Since 2004, Ryan House in Phoenix has enriched the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Here, Tracy Leonard-Warner, executive director of Ryan House, discusses the variety of ways the Valley can contribute to this wonderful cause as well as its Community Breakfast, taking place March 31.
What is the mission of Ryan House? Ryan House enriches the quality of life and creates cherished memories for children and their families, providing a much-needed break from 24/7 caregiving, as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys.
What prompted the start of the nonprofit? Ryan House was founded by Holly and Jonathan Cottor to bring the amazing care that they’d experienced in England for their son, Ryan, who was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, to their home state of Arizona.
What is the greatest reward in being involved with the nonprofit? Ryan House gives families who have children with life-limiting conditions a much-needed break from the 24/7 at no cost to them while their children create memories and legacies in a camplike atmosphere taking part in life-enhancing activities like swimming, arts and crafts, music therapy and more.
What is the biggest challenge the nonprofit faces? Ryan House is 100 percent funded by the community. We have a $3.3 million budget that we need to raise annually to continue to provide mission-critical services we offer to our community. We simply couldn’t do this without community support.
What are your goals for 2023? Our goals are to continue to serve the ever-growing need while delivering high-quality care to kids and families in Arizona. And continue to build our community through new partnerships and relationships.
How can readers help? There are so many ways you can help. The deadline to submit your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is April 18. Everyone qualifies. It provides you with a dollar-for-dollar credit, allowing you to reduce your state tax liability for the amount contributed to a qualified organization like Ryan House. Taxpayers can donate any amount up to $800 (married, filing jointly) or $400 (single). You can also make a monetary and/or in-kind donation. Or consider volunteering your time and play, read, cuddle and more with Ryan House kids. You can also volunteer to cook, help with projects and events to name a few.
Jude and Madison Wentland, 2022 Ryan House Community Breakfast
Does Ryan House have any events or fundraisers on the horizon? Yes! Ryan House’s largest annual fundraiser, its Community Breakfast, is taking place on Friday, March 31, at the beautiful JW Marriott Camelback Inn led by emcee, Emmy Award-winning sports personality and content creator, Lindsey Smith. This annual fundraising event gives you the opportunity to hear stories about the inspiring work we do for children with life-limiting medical conditions and their families. This year’s event features a firsthand perspective into the lives of a group of teens on how growing up with the support of Ryan House has positively impacted their lives. As always, registration is free with the opportunity to contribute mission-critical funding that will provide care, comfort and community to children and families at Ryan House in the coming year. More information and registration can be found at ryanhouse.org/community-breakfast.
Ryan House’s two other signature events this year include our Run for Ryan House at Riverview Park in Mesa on Sunday, Nov. 5, and White Christmas Gala on Dec. 2 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort.
Featured image, photo credit: Ruby Rideout Photography.