Ryan House’s Community Breakfast Grossed $210,000

Nearly 600 guests attended the 2022 Community Breakfast – our first in-person breakfast in more than two years – on Thursday, April 14 at the beautiful JW Marriott Camelback Resort. Out of town and online guests also attended through an event Livestream link. 

The event raised over $210,000 that will directly support Ryan House which currently relies 100 percent on community donations and cares for Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families. You can still participate by watching the show at this link, which among many things, features this year’s Courage Award presentation by Ryan House Co-Founders Holly and Jonathan Cottor to recipient Linda Hunt (pictured here), who is the recently retired CEO and President of Dignity Health’s Southwest Division, for her role in Ryan House becoming a reality.

“Linda is the reason why Ryan House exists where it does today,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “Among many things, she ensured a 60-year lease for a dollar a year and wrote a personal check for $60 to cover it!”

Local sports personality Lindsey Smith was this year’s emcee alongside Leonard-Warner. This year’s Co-Chairs were Lauren Mueller and Megan Mitchell. The breakfast showcased the inspiring work that Ryan House has done creating memories and building legacies for the children and families it has served over the past 12 years.

Guests also enjoyed a very special video debut featuring the Wentland family’s journey, which you can watch here. And, new this year, Smith hosted a Q&A with Ryan House family member Jose Mendoza, who shared his story about his nephew’s end-of-life journey at Ryan House.

Plus, there were visits from the Suns Gorilla, and the Cardinals Big Red and Cheerleaders who helped us spread cheer all morning. And, due to popular demand, we also had a limited supply of Ryan House’s exclusive State Forty Eight t-shirts available for purchase.

“It was truly wonderful to gather in person again,” said Leonard-Warner. “We are so grateful to be surrounded by so many supporters and showcase heartwarming stories from the house that so many people love. We are deeply grateful for the community support we received through this year’s event because it allows us to continue to provide our mission-critical care for the children and families we serve.”