The Desert Foundation Auxiliary was organized in 1966 in order to celebrate and honor young ladies in our community. We have used this opportunity to bring family and friends joyfully together at an annual Ball, while supporting important community causes. This time-honored tradition has made DFA shine in the past and will sustain our future.
“To me this night means family “ – Jessica Katzman, 2019 Debutante
The Desert Foundation Auxiliary (DFA) selects and honors accomplished young ladies and their families at a formal Ball to be held each year in December so as to provide funds for 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes. These families reside within the Scottsdale School District, City of Scottsdale, Towns of Paradise Valley and Carefree or other such areas in Maricopa County, Arizona, as designated and approved by the Board of Directors.
The Miracle League of Arizona’s mission is to provide a safe, fun, and successful baseball experience for individuals with special needs, regardless of any mental, physical, or health-related challenges they may have. We welcome individuals starting at the age of 5 to participate in our weekly baseball games. Players are encouraged to do as much as they can on their own, and are paired with one-on-one volunteers we call buddies to help with the rest. Whether they take a pitched ball, receive hand-over-hand assistance from a buddy, or hit off a tee, we ensure every player gets a hit and scores a run. We also aim to give the individuals a fun, major league experience. They get personalized uniforms, have their own walk up songs, and even get their name and photo up on a video board as they come up to bat. We currently offer a winter, spring, and fall season each year with games four times a week. We are proud to provide this programming to over 500 individuals with a wide range of special needs, that come from all walks of life.
The Desert Foundation Auxiliary Board distributes funds from the Ball proceeds each year to charitable organizations which benefit primarily the people in Maricopa County, Arizona. The Desert Foundation Auxiliary has granted the proceeds of the Desert Ball to more than 100 nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of our community. These organizations typically represent grass roots programming that require recognition and initial funding in order to establish a footprint in our community.
