Phoenix nonprofit St. Joseph the Worker celebrated its first Be the Impact fundraiser event Nov. 2. More than 150 supporters filled the rooftop patio of The Grove in Phoenix, raising more than $200,000 in support of the nonprofit's mission to assist unhoused, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment.  

"We are thrilled by the incredible support we received at our first annual Be the Impact Happy Hour,” said St. Joseph the Worker CEO Carrie Masters. “The generosity of our community and the dedication of our supporters are vital in furthering our mission to empower individuals towards financial independence through employment opportunities. Donations from the event will have a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, and we look forward to continued collaboration with our compassionate community in the years to come." 

The event features appetizers, drinks, live music and a raffle and state-of-the-art golf simulator competition for a chance to win Taylor Made Stealth Irons, a Callaway Paradym driver, an Apple Watch and a two-night resort stay at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa. 

Clayco's Executive Vice President, Residential Business Unit Leader, Eric Jaegers, served as the event chair and welcomed keynote speaker Susan Connelly. Connelly, a former SJW client and now regional director of student services at Refrigeration School Inc., delivered an account of her journey from overcoming addiction and housing insecurity to achieving quality employment, eventually earning her master's degree and finding success both professionally and personally.

Additionally, a highlight of the evening was when two founding members, each contributing $25,000 in matching donations, enabled SJW to surpass its $150,000 fundraising goal. Through their generosity, SJW will be able to extend its reach, providing free employment services through its Employment Without Barriers program and transitional housing through its Workforce Villages program.

SJW connected with local businesses to discuss SJW’s Preferred Business Partner program. Through the program, SJW works directly with various employers that are willing to pay staff a minimum of $17/hour for full-time opportunities with benefits. They partner with more than 51 Valley employers to connect people in need with quality jobs.

The event was made possible through the support of SJW’s Impact sponsor, Clayco. Other sponsors included Changemaker sponsor, Family CFO and Trendsetter sponsor, Power Design Inc.

Visit sjwjobs.org.