In addition to the core programs, Arizonans for Children has developed a variety of special programs, which ensures that special interests, leadership development, and recreational opportunities are addressed. Please check often for upcoming events and new programs.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Arizonans for Children hosts a variety of events throughout Arizona. Using teams of volunteers and in-kind donations, we are able to provide foster children with a variety of experiences that will begin to broaden their view of the world and their place in it.
ENCHANTED ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK FOSTER FESTIVAL ANNUAL EVENT
Since 2010, the owners of Enchanted Island Amusement Park have partnered with Arizonans for Children to hold a glorious event for foster children and their families. The entire amusement park is opened to foster families, while our donors contribute food, drinks, games, music, rock climbing, bounces, zipline, a petting zoo and entertainment. Our community partners provide services such as haircuts, mentoring, and vital information on benefits available to foster families. Click on the Video below to see what transpired. This is an annual event. Special thanks to all of our Donors and Community Partners.
“WOW OH WOW WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY FILLED WITH SUCH BEAUTY!! THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR EFFORTS TO MAKE SUCH A SPECIAL DAY FOR SO MANY!!!- Chris from Northwest Christian School
My daughter and I had a wonderful time volunteering! It was so rewarding and seeing how excited the kids were to get a fresh haircut was heartfelt! Susan from Discover Card
That was an amazing event. As a former DCS employee, I would have to say that was one of the most life-giving events I have ever seen for those in the foster care system. Scott from Catholic Charities
TRAIN PARK PICNIC
Since 2004, in conjunction with the Model Railroading Society, Arizonans for Children has held annual picnics at the Adobe Model Train Park. In addition to being served a hot picnic lunch, the children played with the numerous model trains and were instructed about their operation by members of the model train society. Five trains that both adults and children can ride on operate continuously during the picnic. Each train holds 25 people and each ride lasted for 30 minutes. The trains travel into the desert through miniature cowboy towns, ranches and farms. As soon as the ride would end the children would get right back in line for the next train. This is an annual event.
Children’s Holiday Party
Every December, Arizonans for Children hosts a joyful holiday celebration for children in foster care and our 2024 party was one to remember! Nearly 400 children and their caregivers from across Maricopa County joined us for a day filled with laughter, music, and festive fun.
Families were greeted by special guests like Miss Arizona and characters from Star Wars and Marvel before enjoying a warm meal, cozy hot chocolate, and sweet treats. Inside the gym, kids played carnival games, created holiday crafts, danced to a lively DJ, and visited Santa’s Workshop to choose a special gift. Of course, no holiday party is complete without a photo with Santa himself!
Community partners like ASA Now and Free Arts added to the magic with generous giveaways and creative activity stations, helping us create a truly memorable day.
The celebrations continued at our Phoenix Visitation Center, where families enjoyed a week of holiday-themed activities and gift-giving in a safe, welcoming space. We also distributed gift bags to more than 400 foster children across the county – each one packed with care to help make their holiday bright.
Thanks to our incredible volunteers, donors, and partners, the season was filled with warmth, joy, and lasting memories for so many deserving kids.
“I want to thank you for such a great Christmas party. The kids are still talking about the Christmas party and can’t wait to open their gifts.” Savena Stewart
“What an amazing holiday party Saturday was….thank you ALL so much we had a great time….and you all did so much to make it wonderful…….We heard so many BIG KIDS saying WOW!!! as they were walking through the parking lot opening the wonderful gifts you put together for them the little ones are always excited … so thanks again for a wonderful time God Bless and Merry Christmas to you.” Cindy Moreno
“Tears came to my eyes and heart as I read of all the wonderful support for the holiday party. Another amazing accomplishment by the Board of AFC. Merry Christmas!” Hugs, Jackie Flowers
Community Event Tickets
Arizonans for Children contacts community event vendors and solicits and then distributes the tickets to children in foster care. The tickets are given to foster children in various group homes. These tickets were to: Suns games, Diamondback games, Phoenix Mercury, Baseball Spring Training games, Arizona Ballet, Great Arizona Puppet Theater, Polar Ice, Arizona Youth Theater, Shrine Circus, Phoenix Children’s Museum, Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Gardens, Rawhide Wild West Town, Phoenix Art Museum and Phoenix Zoo.
From January 1, 2003 – May 31, 2025 we distributed 53,500 tickets worth $1,003,006.