38 MAY 2023 By Emma Wadley Area resident Donna Whittington received some devastating news – among the other craziness in 2020 – when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She started treatment and went through the motions that others with the same diagnosis were doing, with an added therapy: juicing. She began creating and sharing different juice concoctions with people in her support group. Three years later, with her cancer in remission, Whittington decided to share her creations beyond friends and family and opened an online juice service in Phoenix. Heal with Juice is a first-of-its-kind concept, where each juice combines organic ingredients with spiritual affirmations. Whittington and her daughter, Cassandra, deliver the products to customers’ doors. Heal with Juice offers 10 unique combinations using ingredients like celery, apples, carrots, beets, lemon, kale and ginger. While undergoing treatment, Whittington asked doctors what nutrients were most important for her healing, and that’s how she decided on ingredients. She explained that choosing them wasn’t just based on taste – she also needed to replace lost nutrients. In addition to health benefits, Cassandra explained that the names of the juice promote spiritual well-being. Examples include “I am VITAL,” “I am BLISS,” and “I am LOVE.” “One thing that makes our company unique is naming them with affirmations, something that will align someone spiritually and mentally,” Cassandra said. The “I am MINDFUL” juice, made entirely with organic celery, is a bestseller. From the website: “Our I am MINDFUL juice is the staple. Each sip commands acknowledgment. The body demands acknowledgment. We would rather have our bodies singing in bliss than in grief. With this staple vegetable, we can ensure our ease each day by being MINDFUL of what is introduced into our system.” Customer and friend Stephanie Tarr sings praise of Whittington’s accomplishments: “She didn’t want to just start a juice company but also wanted to deliver it to people,” Tarr said. “When Donna was not feeling well, there were times when it was hard to get out and get the ingredients and make the juice. But she did it. I know people who do food delivery, but I don’t know anyone else doing juice delivery.” Heal with Juice strives to have as little waste as possible. They use leftover ingredients to create edible dog treats. So not only are humans benefitting, but pups are as well. They also store their products in compostable material that calls to mind an elementary school drink pouch. “They are incredible. What I love about them is that they are handy and cool to use,” Whittington said. “I love that they’re biodegradable and BPA-free. Folks who like to recycle can remove the label and do so. They are reusable too!” Customers can place orders between Thursdays and Sundays and have their drinks delivered on Wednesdays. Individual 12-ounce pouches are $9.50, and bulk-buying options are available. healwithjuice.com Healing pastime turns into new business Cassandra and Donna Whittington with Dr. Dan Rubin of Naturopathic Specialists. PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA WHITTINGTON Two birthdays and 1,000 boxes of fun By Mallory Gleich Have you ever come across a social media post, usually drafted by a parent, where they were trying to celebrate their child’s birthday but didn’t have the means to do so? Those posts can pull at the heartstrings. A Valley woman named Amy Cohen wanted to help stop those kinds of situations from happening, so she started the Phoenix chapter of Box of Balloons, an organization that ensures every child gets to enjoy their birthday the right way – with lots of love, fun and balloons! The Phoenix chapter recently celebrated its own second birthday, and met the milestone of their 1,000th “birthday party in a box.” The service is for kids up to 12 and provides families with everything they need to throw a birthday party – decorations, cake mix (with frosting and candles), tableware, party favors, party games and a gift and card curated for the birthday boy or girl. “We started the Phoenix chapter to help spread smiles in our community and meet a need that wasn’t yet being served,” Founder Nicole Moll said. Birthdays were a big deal in the Moll household. As a child, Nicole’s mother would dream up big celebrations with Nicole at the helm. She had a horse-themed party, a luau, a geology theme (complete with gems and hammers), and a spa party. Her imagination and creativity came to life. Once Nicole became a mom, she had the same dedication to celebrating with her three boys. The parties got Nicole thinking about other kids who may not have a chance to celebrate in a big way – which is how Box of Balloons got its start. “Our goal is to help build the self-esteem and self-worth of these kids and alleviate the financial burden on families so they can celebrate without stress,” Cohen said. “We customize each box to the child’s interests and age to make them feel extra special and celebrated.” Cohen is originally from northern California. She came to Arizona intending to stay for a year, but after meeting her husband and starting the Phoenix chapter of Box of Balloons, she decided to stay and make the Valley her home. The organization works with Valley nonprofits (like Party City and Treasures for Teachers), schools and social workers that identify and refer children to the program. They find out the child’s interests to help “gather the birthday goods.” Volunteers take time decorating and packing each box. Then, it’s returned to the person who referred the child, and they deliver it to the family. “My favorite part of creating a birthday box is thinking about how celebrated each child will feel when they open it. As a kid, I always looked forward to my birthday, knowing I would feel special because of the thought my loved ones put into the day,” Cohen said. “I love the idea of helping each child build self-esteem through their celebration.” She explained that the feedback is always full of happiness and gratitude. “The reactions from kids are the best; they’re always so excited,” Cohen said. “We are overjoyed to achieve a milestone of 1,000 boxes and are so grateful for our volunteers, community partners and donors for helping us accomplish this goal.” Cohen said she looks forward to serving many more deserving children in the years to come. The nonprofit is also currently looking for volunteers. boxofballoons.org PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMY COHEN The Girl’s Rite of Passage group from Community of Grace Church volunteered for the “Build-A-Box” program. Amy Cohen

