Photo courtesy of St. Joseph the Worker
On Saturday, April 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Phoenix nonprofit St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) will host its 26th Annual Hike for Hope at McDowell Mountain Regional Park’s Pemberton Trailhead located at 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr., in Fountain Hills.
The Hike for Hope event offers participants a choice between a 1.5-mile or 4.5-mile hike, offering a fun and interactive way for people of all ages and their pets to make a difference in the community. Registration is $50 for adults and $10 for all children under the age of 13 and includes an adult T-shirt and breakfast with coffee. All proceeds will directly empower the nonprofit in eliminating obstacles to employment, equipping clients with the necessary resources to achieve financial success and self-sufficiency.
“As we embark on our 26th Annual Hike for Hope, we are reminded of the power of community and compassion,” says Carrie Masters, CEO of St. Joseph the Worker. “Through this event, we not only raise vital funds but also awareness and hope for those striving for financial independence. Inspiring change, step by step, towards a brighter future for all.”
With a goal of raising $100,000, SJW has implemented a friendly competition leaderboard on the event page, which highlights the top fundraisers. Hike for Hope participants can register and make donations as individuals or teams. The top two individual fundraisers will be given prizes. Teams are also encouraged to come in costume. The best team costume will receive a catered lunch for 10 by Helpings Cafe, a social enterprise that helps end homelessness in the community.
In addition, SJW is organizing a 50/50 raffle for the event. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite for $5 each, with the option to bundle three tickets for $10 or six tickets for $20. The winner will receive 50% of the raffle proceeds, while the remaining 50% will directly support SJW. The drawing will take place on the day of the event, and participants do not need to be present to win.
Parking at McDowell Mountain Regional Park is free for event participants. SJW suggests hikers bring a water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, and cash or credit cards to purchase raffle tickets, as well as waste bags and a water bowl for pets.
Founded in 1988, St. Joseph The Worker offers free employment services through its Employment Without Barriers Program and transitional housing through its Workforce Villages program. In fiscal year 2023, SJW provided its services to more than 10,000 individuals, a 37% increase over the previous year and the largest number of clients served in its 35-year history. The organization extends its reach to clients residing in more than 50 ZIP codes across the Valley through its three locations.
SJW is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Arizona residents can use QCO code: 20248 to receive a dollar-for-dollar Arizona state tax credit of up to $421 for individuals and $841 for couples filing jointly.
To register for the 26th Annual Hike for Hope or to donate, visit sjwjobs.org/hike4hope.
