Phoenix Mercury legend and community advocate Bridget Pettis was honored with the inaugural Hope Champion Award at Hope Women’s Center’s annual Night of Hope Gala in September. The award recognizes community leaders whose work reflects the organization’s mission of empowering women and teen girls, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for others to heal, grow and move forward.

Held at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, this year’s gala carried the theme “Stories Rewritten” and celebrated the strength, resilience and courage of the women and teen girls Hope serves across Arizona. The evening welcomed 350 guests and raised the organization’s goal of $500,000 to support its ongoing programs.

“We created the Hope Champion Award to recognize the people who show up for our community in ways that change lives, and there was no better person to receive it first than Bridget Pettis," says Tammy Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women's Center. "Bridget has spent her career lifting others up, on and off the court. Her commitment to wellness, connection and second chances is exactly what Hope stands for."

A WNBA pioneer and two-time WNBA championship coach, Pettis has dedicated much of her life to serving others beyond the basketball court. She founded the Bridget Pettis Foundation, which supports youth, seniors and people experiencing homelessness through basketball, wellness, gardening and farm-to-table programs. Through these initiatives, Pettis creates opportunities for connection, personal growth and well-being, values that align with the mission behind the new award.

The Hope Champion Award will become a permanent part of the annual Night of Hope Gala, recognizing individuals whose work helps women and girls find new opportunities and move forward with confidence.

"This award is a way to shine a light on the leaders who make Arizona a place where women and girls can rewrite their stories," Abernethy said. "We're proud to start this tradition with Bridget and look forward to honoring the champions who follow in her footsteps."

Founded 42 years ago in Apache Junction, Hope Women's Center serves women and teen girls throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Northern Arizona, Apache Junction, Coolidge, Maricopa, South Phoenix and the West Valley. Its relational, holistic approach addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the women it serves through free classes, support groups, mentoring, counseling and advocacy programs. To learn more, visit hopewomenscenter.org.