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X-WR-CALNAME:Junior Achievement of Arizona
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.jaaz.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Junior Achievement of Arizona
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BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Phoenix
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TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260408T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260408T200000
DTSTAMP:20260518T052136
CREATED:20220727T044100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260404T031143Z
UID:2905-1775667600-1775678400@www.jaaz.org
SUMMARY:JA Heroes
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we celebrate YOU and all of our JA Heroes during National Volunteer Appreciation Month and Financial Literacy Month! We’ll be recognizing some of the amazing volunteers\, educators\, and partners in our community who shape the futures of Tucson-area students and prepare them for success. \nThis fun evening offers networking opportunities\, awards\, food and drinks\, and a chance to hear how to get more involved with JA. You’ll also hear from local leaders about how JA programs help Southern Arizona students learn important work and life skills\, setting them on their way to the bright future they deserve. This event is FREE to attend\, but registration is required. \n\n  \nREGISTER NOW\n  \n\nSpecial Thanks to:\n\n\nTITLE SPONSOR\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCONGRATS TO THIS YEAR’S HEROES!\n\nJA LEGACY AWARD\n\nHonors a champion whose sustained commitment to Junior Achievement has created lasting impact for students and the broader community. \n2026 Honoree: Patricia Waterkotte\, Rusing Lopez and Lizardi\nPatricia Waterkotte of Rusing Lopez and Lizardi is being honored with the JA Legacy Award for a level of commitment that has reshaped Junior Achievement in Southern Arizona. Since joining the JA Board in 2014\, Patricia has done it all—volunteer\, philanthropist\, and leader\, serving as Secretary\, Vice Chair\, and Chair. She doesn’t just support the mission—she powers it. \nUnder Patricia’s steady\, strategic leadership\, JA has nearly tripled the number of students reached—now serving more than 20\,000 Southern Arizona kids each year—while expanding our geographic footprint\, strengthening our fundraising base\, and advancing a clear long-term strategic plan. She helped guide JA through leadership transitions and educational crises\, including the pandemic\, ensuring continuity\, momentum\, and growth. Patricia’s impact is durable\, measurable\, and deeply human—felt in every classroom\, every student reached\, and every mile farther we go. That is a legacy. \n\n\n\nCOMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR\nOutstanding organization whose commitment to the JA mission is demonstrated through investment of time\, talent\, and/or treasure to expand student impact. \n2026 Honoree: Mike and Claudia Levin Family Foundation\nThe Mike and Claudia Levin Family Foundation is being recognized as the JA Community Partner of the Year for their unwavering commitment to creating real\, lasting change for children and families in our community. Guided by a mission to support organizations delivering tangible impact\, the Foundation has invested thousands of dollars in Junior Achievement of Arizona through long-term\, multi-year commitments. \nThis sustained partnership allows JA to make the same long-term commitments to serve Tucson schools year after year\, creating stability\, deeper relationships\, and the highest potential for student impact. The Levin Family Foundation’s belief in JA’s mission—and Mike and Claudia Levin’s willingness to invest for the long haul—has helped ensure more young people gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school\, work\, and life. \n\n\n\nTEACHER OF THE YEAR\n\nEducator who has gone above and beyond to expand JA programming and support volunteers and staff. \n2026 Honoree: Karl Oxnam\, Catalina High School\nKarl Oxnam of Catalina High School has an exceptional commitment to preparing students for real-world success. Which is why he is being recognized as JA Teacher of the Year. As a Business Teacher and FBLA moderator\, Karl understands the importance of financial literacy and career readiness—and he intentionally integrates multiple JA programs into his classrooms each year to create layered\, meaningful impact. \nKarl goes above and beyond by preparing