Playworks Power Breakfast 2017
2017-03-02 15:00 (America/Phoenix) | Talking Stick Resort (Suns) Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Event Details
When: Thursday, March 2, 2017
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m
Program to start promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Talking Stick Resort (Suns) Arena
201 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
This event is now over.

PlayShop Arizona
2017-04-01 13:15 (America/Phoenix)
Playworks Arizona is pleased to offer our Group Management 1 Playshop. Group Management 1 introduces the importance of play and lays the foundation for creating a safe, healthy, and respectful environment for youth. Participants will explore four key group management strategies that adults can use to set students up for successful group behavior:

building rapport
attention getters and signals
transitions
learning styles

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to verbalize the benefits of using proactive behavior management strategies, as well as identify strategies to integrate into daily routines immediately.
When:Saturday, April 1, 20179:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST
Where:Loma Linda Elementary2002 E. Clarendon AvenuePhoenix, AZ 85016
This event is now over.

Run the Runway
2017-04-08 06:30 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Airport, 15000 N Airport Dr, Scottsdale, 85260, United States
Over 2,000 runners participated in Playworks Arizona’s 5th Annual ‘Run the Runway’—a 15K, 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Kids Dash event—at the Scottsdale Airport. This event, sponsored by United Healthcare, raised over $100,000 which will go towards ensuring 80 schools in Arizona experience safe and healthy play next year!
Get ready to take off for Arizona’s original runway race!
This year marks the Fifth Annual Run The Runway and our race promises to be even bigger and better than years past. Grab your friends and your sneakers to join us for a one-of-a-kind morning run to benefit Playworks Arizona. Together, we can end bullying on the playground.
Participants will take in the beautiful views from the Scottsdale Airport runway then prepare for landing into our post-race festival that can’t be beat. Create memories at our Run The Runway photo booth, collect samples and goodies from top-notch vendors, dance like no one is watching with the Be Kind Dance Crew and sneak a selfie with Arizona sports team mascots!
15K to Celebrate Five Years
This year, we are revving up our engines and adding a 15k for the first time ever in Run The Runway history. To celebrate five years of fun and fundraising, we will offer an exclusive opportunity to run in the First Annual 15k Race. Hurry! This offer will sell out quickly and there is a cap of 200 runners for the 15k Race. Participants will receive a limited edition die-cut airplane medal along with an official Run the Runway shirt, custom finisher medal, custom bib, and chip timing.
Race Beneficiary
Run the Runway benefits Playworks Arizona, the only nonprofit organization in the country to send trained, full-time coaches to low-income, urban schools, where they transform recess and play into a positive experience that helps kids and teachers get the most out of every learning opportunity.
Sponsored by United HealthCare. For more information, go to the Run the Runway website. It’s not too late to participate.
This event is now over.

PlayShop AZ
2017-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix, 4309 E. Belleview Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85008, United States
Playworks is pleased to offer our PlayShop, a three-hour experiential workshop for all adults working with youth. The PlayShop will equip you with:

Tangible group management and conflict resolution tools that can be implemented immediately
An inspired understanding of how recess, play, and physical activity can positively impact school or program climate
A powerful perspective on the barriers students face when accessing healthy play and how adults can ease those challenges

This training is great for principals, supervisors, all teachers working with preschool through eighth grade, recess staff, parent volunteers, out-of-school time staff and really any adult working with kids!
You can pay by credit card through EventBrite. If you need to pay with a Purchase Order, please use promotional code AZPOREQ to register, enter your PO number at the time of registration and you will be sent an invoice for payment.
Register Here

Playworks Power Breakfast
2018-03-28 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Phoenix) | Warehouse 215, 215 E Grant St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Playworks is building tomorrow’s citizens through safe, fun, and healthy play. Our wildly popular and hugely successful annual event, the Playworks Power Breakfast, began in 2017 with nearly $1,000,000 raised to help Arizona children!
Join the Valley’s power professionals in support of Playworks to bring out the best in every kid.
Register here
Event Details

Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Registration opens at 7:00 a.m.
Hot breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m.
Program begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 a.m.

