Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
The Joy Bus will celebrate 15 years of serving Valley residents facing cancer during its annual gala from 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
The Phoenix-based nonprofit will honor Derrick and Amy Hall with its Hummingbird Award during the event, which also marks a milestone year for the organization after delivering its 100,000th medically tailored meal, according to a press release.
The Hummingbird Award is presented annually to individuals whose service, generosity and perseverance have made a positive impact on others. The award recognizes people who have faced personal challenges while continuing to support and uplift their communities.
“Honoring Derrick and Amy Hall with this year’s Hummingbird Award could not be more fitting. Their unwavering belief in The Joy Bus, along with the incredible support of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been pivotal to our mission and the immense growth we are experiencing today,” Jennifer Caraway, founder and CEO of The Joy Bus and The Joy Bus Diner, said.
“Simply put, we would not be where we are without them. They have stood beside us since day one, helping The Joy Bus grow from a small grassroots effort into an organization serving thousands of medically tailored meals each month and expanding across Arizona. Their impact is woven into who we are, how far we have come and where we are headed.”
Proceeds from the gala will support The Joy Bus meal-delivery program, which provides free medically tailored meals and personal support to individuals undergoing cancer treatment who are unable to shop or cook for themselves.
Derrick and Amy Hall are cancer survivors whose advocacy efforts grew from their own experiences with the disease. Following Derrick Hall’s recovery from prostate cancer and Amy Hall’s experience as a survivor of triple-negative breast cancer, the couple founded the Pro-State Foundation to provide education, awareness and resources for patients and families affected by cancer.
In addition to their healthcare advocacy efforts, the Halls are Arizona State University alumni and longtime supporters of charitable causes throughout Arizona.
“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of such a monumental night for The Joy Bus,” Amy and Derrick Hall said.
“This gala is a celebration of the 100,000 nutritional meals delivered to date, but more so, a launch toward the next 100,000 and beyond. The more that we can drive awareness of this powerful and necessary mission, the better. We have been a part of preparing and delivering these heartfelt and difference-making gifts of nourishment, and there is little more rewarding. It is a privilege to play a small part in such a grand movement.”
This year’s gala is co-chaired by Tran Appell, founder of Axis Employment Services, and Beth McRae, CEO of The McRae Agency.
The two are leading a committee of 60 women community leaders supporting the event.
The Joy Bus Annual Gala begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. in Phoenix. Individual tickets are $500, and tables are available for $5,000.
