Scottsdale, AZ (October 30, 2023) – Scottsdale businesses, employees, and community members gathered on October 13 at Plexus Worldwide headquarters for the 6th annual Pima Center Community Walk, which contributed over $127,000 through monetary and in-kind donations for the Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care of Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH), a non-profit pediatric health system that provides cardiac care.

With every step, participants honored children and families who received world-class care in Phoenix Valley. At the heart of it all was 3-year-old Noelle who smiled from the stage with her mother, Kathleen. Shortly after birth, Noelle was diagnosed with 6 congenital heart defects and admitted to several hospitals with many surgeries. Doctors performed a 10-hour open heart surgery at Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care that repaired her enlarged aorta and ultimately, saved her life.

“She’s vibrant. She’s thriving. She’s alive, thanks to one of the best pediatric cardiology programs in the U.S. at Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” says Kathleen Skogen. “We are grateful to be here and meet the individuals who gave their time and money. Noelle is our heart.”

“Families trust us to care for their treasured children, and we are proud to be one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals. Phoenix Children's Center for Heart Care experts offer highly personalized life-saving care,” said Dr. Wayne J. Franklin, Co-Director of Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care at PCH. “The support of community members and corporate partners like Plexus Worldwide allows us to continue to innovate and drive the best in cardiac care forward.”

The annual Pima Center Community Walk fundraising event is a vital initiative between the corporate sector and healthcare institutions, highlighting the positive impact on the community and reinforcing the values of corporate social responsibility. Key corporate sponsors included Plexus Worldwide, Stowebridge, Arizona Nutritional Supplements (ANS), INW Phoenix Formulations, Target, and many more. 

"Our longstanding partnership with the Phoenix Children's Hospital embodies our commitment to uplift and enhance our communities,” said Gene Tipps, Chief Executive Officer of Plexus. “We thank all the companies for their contributions and all the people who came out to support the Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care. It is an honor to stand together in making a positive and lasting difference.”

Plexus Worldwide (Plexus®), a health and wellness company headquartered in the Pima Center, hosted the event from its parking lot and mobilized corporate sponsorships to attract the highest number of participants since the event began in 2018. Plexus has been an established philanthropic partner of PCH since 2017, heading up the annual walk to drive donations benefiting their 6 Centers of Excellence, including the Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care.

“We are thankful for all the companies and individuals that participated in the 6th annual Pima Center Community Walk to keep and build the best in care for children and their families,” said Alec Clark, Plexus President and Founder. “Events like these bring communities together. Every step taken and every dollar raised are testaments to our shared commitment to create a brighter future for all children.”

Walk participants were cheered on by local sports mascots, including the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, Howler from the Arizona Coyotes, and Baxter from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Many attendees participated in the fundraising raffle and enjoyed post-walk games, activities, entertainment, and food.