Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Scottsdale Railroad Society raised more than $40,000 during its inaugural Sunset Soiree On the Rails on Oct. 9 at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, generating support for a new initiative that will provide free educational train rides to students attending qualifying Title I schools.
The event attracted 120 community, civic and business leaders for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. Proceeds will fund the Society’s Golden Ticket Program, scheduled to launch in January 2027.
The program will provide complimentary train rides for K-8 students attending eligible Title I schools within Scottsdale Unified School District, as well as other qualifying Title I schools located in Scottsdale. The goal is to remove financial barriers and expand access to educational field trips at the park.
“Founded on the conviction that the park belongs to the entire community, the Scottsdale Railroad Society is putting that principle into practice through the Golden Ticket Program,” said William “Bill” Scarbrough, chairman of the board. “This initiative gives qualifying K-8 Title I schools the opportunity to visit, ensuring that students can ride the trains at no cost. It allows more children to ride the train, discover railroad history and feel a true sense of ownership in this shared community resource.”
In addition to the Golden Ticket Program, the Society is introducing a STEAM Passport booklet for all students participating in school field trips at the park. The interactive guide will encourage students to explore attractions, historic exhibits and educational resources through activities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The fundraising effort builds on the Scottsdale Railroad Society’s nearly 55-year commitment to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Most recently, the organization contributed approximately $2.2 million toward the Roundhouse’s custom railroad-themed playground equipment.
The event was supported by donations from numerous organizations, businesses and individuals, including United Scottsdale Firefighters, the Kirk and Collette Johnson Family Charitable Fund, Scottsdale Rotary Club Foundation, Fox Restaurant Concepts, BB Living, A.R. Mays Construction, Metro Construction Management, DWL Architects and Planners, Schultz Development Corp., and several community philanthropists.
Funds raised through the Sunset Soiree will help expand educational opportunities for students while increasing access to one of Scottsdale’s most popular community destinations.
