This year’s Hoops for Hope fundraising dinner has something for everyone! Love to shop? Our Silent Auction offers trips to exotic and not-so-exotic destinations. Have you ever spent the night in a castle? You can, by being the successful bidder for 2 nights at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs. Love sports?
Our signed Corbin Carrol photograph is a beautifully mounted collectable for one of this season’s most successful ballplayers. Love culture? Hoops for Hope features a gallery with Native American paintings, pottery, and history for an immersive experience. Continue the celebration of culture through renowned Hoop Dancer Sky Duncan, whose dances include ones from various tribes. Tickets and sponsorships are available now for a vibrant celebration of Native American heritage through dinner, dance, and culture.
Through our Silent and Live Auctions, we will raise vital funds to provide laptops and tuition-assistance scholarships for our 2026 RISE Scholars.
Our special guest, recent Harvard University graduate and 2021 RISE Scholar Kylie Hunts-in-Winter, shares her journey to and through college. You’ll also hear progress updates from last year’s speakers Elliott Aw and Valeria Zamora, who are joined this year by Jose Soto. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate culture, honor achievement, and ignite the journey of underrepresented youth. Join us at Hoops for Hope!
Hunts-in-Winter received Harvard University’s 2021 Emerging Global Leader Award
Thank You To Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our business community partners whose generous sponsorships make our gala possible. Your commitment uplifts students and helps create opportunities that change lives!
Sacred Hoop Sponsor
Arizona State University
Eagle Sponsor
Sun State Builders
Kroger
Buffalo Sponsor
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of AZ
Spirit Sponsors
Eve Pet Hospital
Flex Technology Group
FiberFirst
Moses Seo
Maxify Marketing
Cedar Sponsors
The Art of Framing
Benedictine University
Student of the Month – Excellence Rewarded
Two Nursing Assistant students, one morning and one afternoon, were selected by EVIT Teacher Natalia Ramirez for “their attitude, attendance, good grades and making positive relationships with their peers”.
Students receive a congratulatory letter, Certificate of Achievement, and $50 as part of their award
Well done, Nursing Assistant Students Alyssa Grapevine and Emmalene Schnepf!
Alyssa Grapevine
Emmalene Schnepf
Kyle Lile, Arizona State University Manufacturing Associate, Dexcom Inc.
At the 2024 College Bound AZ Luau of Love Gala, Kyle Lile, was a featured speaker to share his journey to and through college.
Then a manufacturing engineering senior at ASU, Kyle conveyed he was encouraged to go to college in 2020 through the RISE Scholars program. College was a particular challenge for Kyle because of his autism.
Determination is one of Kyle’s superpowers and he steadily progressed through his studies. He held a part time job at the same time, which meant long hours to stay on top of his grades.
Kyle received help with the cost of college with two tuition-assistance scholarships from College Bound AZ. He was the first RISE Scholar to receive the Disability Scholarship now offered each year for students like Kyle.
He was the first RISE Scholar to receive the Disability Scholarship now offered each year for students like Kyle. He and his family were thrilled when he graduated college in May 2025.
Now a college graduate, the transition to the workforce can be a sticking point that requires determination once again. College Bound AZ helped Kyle with a graduation package that included a professional photo and a stipend for professional attire.
Sporting his tailored suit, Kyle successfully interviewed with Dexcom Inc., a Mesa company that manufactures glucose monitoring devices. Asked if he thought the professional attire helped him land his position, Kyle replied, “They really liked it (the suit), and probably the reason I was able to get the job, along with the resume,”
Professionally, Kyle is on his way. Perhaps even more significant is that his professional employment will allow Kyle to lift himself out of the ranks of the working poor and become a thriving community member.
College Bound AZ is a Certified Autism Center and a proud member of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Students enrolled in RISE Scholars completed their September Orientation class.
Here’s a breakdown of our 311 students:
City
First Generation 187 60%
Gender
Special Needs 43 14%
Equity through Education Leader
Arizona State University is the newest member of the College Bound AZ Visionary Circle. Giving at this level is truly a vote of confidence in the life-changing opportunities possible through College Bound AZ. “By working together, we are creating pathways for all students – regardless of background – to thrive and succeed ,” stated Dr. James Rund, Senior Vice President, Educational Outreach and Student Services.
We are profoundly grateful to ASU for standing with us in this mission and for investing in the promise of every student’s future. Their leadership inspires us to keep pushing forward for equity through education so that more young people can access the education and opportunities they deserve.
Thank You!
It’s with your help and support that students who aspire to a better life through education get the resources they need to succeed. Thank you so very very much!
