Writer Amanda Christmann
Photography Courtesy Foothills Caring Corps

[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou’ve probably seen the fleet of white vans with blue Foothills Caring Corps emblems painted on the side. You may even know one or more of the many people who make up the army of Foothills Caring Corps volunteers. What you may not be aware of is just how important they are to hundreds of people.

Imagine awakening one morning and being surrounded by an entire world of possibilities, yet having no way to access them: no way to visit friends, attend events, go to the grocery store, keep doctors’ appointments or just have fun.

Perhaps your vision or your health has failed to the point that you can no longer drive. Perhaps you’ve lost a partner who did all the driving for you. Perhaps you are on a fixed income and can no longer afford a vehicle or insurance.

This is the case for thousands of people across the Valley. In fact, one of the biggest struggles of growing older is lack of mobility, and the very real physical and psychological impact that being trapped at home has on our lives. Nearly all of us will face this reality at one point or another.

Since 2000, Foothills Caring Corps has been the saving grace for thousands of homebound people in Carefree, Cave Creek, North Scottsdale and North Phoenix. With a fleet of seven vans, four of which are wheelchair accessible, their trained, genuinely caring volunteers take neighbors to concerts, plays, movies, shopping, lunch, Silver Sneakers, chair yoga and a variety of other fun excursions. They also make trips to the grocery store and assist people who can’t get out with meals and shopping.

In the last year, Foothills Caring Corps has helped over 600 people by delivering 8,380 meals, providing 5,226 van trips, making 740 social visits, and lending 544 medical items.

They’re more than just a friendly smile; Foothills Caring Corps is a lifeline. They can mean the difference between a neighbor being able to remain in their own home or having to sell their belongings and move into assisted living. Caring Corps volunteers and resources are freedom to many people.

That’s why Foothills Caring Corps’ 14th Annual Taste of Foothills fundraiser is so important.

Cave Creek’s Stagecoach Village will host one of this year’s most delicious events March 15 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Television personality and native Phoenician Terri “Terri O” Ouellette will be the celebrity guest of honor.

Auctioneer Jonathan Blair will offer a chance at prizes, and Kilted Spirit, the eclectic band known for charming audiences with a unique blend of Celtic sound, will bring the boundless musical enthusiasm and fun that have made them Phoenix favorites.

The big draw to Taste of the Foothills is, of course, the food. Guests will enjoy a festive evening filled with sweet and savory tastings from local restaurants, including Bryan’s Black Mountain BBQ, Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen, Civana Carefree, It’s a Divine Bakery, Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, The Herb Box, Liberty Station and Venues Café.

The evening includes amazing food, delicious wine, a craft beer tasting, the ever-popular wine table, live music, and live auctions—all to improve quality of life through Foothills Caring Corps.

“We are so grateful for the community’s generosity at the Taste of Foothills Fundraiser. With each admission ticket purchase, you make a generous contribution to support services promoting elderly independence and help the Caring Corps to meet the growing need for these services,” said Foothills Caring Corps executive director, Debbra Determan.

Join Terri O, Jonathan Blair, Kilted Spirit and some of the North Valley’s most caring friends and neighbors for a fantastic evening out for a great cause. General admission is $50 per person. VIP admission, which includes tickets for 10 guests and a reserved group table, is available for $1,000. All proceeds benefit the volunteer-based nonprofit.

480-488-1105

foothillscaringcorps.com

14th Annual Taste of Foothills Mobility Fundraiser

Thursday, March 15

5–8:30 p.m.

Stagecoach Village

7100 Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek.

$50 per person

$1,000 VIP admission receives 10 tickets and a reserved table

480-488-1105

foothillscaringcorps.com