39 MAY 2023 By Cassie Hepler The Arizona Young Artists’ Competition, hosted by Phoenix’s Herberger Theater Center, is a youth education program designed to showcase diverse and emerging talent in acting, musical theater voice, classical voice, and dance. The competition provides audition experience, constructive feedback, performance opportunities, and scholarship funds to help further arts education. Phoenix Country Day School junior Nora Palermo won a scholarship for her submissions in the musical theater voice category at the 23rd annual competition. Each year, an audition is advertised through schools, online, and via word of mouth for those who act, dance, and sing (musical theater and classical voice). Anyone who wants to audition can do so, according to Community Engagement Associate Amber J. Robins. After scheduling an audition, everyone attends a preliminary interview. Four finalists are chosen from each discipline, and they compete with each other in an evening event. A panel of judges selects one winner in each category to win a $1,500 scholarship. Nora submitted two songs. “My favorite type of art is live theatre. There is something so spontaneous and special that happens during a live performance,” Nora said. “As much as I love performing, I also love to watch live theatre and read plays. Nothing compares to a sincere performance on stage. It is refreshing and thrilling.” One of the requirements for Nora’s category was that one song had to be written before 1968 and the other after 1968. For the pre- 1968 choice, she picked ‘There Won’t Be Trumpets’ from Stephen Sondheim’s Anyone Can Whistle. “Out of all the songs in my repertoire, this one is probably the most fun to sing. Sondheim’s music means so much to me. I listen to it constantly. I’m drawn to his lyrics and complex musicality,” Nora said. Her second choice was a song from Jason Robert Brown’s Parade called ‘Do It Alone.’ Nora cites Brown as her favorite musical theater composer. She had her audition on a Tuesday and was asked to compete in the finals the following Saturday. Nora said she pulled inspiration from her mentor – as all great students have one. “My motivation behind this project came from the fantastic, informative, and intellectual Kelli James. She understands musical theatre. I have been working with Kelli for years, and she helped me uncover the characters in my songs,” Nora said. “Her direction brought life into my performance and created a framework to which I add my ideas.” Outside of preparing for the competition, Kelli and Nora spend hours in the studio crafting jazz arrangements of musical theatre songs. “We think alike, which is why we work so well together. Kelli is my mentor, supporter, and inspiration. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Nora said. According to Robins, Nora was chosen by four judges who factored in stage presence, vocal quality, song choice, musicality, and other qualities. “I was so nervous. I stood with other competitors and waited for the winner to be called. When they said my name, it was amazing. I saw my friends cheering for me, and my grandma screamed my name from the middle of the audience,” Nora said. On top of winning, Nora said the day of the competition was so much fun, as she was reunited with some old friends she hadn’t seen for years. “It was so amazing to talk with them. Winning this award was very special to me because being recognized for something you excel at and love to do feels so rewarding and exciting,” she said. After graduation, Nora plans to attend drama school in the United Kingdom, but before that, she will be acting as Mrs. Lovett in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd at the Greasepaint Theatre in May. A love for theater helped this student win big PCDS junior Nora Palermo won a scholarship for her submissions in the musical theater voice category. PHOTO: RICK MEINECKE By Lin Sue Flood, Hospice of the Valley Director of Community Engagement Incredible generosity was displayed grandly at Hospice of the Valley’s annual Art Auction. A record $650,000 was raised to support community programs, including innovative care at the agency’s new Dementia Care and Education Campus, located in the heart of Arcadia. More than 420 people filled the JW Marriott Camelback Inn ballroom on March 11 to support the nonprofit’s annual friendraising event: Aaha! Art. Food. Wine. The lively crowd was eager to bid on paintings and sculptures, fine jewelry, high-end dining, rare wines, exclusive trips, and a fabulous wine pairing experience for 12 featuring the culinary talents of Chef Mark Tarbell. Several auction items drew spirited bidding, including a stay at Arizona luxury retreat Castle Hot Springs, a stunning Scott Christensen landscape of fall colors in Jackson and three nights at Montana’s exclusive Triple Creek Ranch – private jet included. “We are beyond grateful for everyone’s generosity,” Hospice of the Valley Executive Director Debbie Shumway said. “Together, we are enhancing the quality of life for countless families in our community.” Sharing the stage were Dementia Program Director Maribeth Gallagher and dynamic “auction-tainer” Letitia Frye, a former volunteer with the agency. Both spoke passionately about helping family caregivers provide compassionate care while coping with challenges and nurturing their health. “Our goal is to provide the knowledge, insight and practical tools they need to live well with dementia,” Gallagher said. Monies raised at the gala allow Hospice of the Valley to serve more families at the new campus and with a Supportive Care for Dementia program that provides in-home education and resources at no charge. Founded in 1977, Hospice of the Valley is the leading provider of hospice care in Arizona and offers a full spectrum of services for those with chronic illnesses, including all stages of dementia. Last year, the agency cared for 23,000 patients and their families and provided $12 million in charity care – serving everyone in need, regardless of insurance or financial status. dementiacampus.org Art auction raises record amount for Hospice of the Valley Hospice of the Valley raised $650,000 to support dementia care programs for families across the Valley. Andrea Tyler Evans, “Auctiontainer” Letitia Frye and Lin Sue Flood. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIN SUE FLOOD