Run the Runway
2018-04-07 06:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Scottsdale Park & Ride, 13665 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ, 85254, United States
Get ready to take off for Arizona’s original runway race!
This year marks the Sixth Annual Run the Runway and our race promises to be even bigger and better than years past. Grab your friends and your sneakers to join us for a one-of-a-kind morning run to benefit Playworks Arizona. Together, we can end schoolyard bullying.
Participants will take in the beautiful views from the Scottsdale Airport* runway and then prepare for landing into our post-race festival that can’t be beat. Create memories at our Run the Runway photo booth, collect samples and goodies from top-notch vendors, dance like no one is watching with the Be Kind Dance Crew, and sneak a selfie with team mascots from around the valley!
* Please note the event location change. Due to airport remodeling, the main event and festival area will be located at Scottsdale Park and Ride (13665 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254). For more event details visit: www.runtherunwayaz.com.

Register Now
Sponsorships

RACE BENEFICIARY

Playworks is the leading nonprofit in Arizona utilizing children’s innate love of play to instill social and emotional learning skills that they will need now and into the future. Through partnerships with schools and innovative programming, Playworks positively alters the recess climate, reduces bullying and disciplinary incidences, and empowers students to realize their full potential. Playworks brings out the best in every kid!

Run the Raceway 2018
2018-11-03 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | ISM Raceway, 7602 S Avondale Blvd, Avondale,, AZ, 85323, United States
Join us on November 3 when the checkered flags wave, the pit crew gives you the green light and you speed off for one of the most unique family races around: Run the Raceway! This is your opportunity to get a real-life NASCAR track experience by joining us this fall to participate in the Valley’s first and only raceway fun-run taking place on the brand NEW and fully redesigned ISM Raceway race track.
Run the Raceway is the sister event of the Valley’s famous airport run: Run the Runway. From the tarmac to the race track, our family continues to grow, with all proceeds from both events benefiting the Playworks charity and their mission to deliver safe and inclusive play to 55,000 students all over Arizona.
Don’t forget to bring the whole family to enjoy our vendor fair that promises to be FULL of fun, including vendor booths with sweet items and samples, children’s crafts, games, and more! Make sure you sign up the kiddos for the Rock, Paper, Scissors Kids Dash so they can get in on the action too and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We will see you on the Raceway! Register now at: www.azruntheraceway.com
Register

High Five Fundraising Breakfast
2019-02-21 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Phoenix) | Warehouse 215, 215 E Grant St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Playworks High Five Fundraising Breakfast is here!
Join us for an inspirational morning where a high five
empowers a child, builds their leadership and gives them a voice!
Event Details

Thursday, February 21, 2019
Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
Program begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 9:00 a.m.

Register
Have to miss the big day and want to make a difference? You can fund a Playworks need at: www.32auctions.com/HighFiveBreakfast
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please review our 2019 Sponsorship Packet.
For more information, contact Kerryann Tomlinson at
kerryann.tomlinson@playworks.org or 480-628-1181

Our Sponsors
Double High Five Premier Sponsor

High Five Fundraising Breakfast
2020-02-18 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Phoenix) | North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85012, United States
Playworks High Five Fundraising Breakfast is here!
Join us for an inspirational morning where a high five
empowers a child, builds their leadership, and gives them a voice!
Event Details
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Playworks Double High Five Premiere Sponsor – UnitedHealthcare
High Five Sponsor- Mobile Mini
PURCHASE TICKETS AND TABLES
For more information, contact Kerryann Tomlinson at
kerryann.tomlinson@playworks.org or 480-628-1181

Let's Play For a Generation of Impact
2020-10-08 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Phoenix)
How can play help kids develop, practice social and emotional skills, and get physically active in virtual or hybrid environments or in-person experiences that are COVID-19 safe?
Find out by joining Playworks and other supporters nationwide and Let’s Play!
During this unique virtual event, you will experience how play feels right now. Teachers, coaches, and kids will share their stories of the back to school journey and how play and Playworks have eased the transition. Playworks President Elizabeth Cushing will highlight the current state of the organization and our school communities, and Playworks Founder Jill Vialet will highlight her predictions for the future of play.
For almost 25 years, Playworks has leveraged the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. While historically our services have mostly been in person, we’ve transformed the Playworks experience to ensure that we can support kids and school staff in their current environment-whatever that is- and ensure they get to benefit from playing every day. We need support to be here for generations to come.
Let’s Play together to recognize this impact on the past generation and raise critical funds to support the next. Thanks to the generous support of Swapnil Agarwal for every $1 donated, Playworks will receive an additional $2, up to $100,000. If you can’t attend but still want to make a difference please donate now.
Register Now
If you can’t attend on this day, you’re in luck! We’ll be hosting a second event on Wednesday, October 7.
Register for that event here.

