Over a fresh cup of coffee, on his way to the office one morning, Jeff Meshey and I enjoyed an early breakfast and chatted about his role in the corporate world and some of Arizona’s charitable causes.  He not only believes in making your own luck in the business world, but this CEO with a 24-year career with Desert Financial Credit Union, has a strong philosophy of giving back to the community. 

And if you’ve ever seen Jeff in the Fiesta Bowl Parade, marching alongside his employees, you’ve experienced his great smile. Most recently, he’s smiling about the company’s pledge to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. 

That’s him pictured above with Tim Harrison, of PCH  Foundation, Ron Amstutz, of Desert Financial, and Susan O’Donnell Manager, of PCH Foundation. Desert Financial just pledged $3M over four years to PCH’s "1 Darn Cool School.' This comes on the heels of donating the $2M they pledged over three years in 2018. This funding commitment will make Desert Financial the largest-ever donor to ‘1 Darn Cool School’, bringing its total to over $10M.

Ron Amstutz, executive vice president of Desert Financial points out that, "‘1 Darn Cool School’ is an important part of the treatment process for so many patients at Phoenix Children’s. We’ve had a great year at Desert Financial, and felt that paying our success forward to such an incredible program - one rooted in education, just like our credit union - would be a wonderful match.”

Ron Amstutz is pictured above middle, with Jeff Meshey at the school along with Jenna Zatat of Phoenix Children's.

Desert Financial’s support enables children to experience as much normalcy as possible while staying on top of their studies which are taught by the school’s Master’s-level teachers.

 Steven Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation adds,  “Desert Financial Credit Union’s commitment to the children and families at Phoenix Children’s speaks volumes about their culture of generosity and community spirit.

"Their transformational investments sustain top caliber teachers, technology and support at ‘1 Darn Cool School’ — and they don’t stop there. Leadership and staff members at Desert Financial also make connections with the teachers who work so hard to help children learn while they heal. We’re profoundly grateful for this latest gift, and for their continued partnership.”

Pictured above at the school is teacher Jenna Draguljic and student Amanda Lozoya. The donated funds will be used toward operating costs for ‘1 Darn Cool School’, which is 100% philanthropically supported.  The education programming, which began in 1985, is available to all children who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade or special education 5 to 21 years, and are expected to miss more than 10 days of school (with an inpatient stay of 3 days).

In addition to holding a current Arizona teaching certificate, all teachers have earned a master’s degree in education. Additionally, all classroom volunteers have a professional teaching background.

  Kathy Shayna Shocket is a Writer and TV-Field Producer. The former TV entertainment reporter has written for such publications as TIME Magazine, Money Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it