Donor Spotlight: Q & A with Dr. Sam Swainhart & Dr. Ashley Howarth

Q. HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE?

SAM:

In 2017, I had the pleasure of attending the BGCS Live & Local fall event at Desert Ridge. From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the incredible energy and excitement of the event. The food, entertainment, and music were all top-notch, and I found myself eager to learn more about this amazing organization. During the event, I had the opportunity to meet the CEO and COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, and I was immediately struck by their passion and dedication.

A few days later, I learned that one of my patients was the proud parent of a former Youth of the Year winner. Hearing about the incredible impact that the clubs had on their child’s life only further fueled my interest in the organization. When I was invited to join the Board of Governors, I jumped at the chance. Being part of such a dedicated and talented team has been an absolute honor, and I am proud to be a donor and volunteer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.

ASHLEY:

My initial encounter with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale was at the back-to-school shopping day, where Club kids were able to get new clothes, shoes, and school supplies thanks to the generosity of Ellie and Michael Ziegler. It was a touching experience to witness firsthand the positive impact this event had on the children’s lives. Ellie, who has since passed away, was a beloved figure in our community and will be fondly remembered. It was an energizing moment for me, and it motivated me to become more involved with the organization and support its mission.

Q. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO SUPPORT BGCS?

SAM:

The kids. It’s the youth we serve who inspire us to do what we do every day. Whether it’s listening to the speeches at the Youth of the Year Gala, watching kids laughing and playing after school in one of our clubs, or seeing the fun and excitement in our gymnasiums, every moment spent with these amazing young people reminds us why we support BGCS.

AT BGCS, we are investing in the youth who are the future of our community. Every contribution we make can help shape the course of a child’s life for the better. And in doing so, we help to build a stronger, more vibrant community for all of us.

ASHLEY:

As a supporter of BGCS, I’m motivated by their commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for kids. With so many threats and pressures facing our children today, it’s crucial that we have organizations like BGCS that are dedicated to creating a positive and secure space for kids to learn, grow, and thrive.

Q. OF THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES YOUR GIFTS SUPPORT, WHICH ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

SAM:

We are proud to sponsor the floral decor of the Celebrate Youth Gala because it’s such a special and exciting event that brings the community together to support our amazing youth. The gala is also a great way to introduce new friends to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and to help them catch the vision and excitement of our organization. We love being a part of this incredible evening and supporting the youth who benefit from the club’s programs.

ASHLEY:

The Girls Night Out program is a truly inspiring initiative that provides mentorship and guidance to the girls at the clubs, helping them realize the many opportunities that lie ahead. As a female plastic surgeon and mother of two, I understand the unique challenges that young women face in today’s world. That’s why I’m so thrilled that BGCS is committed to empowering and inspiring girls to become the women they choose to be. By providing a safe and supportive environment for mentorship and growth, the Girls Night Out program is helping to build a brighter future for our girls and our community as a whole.

Q. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT AS YOU LOOK TO THE FUTURE OF THE ORGANIZATION?

SAM:

I am excited about our growing STEM programs and helping prepare young people for the jobs and challenges of tomorrow. By providing access to cutting-edge technology, hands-on learning experiences, and mentorship from STEM professionals, we are inspiring our future innovators and problem-solvers.

I also love seeing our youth develop into leaders. It’s amazing to see former club kids come back to work at the club and move up through the organization, using their own experiences to lead and mentor the next generation of club kids.

ASHLEY:

I am thrilled to say that as I look to the future of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, I am most excited about the leadership within the organization. With Ivan as our CEO, we are in great hands and our organization is thriving. As we continue to grow and expand, it’s an exciting time to be a part of BGCS. I am proud to support an organization that is making such a positive impact on the lives of our youth and our community.

Read more from the May 2023 Issue of The Club Insider below.