3 Questions to Ask About Your Indoor Recess Webinar
2022-12-07
Indoor recess doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Join us as for webinar 2 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore 3 questions to ask as you approach indoor recess:

Is it really recess?
Are you getting the most out of your space?
Who else can get involved?

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the benefits students can enjoy even when recess is moved inside, the pros and cons of different play spaces, and the staffing and support needed for an effective indoor recess.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Get Groups Engaged Through Play
2023-02-01
Keeping kids attention can be tough. Play-based practices can help.
Join us as for webinar 3 of The Game Plan, a free, four-part webinar series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations .
During this next webinar, we will explore:

Using play-based practices to create systems to effectively manage large groups
Implementing proactive systems to address disruptive behavior before it occurs
Infusing play into the day to ensure effective communication with students

Leave this webinar with a better understanding of the group management strategies that are both fun and effective.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register now

Learn more about the full series and other upcoming webinar topics

Playworks Arizona Corporate Kickball Tournament - October 6, 2023!
2023-10-06 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Phoenix) | Benedict Sports Complex, 490 W Guadalupe Road, Tempe, 85283, United States
Play is Back! Come kick it with us at Playworks Arizona’s 9th Annual Corporate Kickball Tournament. This event is a friendly adult competition that brings corporations from all over Arizona together to play for kids & the coveted Playworks Kickball traveling trophy. Get your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an evening of networking, friendly competition, great food, and delicious beverages in the Beer Garden!
On October 6, 2023, Playworks Arizona is hosting its much-anticipated 9th Annual Corporate Kickball Tournament, and we’re inviting you to be part of this incredible experience.
The Corporate Kickball Tournament is more than just an evening of sports and games; it’s an opportunity to come together, build connections, and contribute to a meaningful cause. By participating, you’ll directly support Playworks Arizona’s mission to provide play opportunities to primary Title 1 schools in our community.
This fundraising event is a great team-builder opportunity for your team to get out of the office and onto the kickball field for some good old fashion fun! But it’s not all about the game; it’s about fostering teamwork, forging relationships, and relieving stress as you compete against other teams in a friendly and spirited atmosphere. Every team member also receives a tournament shirt, food and drink in the Beer Garden, and a fantastic team photo opportunity!
Let’s come together on October 6th for a day that blends enjoyment, camaraderie, and impact. Click the link and join us in supporting Playworks Arizona’s mission to empower the next generation through the power of play!
For questions and inquiries, contact Aubrey Watkins at aubrey.watkins@playworks.org.

SPONSORSHIP AND REGISTRATION

Playground Mapping 101
2023-10-25 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Make sure your playground is prepared for play.
Join us as for the first webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
During this next webinar, we will explore playground mapping.
Recess is safer (and more fun!) when games have their own dedicated locations on the playground. Learn how you can create a map for your playground that encourages safe and healthy play for all students.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Playing Across Age Groups
2023-12-13 | Virtual
There are many ways to play!
Join us as for the second webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
As students grow and learn new skills, their approach to play evolves too. Discover games and resources that engage students across different grade levels, ages, and abilities.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
Register

Birdies for Charity
2024-02-05 - 2024-02-11
Playworks Arizona is excited to announce our participation in the Birdies for Charities fundraising campaign during the upcoming People’s Open golf tournament from February 5-11, 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity for our community to support our mission and ensure every child has the chance to experience safe and healthy play. Birdies for Charities allows individuals to pledge a donation based on the number of birdies (or better) made by PGA TOUR players during the tournament. Your support will directly impact our efforts to promote positive and inclusive play for kids across Arizona. To make a pledge and join the fun, visit our Birdies for Charities platform.
*Pledges are accepted until 5:00PM on February 11, 2024*

Resolving Conflicts Through Play
2024-02-14 12:30 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Learn fun, easy conflict resolution techniques students can utilize!
Join us as for the third webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical solutions for principals, district administrators, teachers, and leaders of youth serving organizations.
Disagreements on the playground can be an opportunity for children to develop healthy and productive conflict-resolution skills. Explore strategies you can use to encourage students to resolve disagreements independently and create a culture of cooperation.
The webinar will be offered twice, at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and 3:30 PST/6:30 EST.
All webinars will last approximately one hour and will be recorded.
Register

Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play Webinar
2024-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Create a more playful environment that supports every child’s mental well-being!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics are teaming up for a special webinar exploring the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health and the transformative role of play.
This virtual conversation will engage medical professionals, educators, and other community leaders to shine a spotlight on the various people who form the ecosystem of care for youth and how play based practices can make a difference across all of those relationships and settings.
Attendees will:

