By Cyrus Guccione
Mail

Giving Valley hikers a reason to move their legs in the great outdoors, Saint Joseph The Worker (SJTW) is hosting its 27th annual Hike for Hope, an event that raises awareness and funds to provide unhoused, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals a chance at landing full-time jobs.

Last year, hikers helped nearly 5,000 individuals find full-time employment and obtain the resources needed to maintain those jobs like supplying uniforms, tools, job skills certifications and transportation vouchers.

The hike takes place Saturday, April 26, at McDowell Mountain Regional Park’s Pemberton Trailhead, offering participants the choice of a 1.5-mile or 4.5-mile route.

Both options are manageable, with no steep inclines or strenuous sections.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m., where hikers can pick up their t-shirts and enjoy coffee, bagels, fruit and donuts. Announcements and a raffle drawing will follow at 8:15 a.m. and then the hike begins.

By approximately 10:30 a.m., prize announcements will be made for the fundraiser awards and the annual “Best Costume Award” along with snacks and breakfast burritos for hikers.

SJTW Development Officer Cassidy Penney says this year, snow cones will also be available in case hikers work up a sweat.

“It’s a hike but it’s a party out there,” Penney said, adding that the festivities will include a 360-degree photo booth, a caricature drawing booth and music to keep spirits up.

“We would love the community to come out and celebrate with us,” Penney added. “Those who don’t know about us, come out and learn about what we’re up to and see how you can help.”

As in years past, the Four Peaks Rotary in Fountain Hills is helping support SJTW through a $4,000 grant. Rotary President Jeff Stack says this cause—as championed by Rotary member Bob Jacobius—was vetted by the Rotary Foundation committee and found to be worthy of the club's endorsement.

Stack says the club believes in supporting initiatives that offer a hand-up, not just a handout, and this program aligns with that mission.

"We felt that this was a worthy cause for our foundation to support," Stack said. "Helping someone get off the street by preparing them for a job interview,  getting their resume together or the resources needed for a job can make a big difference."

St. Joseph The Worker is a Phoenix-based nonprofit that helps individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty and other barriers to employment find and maintain quality jobs. They provide job readiness coaching, resume assistance, interview preparation, transportation support, work attire and other job-related resources.

Registration fees are $50 ($10 for children 13 and under). Pets are free. Registration includes a McDowell Mountain Regional Park entrance fee, an adult t-shirt and breakfast.

The McDowell Mountain Regional Park Pemberton Trailhead is located at 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive.

To register for Hike for Hope, visit secure.qgiv.com/event/2025hikeforhope/.

For information, contact Cassidy Penney at cpenney@sjwjobs.org or call 602-309-4061.

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