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November 2026

Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFREDear friends,

As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself thinking about gratitude and what it looks like in action.

Throughout this edition of Philanthropy in Action, you’ll see powerful examples. Louise and David Zirretta are making a transformational investment in neurological care, inspired by their belief that meaningful change begins right here at home. And at our inaugural FRONT ROW Charity Concert, hundreds of supporters came together to raise more than $100,000 for HonorHealth Cancer Care.

These stories are different, but what connects them is something I see every day: people choosing to make a difference for others. Whether through a transformational commitment, an evening of generosity or a gift made quietly at year's end, every act of philanthropy reflects a belief in what is possible for the health of our community.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want you to know how thankful I am for you. Your generosity, partnership and trust inspire us and make so much possible for the people and communities we serve.

From all of us at HonorHealth Foundation, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving.

With gratitude,  

Jared A. Langkilde, MBA, CFRE
President & CEO

 

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Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Zirrettas

A transformational investment, close to home

For Louise and David Zirretta, philanthropy begins close to home.

The longtime HonorHealth supporters have made the largest charitable commitment in HonorHealth Foundation history, a transformational investment in the HonorHealth Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute that will help advance neurological care, accelerate innovation and expand possibilities for patients and families across Arizona.

“We have always believed that healthcare is a right for every human being,” Louise said. “This is our community. It is where we live, where our friends are, where we receive our healthcare and where we have built our lives. We see this as an investment in the health of the people who call Arizona home.”

Both Louise and David built careers connected to healthcare and science, giving them a firsthand appreciation for medicine and the importance of continued discovery. For Louise, that became personal when she underwent surgery at HonorHealth for a large, benign brain tumor and radiation treatment for a second, smaller benign brain tumor.

The expertise and compassionate care she experienced from HonorHealth neurosurgeon Dr. John Wanebo and his team left a lasting impression.

“HonorHealth gave me my life back,” Louise said.

She turned that gratitude into action. For more than four years, Louise has served on the HonorHealth Foundation Board of Trustees, helping advance HonorHealth’s mission and encouraging others to invest in healthcare here in Arizona.

Now, she and David are looking toward what comes next.

Together, they see both the far-reaching impact of neurological disorders and the tremendous opportunity to change the future of care through prevention, advanced diagnostics and emerging technologies. Their commitment will support the people, research and innovation necessary to pursue that future.

“This commitment gives us the extraordinary opportunity to think beyond the needs of today and help shape what neurological care can become,” said Dr. John Neil, president of HonorHealth. “Louise and David are investing in physicians, researchers, technologies and discoveries that can move neuroscience forward. Their generosity will help create possibilities for generations of patients we have yet to meet.”

At the heart of their philanthropy is a simple conviction: meaningful change begins where you live.

“We hope people will think about where they are living now and the difference they can make,” Louise said.

For Louise and David, this commitment is ultimately about more than what neurological care can accomplish today. It’s an investment in what might be possible tomorrow, and in a healthier future for the community they are proud to call home.

 

Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Front Row banner

Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Front Row

A front row seat to making a difference

Music, generosity and a shared commitment to exceptional cancer care came together for an unforgettable evening at the inaugural FRONT ROW Charity Concert. Featuring Brett Young, the Oct. 2 event brought together hundreds of supporters at Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale and raised more than $100,000 for HonorHealth Cancer Care.

The impact extends well beyond one evening. Philanthropic support helps advance innovative, compassionate cancer care across Arizona and beyond, strengthening the care and resources available to patients and families when they need them most. Thank you to our generous sponsors and everyone who joined us for helping make this memorable evening possible.

View the event photo gallery

 

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Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Postmarking information

Important information for year-end gifts: postmarks and online giving

Many donors prefer to wait until the end of the year to make their tax-deductible charitable gifts. If you are one of those donors, recent guidance from the U.S. Postal Service may affect when and how you choose to make your gifts.

Postmark dates are used to determine when a gift made via postal mail is officially received, and therefore, the tax year when it can be applied. If the postmark reflects Dec. 31 or earlier, the donation will typically qualify for a deduction in the current tax year. If the postmark is dated Jan. 1 or later, the deduction will typically apply to that corresponding tax year.

What changed?

The USPS applies postmarks — typically by machine — at originating processing facilities. While the USPS has clarified that the way postmarks are applied has not changed, updates to its transportation operations might affect when postal mail arrives at processing facilities.

This means an automated postmark may not get applied the same day you drop an envelope into the mail or a mailbox.

In other words, if you wait until Dec. 31 to mail a donation — regardless of the date written on the check — it may not be postmarked in time to apply to the current tax year.

What can you do to ensure your gift applies to your intended tax year?

There are several ways you can avoid any unintended delays with your year-end giving:

Make donations via secure online giving forms. HonorHealth Foundation provides a secure, user-friendly online donation form that allows you to pay via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. This method also allows you to easily designate which fund or program you’d like to support and indicate whether your gift is in honor or memory of someone special. You will receive an immediate email confirmation and receipt for your gift to retain for your tax records. Please note, while the HonorHealth Foundation online form will immediately process your gift, it is the date your credit card provider applies the charge that determines tax year eligibility. A charge may be applied immediately, but there could also be a delay. Please factor this into your year-end giving planning.

