, Kindness Arizona sent a delivery of cookies and kindness to the approximately stations in the City of Phoenix. In addition to the goodies, Kindness Arizona left a $1,000 donation to the Phoenix Firefighters Charities.
"We are very happy to receive this money. Our charities help with more than 911 calls. Families call when they need help and where there is a need, we are there to take care of our community with quality customer service," said Ramon Gonzalez of the Phoenix Firefighters Charities. "One example is when someone loses their home, our charity helps the family with a place to stay, toys for holidays, meals and transportation, plus we put on education programs like teaching CPR and other health programs."
OCJ KIDS
Another pillar of Fiesta Bowl Charities is Youth which is why the next two stops were perfect for Kindness Arizona. OCJ Kids helps children in bad/unhealthy situations transition to the foster system. It can be overwhelming for kids to go through such a major transition.
Kindness Arizona tried to make the transition easier by providing cuddle bags for the children awhich came with a stuffed animal and hygiene supplies. OCJ Kids was also presented with a $2,500 donation to help aid their ongoing efforts.
"Thank you to Fiesta Bowl Charities for their partnership. Because of their love and compassion, we are able to provide these cuddle bags to kids that are coming into the foster care system," said Tammie Webb, Director of Operations for OCJ Kids. "Within the next week, some sweet little baby that is being removed from a bad situation is going to get this bag with this adorable cuddly bear and hygiene supplies that they need to make that transition. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. You are changing these kids' worlds."
FRIENDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN FOUNDATION AND ASSISTANCE LEAGUE PHOENIX
To wrap up an amazing week of Kindness, Fiesta Bowl volunteers headed to Downtown Phoenix for the last stop. Two organizations in Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Assistance League Phoenix, who help foster youth and their caregivers by providing much needed supplies, helped spread kindness to end the week.
Over 500 foster youth and their care givers received new school uniforms, shoes and supplies as they return to the classroom. Cars lined the streets and volunteers greeted them as they drove up to receive care packages. Smiles, cheers and applause echoed from the parking lot for nearly two hours as the sun began to set on a truly amazing week. As a final sendoff, both organizations received a check for $2,500 to help the youth of Arizona.
"We are so grateful to be the very last stop on the Kindness Arizona tour, sponsored by the Fiesta Bowl. Two organizations that are near and dear to our heart and really support us in so many ways to provide clothing and shoes to kids in need," said, Aimee Runyon, CEO of Assistance League Phoenix. "Today we are going to be serving over 500 foster youth that really do need new clothes and shoes to get back to school. These care givers are walking away with a bundle today. We really can't thank you enough. You're bringing help and hope to so many kids and families."
Day 4, March 25 - Tucson
After a few days up north, the bus went southbound to the Old Pueblo for a day in Tucson. The sun was out and Kindness was on full display.
SALVATION ARMY
When members walk into the Salvation Army of Tucson, if they take a left they may have to double-check where they are after the renovation that resulted from the Kindness Arizona funding.
Walking on all new flooring, the members stride down the hallway to a quartet of revitalized rooms. The first left turn takes them into a fully-outfitted computer lab with eight new computers and headphones, a printer, chairs and tables. Next door hangs a new TV in a room with new storage and materials. Keep going and the game room is now home to multiple TVs that face comfortable gaming chairs, a foosball table along with other games and a bright community space. At the end of the hallway is a new-look library to spend hours in a captivating book.
"We've been blessed to. This is a dream come true, where we can make something meaningful happen," said Captain Yohani Ortiz of the Salvation Army. "What everyone is doing today, they are really making a difference by creating a space for people to be safe, have fun, learn, grow, make friends and grow socially. This is place where kids can that they feel loved and be proud of."
YOUTH ON THEIR OWN
Serving youth is a core pillar of Fiesta Bowl Charities and as part of Kindness Arizona. The second stop of the day was to assist the inspiring work of Youth on Their Own, whose aim is to prevent school dropout and support the high school graduation for homeless youth by providing financial assistance, basic human needs, and one-on-one guidance.
