Champions of Transformation is Tomorrow

Phoenix, AZ | October 14, 2026

As we prepare to gather tomorrow evening, excitement is building for one of New Pathways for Youth’s most inspiring and meaningful traditions. Champions of Transformation 2026 takes place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, bringing together mentors, donors, volunteers, community leaders, advocates, and supporters who believe in the limitless potential of Arizona’s youth. 

Hosted at the beautiful Adobe Grille at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, Champions of Transformation is more than an annual fundraiser. It is a celebration of the relationships, opportunities, and community support that help young people overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and create brighter futures. 

For more than three decades, New Pathways for Youth has witnessed the transformative power of mentorship. Every day, young people in our programs are building confidence, strengthening life skills, pursuing education and career goals, and discovering what is possible when they have a caring adult in their corner. Champions of Transformation shines a spotlight on those journeys while inviting our community to invest in the next generation of leaders. 

Throughout the evening, guests will experience inspiring stories of resilience and growth, enjoy silent and live auctions, participate in a meaningful giving opportunity, and celebrate the collective impact we create when we come together on behalf of youth. Most importantly, attendees will help ensure that more young people have access to life-changing mentoring relationships, personal development experiences, and the support systems they need to thrive. 

Honoring Our 2026 Champions of Transformation 

One of the highlights of the evening is recognizing individuals and organizations whose commitment to young people reflects the very heart of our mission. 

This year, New Pathways for Youth is proud to honor Desert Financial Credit Union as the recipient of the 2026 Community Champion of Transformation Award. 

For more than a decade, Desert Financial Credit Union has been a steadfast partner in advancing opportunities for youth across our community. Through financial support, employee giving initiatives, volunteer engagement, and an unwavering dedication to making Arizona stronger, Desert Financial has helped create pathways to success for countless young people. Their partnership demonstrates what is possible when organizations invest not only in their communities, but in the future of the next generation. 

We are also honored to celebrate Rocco Mandala, recipient of the 2026 Wendell Cook Champion of Transformation Award. 

For more than fifteen years, Rocco has embodied the spirit of servant leadership and community commitment. Through his generosity, advocacy, fundraising leadership, and unwavering support of New Pathways for Youth, he has helped expand opportunities for youth while inspiring others to do the same.  

Together, these honorees represent the power of leadership, generosity, and partnership in creating lasting change. 

The Impact of Champions of Transformation  

Every dollar raised during Champions of Transformation directly supports New Pathways for Youth’s evidence-based mentoring program and wraparound services that help youth build lives filled with purpose, confidence, and opportunity. 

Support generated through this event strengthens programs and initiatives that help young people develop critical life skills, connect with mentors, engage with their caregivers, explore future pathways, and build the confidence needed to achieve their goals. The impact extends far beyond a single evening, reaching young people and families throughout the year. 

When our community invests in youth, everyone benefits. Stronger young people create stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and a stronger Arizona. 

“We are so grateful to our sponsors, partners, and supporters who make Champions of Transformation possible. Our team has put together a truly special evening in a beautiful new venue, and we hope our community will join us for this spectacular celebration. It will be a meaningful night to honor transformation, celebrate the young people we serve, and recognize what becomes possible when our community comes together in support of New Pathways for Youth.” 
— Mark Teetor, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, New Pathways for Youth 

Be Part of the Transformation 

We also want to acknowledge and thank the generous sponsors and supporters who help make this evening possible: Kimley Horn, Year Up United, Latest Craze Productions, Atwell, Sharp Business Systems, PK Associates, and W. M. Grace Company and the Globe Foundation. 

We are also grateful for the individual sponsors whose generosity helps strengthen this celebration: Fred Pakis & Becky Pierson, Globe Foundation, Lisa Dancsok & Dan Zembrzuski, Julie Johnson & Jerry Barnier, Cathy & Wayne Teeter, Streator & Allison Bates, Ken & Nancy Bates, and Rocco Mandala. Your support is a meaningful investment in New Pathways for Youth and in the young people, mentors, and families who are part of this transformational work. 

Whether you are a longtime supporter, a mentor, a volunteer, a community partner, or someone who simply believes in the potential of young people, we invite you to be part of this celebration.