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“Because of You…”



The Arizona Health Care Foundation (AHCF) makes dreams a reality for residents in long-term care and assisted living settings, as well as for the dedicated staff who provide direct care and services. Established in 1997 to enhance the lives of our residents and the people who care for them, AHCF sponsors its two largest programs throughout the year. One is the Live A Dream Award for residents and the other is the Scholarship Award to assist long-term care staff in furthering their education. More recently, AHCF has expanded its charitable programs by offering Live A Dream Award-Dental, specifically for dental care, and a Holiday Grant that is given to facilities over the holiday season.

The following links provide more information on how our residents are helped, scholarship deadlines, and how you can help.

Live A Dream Award

The Arizona Health Care Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity that was established in 1996 to provide scholarships to health care workers in Arizona’s skilled nursing care and assisted living facilities and to make “dreams” a reality for residents in the facilities.

The Live A Dream program allows elderly residents to experience something they have always dreamed of doing, but the dream was unfulfilled because of health, finances, or unexpected life circumstances.

The experiences and wisdom of our elders deserve both honor and respect. In some cases, lifetime dreams are unfulfilled because of health, finances, and unexpected life circumstances. To acknowledge these dreams and make wishes a reality, the Live A Dream program provides monetary support and professional assistance to help each recipient live their dream. The Foundation has awarded more than $125,000 to fulfill these dreams. For a Live A Dream application, click here.

AHCA Residents Received Much Needed Dental Care!

Foundation photo

In December of 2018, the Arizona Health Care Foundation once again participated in the Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AzMOM) providing an amazing opportunity for 20 AHCA long-term care residents with free dental care. Mission of Mercy pre-screened and provided special consideration so the AHCA residents could participate without standing in line or wait for long periods. Last year, a total of 55 procedures were performed for nursing home and assisted living residents at the Mission of Mercy event- totaling more than $10,000 worth in dental treatments.

The Foundation is indebted to Dr. Rabot, who personally saw to it that our residents were medically vetted, dentally pre-screened and treated with extra special care when they arrived at the event. The Foundation was given a private area so none of the residents needed to walk far or wait in line.

This was the fourth annual Dental Mission of Mercy at Phoenix Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  More than 2,000 patients were expected to get cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals, crowns, and other dental procedures at no cost by the time the two-day event ended late Saturday, thanks to more than 300 dentists, hundreds of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and others who volunteered their time.

Live A Dream Award- Dental Application

At the Arizona Health Care Foundation, we understand the important role of dental care in the quality of life and are deeply committed to assisting residents in their pathway to a brighter smile. For a Live A Dream – Dental application, please click here.

Benefit Golf Tournament

The Arizona Health Care Foundation (AHCF) golf tournament benefits the “Live a Dream,” Holiday Grant and Scholarship programs.  This year’s 14th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for September 29, 2023. If you’re interested in sponsorship or for more information about the event contact Krysten Dobson at kdobson@azhca.org or by phone (602) 265-5331.

Arizona Health Care Foundation Scholarship Program

The intent of the AHCF Scholarship Program is to assist staff employed in member skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, so they can pursue a formal education in health care and long term care. to complete a Scholarship Application, click here.

Some Past Live A Dream Recipients

Women posing in front of hot air balloon

A Ride In A Hot Air Balloon

Emily from Prestige Assisted Living had a dream to ride in a Hot Air Balloon. Here are a few words from Emily “What a wonderful day, we could not have asked for better weather. The company (Wanderlust Balloons) treated us to a great adventure we will remember always. The ride lasted about an hour, then we landed in a residential neighborhood where everyone came out to enjoy seeing us land. Afterward, they treated us to a beautiful brunch at our local Rotary Park.”

A Swim With The Dolphins of Arizona

Swimming with dolphins

Michael is an aging Veteran currently living in an Assisted Living with cognitive deficits. He is mild-mannered, low key and very seldom asks for anything for himself. He has a love for dolphins. He even has a tattoo of a dolphin. His dream was to swim with the dolphins now that it is available here in Arizona. The Foundation made his dream a reality and Michael was able to swim, hold “hands” and even kiss the dolphin.

Elderly woman signing booklets

A Live A Dream: Avis’s  Story… A Book Signing 

Avis was born on October 5th, 1922 in a farmhouse five miles away from the closest town in West Virginia. She lived with her grandparents for the first 13 years of her life until she moved to Ohio, (The Big City) where her mother lived while she worked at the post office. She stopped school at 8th grade and took the GED test at 55 years old, and passed!

Avis moved to Arizona when she was 28 years old and began writing this book in 1954. It was inspired by stories her mother told her and by her own life experiences. She worked on this book for years and reports that she could continue writing chapters even now.

Smiling group

Darrell is a 54 year old paraplegic and a huge Arizona Cardinals fan. His “dream” was to go to a Cardinals game to cheer his team on.  The Foundation made his dream a reality so that for one Sunday he could feel like a normal, healthy guy. Darrell was surprised by the generosity of his facility and the AHCF. He was given tickets, a Cardinals hat, shirt, lanyard, and $100 spending cash for the game!  For Darrell, it was Christmas in November.

Steven Sunshine and family

Steven is 65 years old and has been suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s with Posterior Cortical Atrophy. His wife and daughter were unable to meet his care needs and he has been living at a memory care facility. With his daughter graduating college up north, the family feared that Steven would not have the opportunity to see his daughter in her cap and gown. Through the Live a Dream Program, Steven was given a caregiver and transportation to Flagstaff to see his daughter walk across the stage.

Man holding guitar with mom

Lee is a former musician who enjoyed playing Country Western music. However, health issues and a damaged guitar forced a hold on the musician’s passion. With the help of the Arizona Health Care Foundation, Lee was given a second chance to perform again with a new guitar and a case. Lee and his facility are blessed with his talented musical skills through his guitar and smooth vocals.

Woman posing in big hat

Susan is a wonderful and giving person who lost the support of her family early on in her facility stay. With a limited income, Susan was in a hard position- trying to balance necessities and desperately needing new clothes. Her “Dream” was to go on a shopping spree.

Through the Live a Dream Program, Susan was able to do just that and has been strutting her new wardrobe ever since.

How You Can Help

Tributes — a unique, personal, and caring gift to honor a friend, family member, or colleague for special occasions such as holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, graduation, and more.

Memorials — celebrate the memory of a special person who has passed away. When you make a tribute or memorial gift, the Arizona Health Care Foundation will send an acknowledgment to your honoree informing them of your kindness and generosity. The acknowledgment will be sent to anyone you specify and the amount of your gift will not be mentioned.

Donations — consider a general contribution to the Foundation to help AHCF continue granting Live A Dream Awards and Education Scholarships to deserving applicants. Donate

Wills and Other Planned Giving — allows you to combine your charitable giving goals with your estate and financial planning needs, and may include annuities, trusts, and bequests. All planned gifts, large and small, help to further the goals of the Foundation.