students before volunteers arrive\, coaching them on how to engage with adult mentors and get the most from the experience. His strong collaboration with JA staff and volunteers ensures programs run smoothly\, while his enthusiasm for the mission amplifies its impact far beyond the classroom. Through his leadership\, students gain confidence\, professional skills\, and a clearer vision for their futures. \n\n\n\n\nVOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR\nAn outstanding volunteer who consistently answers the call\, going above and beyond in their dedication to both JA and to serving Southern Arizona youth. \n2026 Honoree: Errin Mendibles\nErrin Mendibles is being honored as JA Volunteer of the Year for her extraordinary dedication to students\, to Junior Achievement\, and to our community. A former teacher and passionate youth advocate\, Errin has taught 31 JA classrooms over the past five years\, serving students from 2nd through 10th grade\, with a special focus on 5th–8th graders—one of JA’s most challenging and high-impact age groups. \nErrin consistently answers the call for JA—supporting high-needs schools\, stepping in for last-minute openings\, and showing up year after year at Ochoa Community School\, where she volunteered alongside Steve Ochoa\, whose legacy continues to inspire our JA community. Together\, they ensured students felt supported\, valued\, and believed in. Errin’s steadfast commitment\, compassion\, and heart for young people truly embody the spirit of a JA Hero. \n\n\nBUSINESS COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR\nCorporate partner representative who goes above and beyond to recruit\, train\, and support volunteers delivering JA programs. \n2026 Honoree: Eric Evenson\, Caterpillar\nSince 2022\, Eric Evenson has coordinated Caterpillar’s volunteers for JA Day at Cragin Elementary\, bringing energy\, persistence\, and heart to every step of the process. A JA volunteer himself for more than a decade\, Eric recruits colleagues with first-hand knowledge—clearly sharing both what the experience requires and the impact it delivers. \nEric’s communication skills and tenacity consistently ensure classrooms are filled\, volunteers are prepared\, and students benefit. Beyond the classroom\, Eric is also a leader for JA’s Southern Arizona Bowl-A-Thon\, helping host the launch party and rallying participation from Caterpillar colleagues. His full-spectrum advocacy makes him an outstanding partner and a deserving JA Business Coordinator of the Year. \n \nEDUCATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR\nSchool representative whose partnership with JA goes above and beyond to bring meaningful experiences to students. \n2026 Honoree: Michelle Gutierrez\, Liberty Elementary\nMichelle Gutierrez of Liberty Elementary is being honored as JA Education Partner of the Year for her exceptional partnership with Junior Achievement and her unwavering commitment to students. When asked to host nearly 100 first-year college volunteers for Liberty’s second-ever JA Day\, Michelle didn’t hesitate—she was genuinely excited about the opportunity it would create for her students. \nMichelle’s calm\, kind\, and welcoming presence sets the tone for every JA experience on campus. From thoughtfully hosting volunteers with a generous breakfast to anticipating logistical needs and ensuring volunteers feel supported\, she brings care and intention to every detail. Highly organized\, responsive\, and a joy to work with\, Michelle—alongside her principal and fellow educators—creates an environment where partnership\, respect\, and student impact truly thrive. \n  \nTo sponsor\, email Maggie Jones at maggiej@jaaz.org
URL:https://www.jaaz.org/event/ja-heroes-2/
LOCATION:Playground Bar and Lounge\, 278 E Congress St\, Tucson\, AZ\, 85701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Awards Program,Networking,Tucson Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260228T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20260228T120000
DTSTAMP:20260518T052136
CREATED:20190830T055900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T184315Z
UID:2903-1772265600-1772280000@www.jaaz.org
SUMMARY:4.01K Fun Run and Phocus Charity Car Show
