Dear STARS Stakeholders and Community,
As we embarked on 2025, I wanted our STARS family to kick off the new year with an event that truly embodied the spirit of renewal, joy, and appreciation for our STARS participants and employees. When the opportunity arose through our partnership with the Phoenix Suns to host a luxury game experience for our participants and incredible staff, Â I knew immediately it was the perfect way to launch our New Year, New STARS celebration.
How We Came Across This Opportunity
Through our growing community partnerships, we were introduced to a venue that provided the perfect backdrop for a meaningful and celebratory experience. The idea of bringing our participants and employees together in a unique and inspiring environment resonated deeply with our mission and vision for the year ahead.
Why We Chose It
This event was not just about celebration—it was about recognizing the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our employees and participants. The individuals we serve work tirelessly to achieve independence, and our team at STARS puts in incredible effort every day to support them. Choosing a setting that felt rewarding and uplifting was a way to give back and say thank you to everyone who makes our mission possible.
What It Meant to Me
Being able to share this experience with our STARS family was truly moving. Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and feeling the camaraderie in the air reaffirmed why I am so passionate about this work. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the progress we’ve made together while looking ahead to what’s to come.
Why I Wanted to Do It
When I stepped into my role as Executive Director, one of my biggest goals was to build a culture that celebrates our people and their contributions. I wanted to set a precedent that these kinds of meaningful moments should be a norm, not an exception. Investing in experiences that bring us together strengthens our bond as a community and fuels our collective motivation to keep pushing forward.
Leading Up to the Event
The anticipation was electric! Planning the logistics, ensuring accessibility, and curating activities that would be engaging for everyone took a collective effort, and I am beyond grateful to the team members who made it happen. The excitement leading up to the event only reinforced how much these moments matter.
The Experience Itself
The event exceeded every expectation. The energy in the room was contagious—from the heartfelt conversations to the shared excitement of trying new activities together, the Phoenix Suns experience, which was truly unforgettable for our participants and staff. Through our partnership with the Phoenix Suns, our STARS family was treated to a luxury game experience. Participants and employees had the opportunity to sit in premium seats, enjoy special access to the arena, and even meet the Phoenix Suns Gorilla! The joy and excitement on their faces as they cheered on the Suns, participated in in-game activities, and soaked in the electric atmosphere of a live NBA game was a testament to how powerful these experiences can be.
The Suns organization went above and beyond to ensure our group felt welcomed and valued. Their commitment to community engagement was on full display, and it was inspiring to see our participants feel like true VIPs for the night. The energy, the lights, and the thrill of the game provided a once-in-a-lifetime moment for many, reinforcing the importance of inclusion and accessibility in large-scale community events.
What I Gained From It
This event reaffirmed my belief that recognition and celebration are essential elements of a thriving organization. It reminded me of the importance of stepping away from the day-to-day hustle to acknowledge progress and create joy. I walked away feeling more inspired than ever to continue advocating for these types of experiences.
What I Hope Others Gained From It
I hope our participants felt valued and seen, our employees felt appreciated and motivated, and everyone left with a renewed sense of belonging. More than anything, I hope this celebration reminded our STARS community that they are part of something special—an organization that truly cares about the people who make it what it is.
Looking Ahead
My goal is to ensure that celebrations like this become a standard at STARS. We are working towards a future where these moments are not just annual occurrences but a fundamental part of our culture. By continuing to foster a workplace that prioritizes appreciation, engagement, and shared experiences, we can strengthen our impact and keep building a brighter future for everyone involved.Â
Stay Connected
Don’t miss a moment of joy from STARS. Sign up for the Shooting Star Newsletter to stay informed about our latest news, events, and opportunities to get involved. We also invite you to join us for an eye-opening tour to experience our CommunityWork program in action. Tours are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10-11 am at the Osborn Campus. Your involvement makes a significant impact on the lives of our participants.
Here’s to a year of growth, joy, and meaningful moments. New Year, New STARS!
Sincerely,
Claudia Chavez, STARS Executive Director
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