Mark your calendars: Sip & Soirée, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation’s signature fundraising event, is back and bolder than ever. Taking place on September 13 at the newly renovated JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, this vibrant luncheon will unite the community in a celebration of women’s empowerment, resilience, and sisterhood.

Hosted by Fresh Start’s Auxiliary Board, the annual event supports the organization’s mission to help women overcome challenges and build self-sufficient, fulfilling lives. Funds raised from Sip & Soirée fuel Fresh Start’s comprehensive wraparound services, which include career training, education support, financial coaching, and more - resources that have supported more than 60,000 women over the past 30 years.

“For over three decades, Fresh Start has walked alongside women as they take bold steps toward brighter futures,” President and CEO Kim McWaters said. “Sip & Soirée is a joyful way to honor those journeys and invite the community to be a part of lasting, meaningful change.”

This year’s event promises an inspiring experience from start to finish. Guests will begin the day at the marketplace, an interactive pre-luncheon gathering featuring local vendors, hands-on activities, and a selection of wine and mocktails. Following the marketplace, attendees will move into the ballroom for a gourmet luncheon paired with live entertainment, moving stories, and a few exciting surprises.

Highlights include:

• Sip & Shop – A shopping experience spotlighting local businesses, with engaging stations and refreshing beverages.
• Seated Luncheon – A delicious dining experience paired with uplifting entertainment and inspiring stories of transformation.
• Handbag & Super Raffle – Attendees can win exclusive prizes, including high-end handbags and premium gift packages.
• Recognition – Honors for volunteers, fundraising ambassadors, and partners who exemplify Fresh Start’s mission.

“This event is more than a fundraiser, it’s a movement,” Co-Chair Stephanie Saccente said. “With a new brand and a stunning venue, we’re creating an unforgettable experience that uplifts and inspires while making a real difference in women’s lives.”

This year’s leading sponsors include Valley Toyota Dealers, Phoenix Lending Group, UMB Bank, Waymo, and Phoenix Raceway, along with longstanding partners such as D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards, Cushman & Wakefield Industrial Capital Markets, and Dorsey & Whitney, LLP. Sponsorship packages are now available, offering businesses and individuals the opportunity to align with a mission-driven cause and make a direct impact on women in need. Individual tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit: freshstartwomen.org.