DESCRIPTION:Cruise\, Walk\, or Run – Driving Financial Literacy\nIf you enjoy running\, walking\, and giving back\, take part in the 7th Annual 4.01K Fun Run and Phocus Charity Car Show! In addition to the race\, enjoy a display of classic\, racing\, and exotic cars\, open to spectators as well as anyone who wants to showcase their car. \nOur primary focus is to give back to the community by supporting two schools in need of essential supplies. We will be collecting these crucial items at the event\, or your generous cash donations will be used to secure the additional resources these schools urgently require. Join us for a day filled with fantastic vehicles\, wonderful people\, and delicious food all in the spirit of helping students in need. \n100% of proceeds from event sponsorships benefit Junior Achievement of Arizona and our work to provide real-world and innovative financial literacy programs to the youth in our community. Serving nearly 190\,000 students each year\, JA plays an important role in Arizona’s shared future. Our critical programs help students connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world — knowledge critical to empowering today’s students to be successful\, contributing members of society in the future. \n  \n$45/racer | Kids 12 and under are free! \nREGISTER NOW \nVOLUNTEER | QUESTIONS | JOIN EVENT COMMITTEE\n 
URL:https://www.jaaz.org/event/ja-fun-run/
LOCATION:Phocus Office Building\, 7600 N 16th St. Suite 100\, Phoenix\, 85020\, United States
CATEGORIES:Race,Team Building,Phoenix Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.jaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2023-03-25_JA-401K_217-1.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251212T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20251212T160000
DTSTAMP:20260518T052136
CREATED:20170207T012000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T010125Z
UID:2612-1765526400-1765555200@www.jaaz.org
SUMMARY:JA Open Golf Tournament
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate the 31st anniversary of the JA Open! It has been hailed as the premier non-profit golf event in the Valley for over three decades and the #1 golf fundraiser in Arizona for the last 9 years\, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. This exclusive annual event welcomes top executives and employees from leading companies in Arizona. \nLast year’s tournament helped raise over $550\,000\, enabling us to serve nearly 15\,000 Arizona students! It was such a successful tournament — and this year\, we are aiming to top that. \nAt the event\, the JA family enjoys complimentary breakfast\, on-course lunch\, champagne\, cigars\, cocktails\, contests\, entertainment\, raffle\, online auctions\, an evening reception\, and amazing tee prizes. \nThank you for your support. JA’s programs are more important than ever and we are grateful to have your partnership in our mission to prepare AZ kids to succeed in work and life. \n  \nREGISTER NOW\nQUESTIONS | VOLUNTEER | JOIN EVENT COMMITTEE\n  \nSPONSOR THE EVENT
URL:https://www.jaaz.org/event/ja-open-for-business-golf-tournament/
LOCATION:Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club\, 8000 E Club Village Dr\, Gold Canyon\, AZ\, 85118\, United States
CATEGORIES:Golf,Phoenix Event
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250925T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250925T190000
DTSTAMP:20260518T052136
CREATED:20190830T235300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T213801Z
UID:2904-1758819600-1758826800@www.jaaz.org
SUMMARY:JA Open House
DESCRIPTION:The JA Open House is your chance to learn more about JA’s mission and community. See our Tempe facility up close and chat with JA staff and our JA Young Ambassadors\, along with hundreds of our closest friends. Bring your family\, friends\, or co-workers to this FREE event: \n\nParticipate in games\, activities\, and a raffle! Every guest gets one raffle ticket and can purchase/win more.\nEnjoy light food and drinks from local vendors.\nNetwork with other professionals\, educators\, and influencers in the community.\nChat with our JA Young Ambassadors as they lead you on a tour of our facility.\nSee some of the major updates we’ve made to JA BizTown\, including the opening of new JA BizTown shops!\nTake the Passport Tour through our JA BizTowns® to learn about how our partners shape the community and economy every day for your chance to be entered into a raffle.\n\nThere’s truly something for everyone at this kickoff to the fall season! This event is FREE to attend\, but registration is required. \nREGISTER
URL:https://www.jaaz.org/event/ja-open-house/
LOCATION:JA BizTown\, 636 W. Southern Ave.\, Tempe\, AZ\, 85282\, United States
CATEGORIES:JA BizTown / JA Finance Park,Networking,Phoenix Event
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