26 NOVEMBER 2023 By Rachael Bouley A local nonprofit passionate about helping at-risk kids is bringing back its annual fundraiser celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Kids in Focus is hosting the fifth annual Noche para los Niños (Night for the Children) to raise funds and draw attention to the artistry of overcoming adversity. Founded in 2012 by Karen Shell, the organization gives underprivileged kids aged 10-18 the chance to explore photography and see the world in a new light. These pre-teens and teenagers often face abuse, neglect, poverty, homelessness, or critical medical conditions, and Kids in Focus gives them a creative outlet to channel those challenges into art. “While serving kids from primarily low-income communities, our vision is to provide mentoring photography programs to create opportunities for any child to express their unique perspective and voice with skills that foster confidence, resilience and joy,” Exhibits Manager Ann Alger Piraino said. By partnering with 16 local organizations – including Arizona Friends of Foster Children and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley – Kids in Focus connects with youth in need. The afterschool program pairs attendees with dedicated mentors, who, over nine weeks, teach them how to use a camera and take them on field trips to snap photos. These images are then displayed in a public exhibit with an opening night gala. With new skills under their belts, participants move on to the Grads in Focus program, allowing alum participants to stay connected and continue creating art. True North Camps bring kids into the beautiful nature of northern Arizona, while closer to home, workshops are held throughout the year for students to work on their craft and eventually become junior mentors to help others. The mentoring programs encourage kids facing adversity to build resilience and help boost their self-confidence. “Looking through the lens of a camera can help a child reframe how they view themselves while encouraging them to see the world from a new perspective,” Piraino said. “Staff at our partner organizations, mentors, and kids’ parents report improvements in behavior, attitude, anger management, and self-confidence, both during and after the program.” Such opportunities are made possible through a team of volunteers and community support at the signature fundraiser, Noche para los Niños. The fifth annual event happens on Thursday, November 2, from 6-10 p.m. at Arizona Heritage Center in Papago Park. Guests will be treated to live music, food, a silent auction, a raffle, and a live auction. A gallery of work created by Kids in Focus participants is the highlight of the fundraiser, showcasing how donations support programs and help youth. Recently appointed Kids in Focus Executive Director Nan McCoy is excited to experience her first Noche event. “I have heard from many attendees that it is their favorite event of the year, and I can’t wait to experience it,” McCoy said. “Critical funds raised will literally provide a new lens on life for even more kids in our community.” kidsinfocus.org Kids in Focus annual event returns for fifth year Noche para los Niños is a Kids in Focus fundraiser with food, music and Day of the Dead-themed performances. (right) Photography mentoring programs teach teens how to look at the world through a different lens. PHOTO: CHADWICK FOWLER NMLS #2408347 BK #1041294 Conventional Loans Bridge Loans FHA Loans Construction Loans Private Money Loans Commercial Loans VA Loans Investor Loans HELOC's Jumbo Loans Portfolio Loans Bank Statement Loans highplacemortgage.com | 602.463.3780 2930 E Camelback Rd, Suite 175 Phoenix, AZ 85016 LET US HELP YOU BUILD THE RIGHT FINANCING STRATEGY THIS SPOOOOKY SEASON