A check for $2,500 was left to further those efforts, as Arizona is ranked fifth-worst nationwide for child homelessness.
"COVID has been especially hard for youth who are experiencing homelessness," said Elizabeth Slater, Youth on Their Own CEO. "This gift is transformative for child who really rely on and need hygiene. We're so overwhelmed with gratitude."
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
The lunchtime gifts continued in Tucson with a stop at the legendary El Charro, which will celebrate its 100
th Anniversary next year. The home cooking and hospitality was on full display for the busy lunchtime rush.
Whether lunching in the courtyard, the front patio or in the charming home, servers were bustling to serve their customers with smiling faces and delicious food. As an additional thank you to the servers, the Kindness Arizona crew delivered an extra $300 tip to each server, on top of the gratuities from their diners.
"This is very nice to see that people do care about us. The last year has been difficult for everyone This totally made our day, it took us by surprise. This is very nice to feel the love and I can't tell you how much it means to us," server Steven Robles said. "To see that gratitude towards us, I felt it really deep down and I can speak for everyone else that we all felt the same way."
READ ON TUCSON
When the Kindness Arizona bus rolled up to United Way Tucson, a group of young students, educators, parents (and even a mascot) were there to greet the bus.
As the Kindness Arizona contingent – which included mascot Spirit – disembarked the bus with wrapped baskets, the assembled group looked in awe as the delivery kept pouring out of the bus. Along with some sweet treats were more than 250 new books for the Read on Tucson program to use in inspiring the next generation to cultivate a love of reading. And, to add the collection, Kindness Arizona included a $2,500 donation.
"Early childhood literacy is an important foundation and instills confidence," said Jeff Petrovic, United Way Vice President of Philanthropy. "The books will go right into the homes for the families that need it."
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
It had to the be shoes at the Boys & Girls Club of Tucson for the day's final stop. Three tables outside the facility were stacked with boxes of sneakers – 80 to be exact. There were different brands and styles, with a taped name on the box. Each of the children chose the shoes they wanted as part of the sneaker giveaway.
The moment came shortly afterward, as the children tried on and walked away with shiny new (and many of them colorful) and smiles.
Day 3, March 24 - Prescott
On Wednesday, the Fiesta Bowl Kindness Arizona Caravan continued its northern trek, this time spreading Kindness throughout Prescott. It was a day full of smiles, cheers to accompany donations and surprises.
YAVAPAI COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Kindness Arizona was created after the Fiesta Bowl recognized needs in communities and acted to address them. That is exactly what Daniel Swartz of "Daniel's Ride" did with his yearlong fundraiser. The Yavapai College professor saw how his students were affected by the pandemic and jumped into action to help. Daniel rode his bike throughout Prescott for 310 days and plans to go a full 365 to raise money for Yavapai College students. Kindness Arizona joined in on the cause in a big way and presented the professor (and bike rider) with a $5,000 check for the Yavapai College Foundation.
"I was floored, I think this is really fantastic," said Daniel after receiving the donation. "I really want to thank Fiesta Bowl for doing this. I think it's wonderful. Things like this make it easier to get out and bike when temperatures are below freezing."
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
The bright Kindness Arizona bus headed down the road to present another donation, this time to St. Vincent de Paul. A $2,500 check was presented to aid in the organization's helping families find housing, resources and so much more. Like so many others, Prescott families have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"What we are going to do with that money is use it on our second chance housing program," said Elmer Mosley, St. Vincent de Paul Prescott Society President. "We have a lot of folks up here sleeping in their car and they don't have money to put down their deposits, first month, last month rent, that type of thing. We will be able to take this money and help those folks."
Kindness Arizona also provided hygiene kits that will be distributed to all that come to St. Vincent de Paul for aid.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
After enjoying a great meal, with even better service, at Raven Café, Kindness Arizona decided to spread kindness to the staff. Each server working during the lunch rush left with an extra $300 tip distributed by Fiesta Bowl volunteers. Patrons throughout the restaurant looked on with curiosity when they heard cheers coming from the servers. Many customers pulled the volunteers aside to ask what was going on and the story of Kindness Arizona spread throughout the busy restaurant. We hope some great Random Acts of Kindness follow!
PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL & GRANITE MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
The caravan headed to schools in Prescott to surprise more teachers after doing the same in Phoenix and Flagstaff. Prescott High School and Granite Mountain Middle School faculty members were thrilled when they walked into their respective teachers lounges and saw a brand new, state-of-the-art massage chair. In addition to the new relaxation station, each teacher received a kit that had school supplies for their classrooms.
"This is an area where we eat lunch and talk to each other, but it doesn't get fully utilized because we are in such a hurry. This might give us a break or somewhere fun to stop and relax," said Michelle Gholston, sixth grade social studies and ALA teacher at Granite Mountain Middle School
"We were able to get a massage chair and gift bags for our teachers and it's just an impressive thing that Fiesta Bowl are doing," said Prescott High School Principal Mark Goligoski. "I know Kindness Arizona is going around the state and helping a lot of districts; we just really appreciate that Prescott High School was picked."
TAYLOR HICKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The final stop was one of the biggest surprises of the day. A newly-renovated teachers lounge, complete with massage chair, kitchen appliances, new furniture and more was unveiled at Taylor Hicks Elementary School.
Teachers gathered after the students left for the day and were shocked as they walked into their bright, new getaway. They immediately flocked to try the new coffee maker for themselves and a couple made a beeline for the massage chair to enjoy some much-needed rejuvenation.
A ribbon was cut and a day of Kindness ended before another starts in Tucson tomorrow.
Day 2, March 23 - Flagstaff
Tuesday saw the Fiesta Bowl Kindness Arizona caravan head up the mountain to Flagstaff. Yes, there was snowfall on the journey up to 7,000 feet and it stayed with the group throughout the day's activities. That made bringing the Spirit even better to the stops along the way.
SECRIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The first stop was to bring smiles to the teachers who serve the students at Secrist Elementary. Huddled up for a quickly-called meeting in the gymnasium, the group was greeted with a surprise from Spirit, who emerged from behind a red curtain.
When the curtain opened, there sat Spirit in a brand-new massage chair. It was hard to pry the Fiesta Bowl mascot out of that comfortable chair, but the teachers were successful in doing so, to enjoy that new piece of furniture for themselves.
"That is such a great gift for teachers. We appreciate all you've done for us," said Kelly Fischer, fourth grade teacher. "That's one of best massage chairs I've ever been in. We're going to need a large sign-up sheet because of all the interest."
FLAGSTAFF HIGH SCHOOL
As education is a focus of the Fiesta Bowl, the next stop was at Flagstaff High School. Going through the hallways and in a room adjacent to the library, Kindness Arizona unveiled a new teachers lounge for the faculty at the district's largest school.
"Teachers work so hard, they need a quick space where they can gather. It was a closet, but not anymore; now they can collaborate with colleagues, use as a meeting space, share data," said Principal Tony Cullen. "This is going to be the new hub of the school for teachers and they can feel that 'Someone cares about me.'"
What previously was left from the original construction in the early 1980s became a fresh new space, with tables, sitting areas, decorations, workspaces and state-of-the-art water stations.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
We mentioned the snowfall, and workers at Nimarco's Pizza overcame the weather to come to work preparing lunch for customers along Beaver Street.
What they didn't know is that at the end of the lunch hour, the five employees received a special gratuity from Kindness Arizona, on top of the "extra dough" they received from other customers.
"We were all affected by the pandemic and we all had to adjust. This was an amazing surprise and brightened my day. It's absolutely generous," said worker Alyssa Mello.
NATIVE AMERICANS FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
After filling up on pizza, the Kindness Arizona group visited the Native Americans for Community Action Family & Health Center for another delivery.
NACA is well-known in the area for its outreach to the indigenous community to provide necessary resources – basic essentials, literacy programs, provide vaccinations, wellness strategies and more.