If you’re mailing your gift, plan ahead and keep records. If you still prefer to mail in your donation, don’t wait until Dec. 31! It’s also prudent to save an image of your check and retain proof of mailing, such as receipts from Certified Mail or Registered Mail.

Request a manual postmark at a retail Postal Service facility. If you’re not able to mail your check before Dec. 31, there’s no need to panic. You can take your mail to any USPS retail counter and request the postal employee to manually postmark, or "hand-cancel," your mail (this service is provided at no charge). This ensures the postmark matches the mailing date.

For more information, view the USPS Postmarking Myths and Facts.

Please consult your tax professional for questions about your tax return. 

Desert Mission Milk Drive banner

Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Milk Drive

The Adopt-a-Cow Milk Drive is back!

HonorHealth Foundation and the Dairy Council of Arizona have teamed up for the fourth annual Adopt-a-Cow Milk Drive, benefiting HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank.

Now through National Milk Day — Monday, January 11, 2027 — 100 percent of your Milk Drive donation will go to Desert Mission Food Bank for milk to distribute to families in need in the community.

Milk drive bonus: If you make a milk drive gift of $25 or more, you'll receive a cow plush toy and coloring book! A limited number are available, so make your gift today!

Support the Desert Mission Food Bank Milk Drive


Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Poker Night banner

Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Charity Poker Tournament

Attention poker sharks!

Join us for the PENTA Cares Arizona Poker Night benefiting HonorHealth Foundation and HonorHealth Cancer Care to help bring hope, healing and care to our community. Whether you're ready to test your poker skills or simply enjoy an evening of food, drinks and laughter, there's a seat at the table for you.

PENTA Cares Arizona Poker Night
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 5 - 9 PM
The PENTA Building Group
1048 North 44th Street #120
Phoenix, Arizona 85008

Learn more and register today

Philanthropy in Action - September 2026 - Morning of Gold banner

Philanthropy in Action - July 2026 - Morning of Gold

There's still time to get your Morning of Gold tickets!

The Morning of Gold fundraising breakfast benefiting HonorHealth Desert Mission is coming up on Friday, November 13. You won't want to miss this inspirational event!

Through the Desert Mission Food Bank, Lincoln Learning Center, Adult Day Health Care and Living Well program, people of all ages are served by Desert Mission — and it's your support that helps make it all possible!

Desert Mission Morning of Gold
Friday, November 13, 2026 
Arizona Biltmore Resort

Purchase your Morning of Gold tickets or sponsorships today!

Pancreatic Cancer Walk banner

Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Pancreatic Cancer Walk

Steppin’ Up Against Pancreatic Cancer: More than a walk. Every step brings hope.

Join the Seena Magowitz Foundation on Saturday, November 14, at Mountain America Stadium at Arizona State University for Steppin’ Up Against Pancreatic Cancer!

More than just a walk, this special event brings together patients, survivors, caregivers, families and supporters for a morning of connection, education and hope. In addition to the 5K and family-friendly 100-meter walk, attendees can explore the Patient Resource Zone, connecting with organizations and resources dedicated to supporting those impacted by pancreatic cancer.

Together, we're working toward one million steps to raise awareness, advance research and move closer to a future where pancreatic cancer becomes a chronic, treatable disease. Every step matters.

Register, start a team or make a donation today!

Philanthropy in Action - September 2026 - Fundraiser for Tina's Treasures banner

Philanthropy in Action - September 2026 - Artists of Scottsdale Ranch

Artists of Scottsdale Ranch Fundraiser for Tina’s Treasures

Each year, the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch host an art show and silent auction to support Tina’s Treasures Cancer Care Boutique at the HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, helping ensure women facing cancer recovery have access to essential post-surgery products, specialized apparel and compassionate support services.

Mark your calendar now for next year's show: January 30 and 31, 2027.

Learn more and support the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch Fundraiser

 Philanthropy in Action - September 2026 - The Honor Ball

Philanthropy in Action - September 2026 - Honor Ball

Sponsorships are now available for The Honor Ball!

The historic 50th Anniversary of The Honor Ball will welcome more than 1,500 attendees and showcase the power of philanthropy to advance healthcare innovation across our community. Funds raised will support HonorHealth's Whole Health/Blue Zones Endowment and an Endowed Chair for Heart and Vascular Medicine, helping attract world-class leadership, accelerate research and enhance patient care.

As individual tickets are expected to be limited and in high demand, sponsorship provides the best opportunity to secure your place at this highly anticipated anniversary celebration. 

The Honor Ball – 50th Anniversary Event 
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Learn more and purchase a sponsorship for The Honor Ball

 

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Philanthropy in Action - November 2026 - Social

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