Name: The Joy Bus Annual Gala
Start: 2026-10-30
End: 2026-10-30

Set amidst the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, Marriott's Canyon Villas offers a combination of modern convenience and family-friendly amenities. Recharge in a serene guest room with a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and DVD player, complimentary Wi-Fi and a furnished balcony. Unwind in a one- or two-bedroom villa rental, which showcases separate living and sleeping spaces, washers/dryers and a fully-equipped kitchen. Take a dip in the sparkling resort pools while your kids play on the splash pad, enjoy a game of table tennis or exercise in the modern fitness center. Indulge in a poolside meal at Canyon Springs Bar & Grill or pick up grab-and-go snacks at The Marketplace Express. Discover the best of Phoenix here at Marriott's Canyon Villas.

Marriott's Canyon Villas

The fires are lit. The water is flowing. The earth is flowering. The sky is limitless. Where all the elements meet. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa may be Arizona's largest resort, but it's also big on luxury. With 950 guestrooms(including 81 suites), this AAA Four-Diamond award-winning, alluring resort is set on 316 acres in the Sonoran Desert where Phoenix meets Scottsdale and features sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains. Conveniently located just 20 minutes north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (with easy access to the Loop 101 freeway), the grand resort is the centerpiece in the Valley of the Sun's burgeoning northeastern corridor.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Kembara warmly embraces the rich tapestry of Asian street food culture, exemplifying the tradition of cherishing time-honored recipes and their stories passed down to each generation, while also playfully innovating upon familiar flavors.

Kembara

Offering a fun, upscale gathering spot featuring American fare, creative cocktails, Arizona craft beers and microbrews, and a crowler station for take home brews. An outdoor patio and lawn offers a relaxing respite for happy hour or Sunday Brunch.

Meritage - an urban tavern at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Representing the luxurious JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa as the 26th JW Marriott opened worldwide, twenty6 offers a casual chic setting for quick bites, cocktails and even a great place to work.

twenty6 at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

In the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona, Taliesin West rises from the desert as a bold experiment in architecture and living. Designed more than 80 years ago by Frank Lloyd Wright—one of the most influential architects of the 20th century—this desert laboratory was his winter home, studio, and architectural campus. Today, it is both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into Wright’s world at Scottsdale’s only National Historic Landmark. Choose a Self-Guided Audio Tour and explore the site at your own pace using your smartphone and headphones, or join a Guided Tour led by an expert who will share the stories behind Wright’s groundbreaking vision. Both options offer a deep, immersive experience of one of the world’s most iconic architectural sites. Taliesin West also offers group tours for company outings and serves as a venue for corporate events. Call 888-516-0811 to book a tour, group tour or event.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West

Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre is a cornerstone of Phoenix’s live music and nightlife scene, hosting top artists across genres in a vibrant open-air setting. From pop and hip-hop to rock and country, the venue delivers high-energy performances under the desert sky, creating unforgettable nights filled with music, atmosphere, and connection. Designed for more than just concerts, the amphitheatre offers a full evening experience with stunning sunsets, dynamic crowds, and a lively social vibe that reflects the spirit of Phoenix after dark. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP options include private club spaces with premium amenities such as dedicated entrances, upscale lounges, and enhanced food and beverage service. These exclusive areas provide a comfortable, refined way to enjoy shows while entertaining clients or celebrating special occasions. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre also serves as a unique venue for private events, offering customizable packages for everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions—all set against the backdrop of world-class live entertainment.

Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Start your morning off with a delicious all-American breakfast in Mesa, AZ and buffet at Café Azul.

Café Azul at Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa

Enjoy our 274 spacious modern guest rooms. Our meeting space features a 9072 sq. ft. ballroom in addition to being adjacent to the Mesa Convention Center which offers an Exhibit Hall that can accommodate up to 1,800 people or 96 booths. On-site amenities include a heated pool, spa, fitness center and restaurant. Shopping and golf are nearby. Only 11 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. Come discover the Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa, a jewel in the desert!

Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa

Electric Pickle fuses the excitement of pickleball and outdoor entertainment with globally inspired cuisine in a dynamic setting, perfect for dining, groups, team building, and celebrations. This “eatertainment” destination features high-tech pickleball courts, private cabanas, Full Swing Golf Simulators, bocce ball, fire pits, a live-music stage, and a lawn for cornhole and lounging. Ideal for corporate events and social gatherings, it offers a lively atmosphere for competition and connection. After the game, unwind at the expansive two-story restaurant, where bold flavors and inventive cocktails set the stage for the ultimate post-game celebration.

Electric Pickle

It's time to go beyond. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure.

Visit Phoenix Sports & Events 

Hosted by The Joy Bus and co-chaired by community leaders Tran Appell and Beth McRae alongside a committee of 60 women community leaders.

This fall, The Joy Bus will bring together community leaders, philanthropists and advocates for an inspiring evening centered on compassion, connection and community impact.

Hosted at the iconic Arizona Biltmore, the annual gala will support the Phoenix-based nonprofit’s mission to deliver free chef-inspired meals and meaningful companionship to persons bravely battling cancer throughout the Valley.

This year’s gala is co-chaired by Tran Appell, founder of Axis Employment Services and longtime supporter of The Joy Bus, and Beth McRae, CEO of The McRae Agency and a respected Valley communications and philanthropic leader who has chaired numerous nonprofit events throughout Arizona.

Guests will experience an inspiring program highlighting the direct impact of The Joy Bus, including personal stories from clients and volunteers. The evening will also feature live and silent auctions, giving attendees the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways.

Proceeds from the gala will directly support The Joy Bus meal delivery program, which provides free chef-inspired meals and human connection to individuals unable to shop or cook for themselves during treatment.

For many, philanthropy is more than an occasional activity — it is a way of life. Events like The Joy Bus Gala offer an opportunity to support a cause that is both local and deeply impactful while strengthening the spirit of community throughout the Valley.

The Joy Bus Annual Gala

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