AZCEND honored at the East Valley Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast

On April 8, community leaders from across the East Valley gathered for the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, a morning centered on unity, reflection and shared responsibility for the communities we call home. This year, AZCEND was selected as the beneficiary of the event, a recognition that reflects both the trust of our partners and the growing needs across the region.

Hosted by the Town of Gilbert, the event brought together more than 300 civic, business and faith leaders committed to strengthening the East Valley. Each year, the host city selects a nonprofit partner whose work reflects the spirit of the event. For AZCEND, being chosen carries deep meaning.

“It is a giant honor to be selected,” said Interim CEO Steve Hewitt. “We want to be that nonprofit partner that our cities and towns can rely on when families need support.”

At the event, attendees heard directly from AZCEND through a video message featuring Hewitt and stories from the community.

That partnership is not new. AZCEND works closely with the Town of Gilbert and City of Chandler every day, from providing senior meals and operating family resource centers to supporting rent and utility assistance programs. These collaborations make it possible to meet people where they are and respond quickly when needs arise.

As AZCEND marks its 60th year of service, this recognition is also a reflection of a long history rooted in community. What began in 1966 as a small, church-based food bank has grown into one of the largest nonprofit service providers in the East Valley. Today, AZCEND serves thousands of individuals and families each year through programs that address hunger, housing instability and literacy.

 

 

That growth has always been guided by one principle: adapt to meet the moment.

“We have changed with the community over time,” Hewitt shared. “From a small food bank to a full-service organization, we continue to respond to what people need most.”

Right now, those needs are significant. Rising costs for housing, utilities, and basic necessities continue to put pressure on families across the region. In the past year alone, AZCEND distributed more than one million meals and helped prevent nearly 1,300 households from facing eviction or utility shutoff.

Behind those numbers are real people who navigate difficult choices every day.

“Without places like AZCEND, where would those families go?” Hewitt said.

The ability to respond at this scale is only possible because of strong community support. Donors, volunteers and partners all play a role in making this work possible.

“Without them, it is not possible to do what we do,” Hewitt said.

That shared commitment is also reflected in the trust AZCEND has built over time. The organization has consistently earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and maintains a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator. These recognitions reflect a deep commitment to accountability and to being good stewards of every dollar entrusted to the organization.

“We take that responsibility seriously,” Hewitt said. “Our partners trust us to do the right thing and to show the impact of their support.”

The East Valley Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast is ultimately about bringing people together around that shared responsibility. It is a reminder that strong communities are built through connection, collaboration and care for one another.

For those who are new to AZCEND, the message is simple. Help, hope and support are always within reach, and there are many ways to be part of that work. From volunteering and hosting food drives to making a donation or claiming the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, every action helps strengthen the community.

“It takes a whole community to raise a community,” Hewitt said.

As AZCEND looks ahead, that belief continues to guide the work. The need is real, and so is the opportunity to show up for one another.