Photos Courtesy of Scottsdale Quarter
The Foster Alliance, previously known as Arizona Helping Hands, is teaming up with Scottsdale Quarter (15279 N. Scottsdale Rd.) and McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) on Saturday, Dec. 7, to host the second annual Fill Santa’s Sleigh event. This special, one-night-only holiday celebration is part of the organization’s Holiday Joy Drive, one of Arizona’s largest toy collection efforts. Through this initiative, The Foster Alliance aims to bring holiday gifts to over 45,000 children in foster care across Arizona in 2024.
“Our hope is to bring light and joy to children in foster care, showing them that they are remembered and cherished,” said Maureen Noe, president and CEO of The Foster Alliance. “Fill Santa’s Sleigh is a chance for our community to share in the spirit of giving and help make the season truly special for Arizona’s foster youth.”
The headliner for this event is a benefit concert courtesy of M3F Festival. The featured band will be Goldwax Revival. Goldwax Revival is a dynamic 12-piece band bringing the rich sounds of soul music to life with their powerful vocals, vibrant brass section, and high-energy performances. Their timeless repertoire and unmatched stage presence is set to make this holiday event unforgettable.
Accompanying the free concert, Fill Santa’s Sleigh will include meet and greets with favorite winter wonderland characters, pictures with Santa, holiday treats, hot chocolate, seasonal crafts, special giveaways and a festive donation area for unwrapped gifts. There will be a marked drop-off location as well for those who would like to donate but cannot attend the event. Monetary donations are also welcome. Thanks to Arizona Lottery and M3F, every gift and dollar donated will be matched up to $50,000.
“Partnering with The Foster Alliance allows us to bring the community together in a way that uplifts Arizona’s foster youth,” said Zach Buckhardt, general manager at Scottsdale Quarter. “We’re honored to host this event, creating a space where families can come together to make a positive impact this holiday season.”
The event will be held in the courtyard across from the Culinary Dropout located in the Scottsdale Quarter and will be held from 5-7 p.m. For more information, to donate or to find a gift wish list, please visit thefosteralliance.org/holiday-toy-drive/.