A $10,000 check was donated to NACA, a welcome surprise to the employees on hand for the Kindness Arizona visit.
"This generous donation is the definition of kindness. The biggest thing for us is getting resources back out to our community members and this goes a long way toward meeting that," said NACA CEO Jeff Axtell.
Day 1, March 22 - Metro Phoenix
The first-ever
Fiesta Bowl Kindness Arizona caravan started its bus on Monday morning to begin the five-day, 25-stop tour across the state of Arizona. Leaving the Ziegler Family Fiesta Bowl Museum at 7:30 am, it headed to Homeward Bound and around the Phoenix Metro. Take the journey with us… and don't forget to post your own random act of kindness on social media using #KindnessArizona, with $10 for every post being donated to The Be Kind People Project, up to $5,000.
HOMEWARD BOUND
Volunteers assembled furniture, painted doorways and prepared apartment for residents of
Homeward Bound. Helping youth and families with improved living quarters as they transition in a more positive chapter in their lives, the Kindness Arizona crew improved the lives of people they likely will never meet.
In addition to the 'sweat equity' of getting the facilities prepared for families, Kindness Arizona contributed a $2,500 donation to Homeward Bound to support residents with programs promoting financial literacy, healthy relationships, youth services, reading and more.
"This is truly the best way to start your week," said Homeward Bound Arizona CEO Whitney Silence. "Families come here for a fresh start and they're definitely getting it because of today. We're on a shoestring budget, so to have the capital and also the people here to get the apartments ready for families to move in, it goes beyond just the money. We have families planning to move into these units tomorrow."
MARYLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
On the first day that students returned to the classroom, Kindness Arizona unveiled a fully renovated teachers lounge at Maryland Elementary School. With fresh coats of paint, new furniture, refurbished workspaces, a new massage chair and state-of-the-art water stations, the lounge will offer a space for teachers to rejuvenate themselves and better serve their students.
"We thought we were going to get tables and chairs and we were happy about that. I feel like I'm on a home improvement show like 'Flip Your Lounge,'" said Maryland Elementary School Principal Nick Gupton. "You've given to our students as well as our teachers. This is a very generous gift that will last a long time."
Once the jaws were adjusted back to their normal positions and the shrieks of joy had escaped their mouths, the attending teachers could put into words what this new space meant to them.
"It is a very welcoming space and I love that it's so bright. I was excited for my teammates reactions and I wanted to grab the rest of the staff in here to say 'Hey guys, come look at this,'" said Kindergarten teacher Cheyenne Kides. "My emotions are wild right now and I can't wait to use the room."
PHOENIX POLICE
Our first responders have been tested more than ever over the last 12 months, so Kindness Arizona sent a delivery of cookies and kindness to the approximately 150 police precinct stations in the City of Phoenix. This token of gratitude was greatly appreciated across the City.
"We need to give a huge shoutout to the Fiesta Bowl for continuing to make frontline workers, as well as youth and folks in the education world, a priority," said City of Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams. "This is exactly what we need in a time like this. When times are down, cookies are always amazing! Thank you very much."
In addition to the goodies, Kindness Arizona left a $1,000 donation to the Phoenix Police Foundation. The funds will help fund youth programming that brings police officers and youth together in positive engagements.
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
If you were filling up your gas tank at Circle K in the early afternoon, you may have received a surprise gift card to pay your tab.
The bus pulled up at the gas station, where volunteers jumped out the front door and paid for the gas fill-ups. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!
MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL
The opening day finished with a delivery of massage chairs and hygiene kits for the teachers at Maryvale High School. These kits will help the teachers ensure a safe environment with hygiene items, while the massage chairs keep the teachers fresh for their students as they navigate the school day.
Another dropoff at the school was a $1,000 donation for the campus to have some additional resources.
"This is amazing to the Maryvale campus, we're just so appreciative to Fiesta Bowl for recognizing our community," said Maryvale High School Principal Shakira Simmons. "We'll throw the ideas out to our staff and see what they have in mind on how to use the funds."
