News and Events

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…

We’re under construction

April 6, 2026 – Construction at AZCEND began today and is expected to continue through May 1, 2026. The newly refined spaces will be home to AZCEND’s overnight Heat Relief & Respite program. “I am so excited to be able to offer this service to our community in partnership with the City of Chandler during…

AZCEND opens nominations for the Tracey Washington Spirit Award

AZCEND is proud to once again honor the legacy of Tracey Washington through the Tracey Washington Spirit Award, presented at our annual Spirit of AZCEND Gala. Tracey served as AZCEND’s Food Bank Manager for 14 years, showing up each day with deep care for the people he served. He believed in meeting people with dignity,…

One home shared, two lives strengthened

For many senior adults in the East Valley, staying in the home they love is becoming harder each year. Rising housing costs, medical expenses and everyday necessities continue stretching fixed incomes further and further. Today, older adults are the fastest-growing population experiencing homelessness in Arizona. Many seniors are forced to make impossible choices between covering…

Lighting the lake, feeding our neighbors

Twenty one years ago, the Luminaria walk at Diamond Lake in Sun Lakes began with a simple idea. “We were sitting around in 2004 at Christmas in my backyard,” said Judith Johnson, founder of the event. “My son said, ‘you ought to get some of your friends and just put luminaries around the lake. It…

AZCEND announces leadership transition plan and Interim CEO appointment

Today AZCEND shared an update on a leadership transition plan designed to ensure steady, consistent oversight of the organization’s mission and day-to-day operations serving neighbors facing hunger, poverty and homelessness. After thoughtful consideration, Chief Executive Officer Trinity Donovan announced she will be transitioning from her role, with her departure set for March 6, 2026. “AZCEND…

Hunger does not take a season off

When people think about hunger relief, many picture the holiday season. They imagine food drives around Thanksgiving or generous meals shared in December. While that support is deeply meaningful, hunger does not begin and end with the holidays. For many families across the East Valley, the need for food support exists every single day of…

AZCEND earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2026

At AZCEND, your trust matters. Every meal served, every family supported and every life strengthened begins with a community that believes in showing up for one another. That is why we are honored to share that AZCEND has once again earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2026, the highest level of recognition for…

A fresh start looks different for everyone

The start of a new year often brings a sense of possibility. It’s a time when many of us pause, reflect and think about what lies ahead. We make plans. We set intentions. We imagine what this next chapter might hold. But fresh starts don’t always come with clear roadmaps. Sometimes, they arrive quietly. Through…

AZCEND Celebrates the 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Campaign

AZCEND is thrilled to once again participate in the national Subaru Share the Love® Event, partnering with Subaru of America and Meals on Wheels America to bring comfort, connection and nourishment to seniors in our community. Each year, this generous campaign lifts up our Home Delivered Meals program and Senior Centers—programs that are a lifeline for…

Empty Bowls returns to fill hearts and tables

Hunger continues to affect far too many of our neighbors—right here in Maricopa County, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 seniors don’t have enough food to eat (Valley of the Sun United Way). On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Chandler-Gilbert Community College will host the 12th annual Empty Bowls event, bringing our community together…

Kathy Tilque receives Tracey Washington Spirit Award

Kathy Tilque has been selected to receive the 2025 Tracey Washington Spirit Award from AZCEND in honor of her service to the community. Tracey Washington served as the Food Bank Manager at AZCEND for 14 years changing the lives of many in our community. Tracey respected people, understood people and was committed to serving people.…