Our Story

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

Desert Ball Experience

Mission Statement

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.

2026 Desert Ball Charities

 

Family Promise is a unique community-based shelter where local congregations open their doors and hearts each night for families. Volunteers provide homemade meals and private overnight lodging per family at the congregation’s underutilized facilities. We transport families back to our pet-friendly day centers early each morning where they have a home-like setting for normal life: showers, laundry, living space, and play space. More importantly, case management guides employment and cashflow training as steps in each family’s housing stability plan. Most stabilize in 60 days, while affordable units provide extra time. By combining emergency shelter with shelter diversion, prevention, and housing stabilization services, Family Promise creates a comprehensive support system projected to impact 600 families in one year. 

 
The Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation, established in 2008, began as a movement started by Johnjay Van Es – reminding people to pay it forward and spread the love. This movement evolved into the #LoveUp Foundation and became a 501(c)(3) organization that supports Arizona’s ~10,000 foster children. #LoveUp aims to provide a sense of normalcy for these vulnerable youth who have lived anything but normal lives, many of whom enter the foster system with only the clothes on their backs. #LoveUp works tirelessly, alongside other charitable and state organizations, to raise private and corporate donations to create aid and host memorable
experiences for our at-risk community members and foster youth across the Valley. Its core programs and events include General #LoveUp Moments, the Children’s Heart Gallery, Christmas at the Castle, and Christmas Wish.
 
 

Past Charity Recipients

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.