12 DECEMBER 2025 By Kylie de Best Samantha Tradelius has always had a soft spot for single moms. Inspired by her grandmother, GG, who raised three children on her own, Samantha noticed something striking in her grandmother’s stories… she never mentioned reaching out for help, or anyone helping her. That realization ignited the creation of the Sparkle Foundation. Before officially founding Sparkle, Samantha and a group of friends quietly supported 17 families across the LA and Bay Area, raising $35,000 from their own homes between 2003 and 2015. Seeing the potential to make a bigger impact, they launched the 501(c)(3) Sparkle Foundation in 2016. Today, the organization has hundreds of volunteers across the Bay Area. By 2023, Sparkle expanded to Los Angeles and Sacramento, raising more than $500,000 and assisting 5,500 single mothers. In 2024, Angeles Klein, founder of the group Better Together, teamed up with Samantha to start the Phoenix chapter. “Being a single mother, I understand first-hand the unique challenges we face,” Angeles said. “We give moms hope and are able to be a small part of their journey by making sure the sparkle brought to them has been life-changing.” This December, Sparkle will host its Holiday Gift Drive, the organization’s largest volunteer event of the year. On December 13, volunteers will wrap gifts at Fresh Start and deliver them to area moms. Every gift is personalized for the mother and child, taking into account the child’s age, interests, and needs. In Phoenix, 26 single-mother families and 53 children will benefit, while all Sparkle chapters together will support 200+ children and their families. The foundation also celebrates moms on Mother’s Day with gift bags filled with beauty products, snacks, candles, handwritten notes, and gift cards; a small way to say, “We see you, and you matter.” Beyond gift-giving, Sparkle provides year-round opportunities to support single mothers. Their annual Sparkle Brunch sells out every year. Kids can also participate in volunteer events. Sparkle doesn’t just offer support and gifts – they also provide financial help. Enrichment scholarships cover costs for children’s extracurricular activities, from registration fees to uniforms and supplies, giving kids the chance to explore new passions without financial barriers. Whether you volunteer, donate, or spread the word, there’s a place for everyone to help bring a little sparkle into the lives of single moms in the community. After all, a small act of kindness can make a world of difference. sparklenow.org A little sparkle goes a long way for these moms Angeles and Samantha purchase gifts, which are then wrapped and delivered with the help of volunteers. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELES KLEIN After all, a small act of kindness can make a world of difference. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE FROM DAY... YOU’LL FIND IT AT THE ARCADIAN ...TO NIGHT THE ARCADIAN a r c a d i a n P H X . c o m 3.25% Exclusive Interest Rates * Interest rates are introductory and subject to change. Contact our sales team for current rates. *

N O W – D E C 3 1 Experience a month-long holiday celebration like no other—complete with dazzling décor, exceptional dining and shopping, festive tours, and unforgettable events. Don’t miss the magic! SCOTTSDAZZLE STROLL AND SHOP Saturday, Dec 6, 13, 20 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Stroll along the beautifully decorated canal to enjoy local musicians, sweet treats, a pop-up market by The Merchantile and entertainment illuminated with holiday lights and décor. GOLD PALETTE ARTWALK Thursday, Dec 11 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM The Scottsdale Arts District gets into the festive spirit with this Scottsdazzle-themed ArtWalk featuring holiday and seasonal artwork, plus browse through dozens of stunning galleries. PANCAKES & PAJAMAS WITH SANTA Saturday, Dec 13 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear holiday-themed pajamas for a festive breakfast that features a meet and greet with Santa Claus, musical performances by Greasepaint Theatre and crafts. CHOCOLATE WONDERLAND Saturday, Dec 13 | NOON – 1:00 PM Press pause on the holiday bustle and learn how to create your very own chocolates by rolling, dipping and coating your signature flavor. Event hosted by b Naked Chocolates. HOLLY JOLLY DIY DÉCOR Saturday, Dec 13 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Enjoy live holiday music while professional artists from Scottsdale Artists’ School lead attendees in decorating and creating their very own unique holiday decoration. SPARKLE & SPIN SCAVENGER HUNTS Sunday, Dec 14 & Saturday, Dec 20 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Discover Old Town in a whole new way! This holiday headscratcher invites guests to hop on their bikes and spin around Old Town for a seasonal scavenger hunt. WRAPPED IN TRADITION: HOLIDAY TAMALES Sunday, Dec 14 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM The Corral Family shares the art of holiday tamale-making! From preparing masa and savory fillings to assembling and steaming, you’ll learn classic techniques. Event hosted by Los Olivos. HOLIDAY DUELING PIANOS ON THE BRIDGE Sunday, Dec 14 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Join us for a lively holiday-themed dueling piano event on the Marshall Way Bridge! Watch musicians, Mikey and Fouad, face off with festive tunes and even jump in for a sing-along or two. DAZZLING DISH & WINTERY WINE Sunday, Dec 21 | 11:00 AM – NOON Watch as James Beard Award-Winner, Chef Charleen Badman, brings one of her favorite winter dishes to life coupled with a wine tasting by Los Milics. Event hosted by FnB & Los Milics. SCOTTSDAZZLE TOYLAND Sun, Dec 21 | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Join Scottsdale’s elves at their enchanted workshop and be whisked away into the magic of the season! Have fun decorating Christmas and Hanukkah crafts and writing letters to Santa. Check out the dazzling event lineup SCOTTSDAZZLE.COM