Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Folds of Honor Arizona raised more than $830,000 during its sixth annual gala, funds that will support educational scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.
The organization has awarded scholarships to 193 Arizona students for the 2026-27 academic year and has provided more than 1,300 scholarships since the Arizona chapter was established, according to a press release.
“Our Gala is an opportunity to bring the community together to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes by investing in the future of their families,” Meghan Fable, executive director and senior director of impact for Folds of Honor Arizona, said.
“We are proud to announce that we have provided 193 Arizona students with scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. Each of those scholarships represent hope, opportunity and our enduring commitment to those who give everything for our freedom.”
Since the chapter’s founding, Folds of Honor Arizona has raised more than $6.7 million to support scholarship recipients across the state.
The gala was held Oct. 24 at Otto Car Club and drew more than 400 guests. Sponsors and donors heard from scholarship recipients and military veterans while learning more about the organization’s mission.
Penske Arizona served as the presenting sponsor. Daniel Hudson was the honorary chair, and Jenna Brocious, an Arizona board member, served as gala chair.
Former scholarship recipient Sarah White Duncan shared how support from Folds of Honor helped her earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Auburn University in 2011. Ms. Duncan, daughter of the late Dennis White, a U.S. Air Force captain, was the first scholarship recipient to graduate and continues to advocate for the organization.
The event also featured AJ Pasiciuti, a retired Marine Corps veteran and author. Mr. Pasiciuti served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later served with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as a Force Recon team leader. Following his military career, he helped develop the Infantry Marine Course at the School of Infantry-West before retiring in 2023.
Mr. Pasiciuti is the author of Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life and host of the Combat Story podcast.
The organization’s next fundraising event will be an inaugural concert on Feb. 27, 2027, at Harold’s Corral in Cave Creek. Ticket information is expected to be announced in November, according to a press release.