Identify the various roles within the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health
Learn about the benefits of universal supports and protective factors on youth mental health
Understand how play positively supports youth mental health
Take away practical tips for utilizing play in your roles

This webinar will begin at 12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT and will last approximately one hour. It will be recorded and the recording will be available following the event.
Register
Experts

Gigi Chawla, MD, MHA, pediatrician, received her medical degree and business degree from the University of MN and is the Vice President and Chief of General Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota. In her role, she has oversight over primary care, rehabilitation services, and mental, developmental, and behavioral health, including development of an inpatient mental health pediatric unit, and partial hospitalization mental health programs. She is often called upon by the media for her pediatric expertise and is a regular contributor for the Minnesota Parent’s column and WCCO’s segment to “Ask the Pediatrician.” Her clinical areas of interest are the outpatient and inpatient care of complex special needs patients, premature infants, and ventilator dependent children. Dr. Chawla is also instrumental in advancing the organization’s forward-looking efforts around community engagement. Through internal efforts to better integrate school based care, primary care with behavioral health, social support services for families, as well as, external advocacy with government groups, she works to create an environment for child health that extends beyond the clinic. She is a Board Member and the state’s Medical Director for Reach Out and Read Minnesota. She’s been consistently named to Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine’s and Minnesota Monthly magazine’s Top Doctors annual list. In 2020, she received the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business Honoree award; and in 2023, she received the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Honoree award for Health and Well-Being. She is a Board Member and Vice President of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. She is a member of the National Quality Forum’s Prevention and Population Health Committee. She has two amazing daughters who are changing the world.

Elizabeth Cushing is CEO of Playworks, a national organization dedicated to ensuring access to safe and healthy play for all kids. During her tenure Elizabeth has led Playworks’ scaling strategy, growing from a San Francisco Bay Area-focus to a national organization reaching more than 700,000 children every year. She is an advocate for collaboration amongst youth development organizations and is committed to making sure every kid gets to play every day.

Jessica Driscoll is the Assistant Principal at Marcy School for the Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to her role as an administrator, Jess served as a teacher at the 1st and 2nd grade levels and worked in the capacity of both Instructional Specialist and Literacy Coach. Jess strives to create a school culture that nurtures the whole child while cultivating a strong community of students, staff, and families.

Dr. Arwa K. Nasir, MBBS, MSc, MPH is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. She is the chair of the AAP Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Her research focuses on the impact of family psychosocial wellbeing on child development and behavior, and the incorporation of family science and behavioral health into primary care pediatric practice and residency training. She is also engaged in global health research with a focus on the cross-cultural aspects of behavioral conditions and autism. Dr. Nasir spent the 2019/2020 academic year as a Fulbright scholar in Jordan teaching and researching cross cultural aspects of pediatric behavioral health.

Dr. Michael D. Patrick, Jr. is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He also serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and an Attending Physician with the Section of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Patrick hosts the PediaCast and PediaCast CME Podcasts.

Making Rules Stick: a FREE PlayShop by Playworks AZ
2024-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Phoenix) | Emerson Elementary (cafeteria), 915 E. Palm Ln., Phoenix, AZ, 85006, United States
Are you looking to establish rules and consequences for safe and healthy play? Curious about Playworks and interested in sampling our approach? Unable to organize a larger professional development training but still want to benefit from Playworks’ teachings? The PlayShop is for you!
You will learn:

How to establish clear rules that can be implemented immediately across the playground, classroom, or any indoor space
Creative consequences to use when rules are broken
New ideas on how to improve play at your school or organization, drawing on nearly 30 years of expertise from Playworks

This training is ideal for principals, teachers, recess supervisors, out of school time staff and supervisors, parent volunteers, or any adults working with youth in preschool to eighth grade.
Register

Thriving Through Play
2024-10-23 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Get ready for the return of The Game Plan webinar series—now featuring exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Play is an essential part of every child’s development, fostering social skills, creativity, and overall well-being. Learn practical strategies and insights to increase playtime at your school or site and ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from recess.
We’ll also explore how play can create positive outcomes for kids and contribute to a healthy, engaged learning environment.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Building Positive Relationships with Play
2024-12-03 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Build stronger student-adult connections at recess with practical strategies for fostering positive relationships. We will explore the importance of adult buy-in and how involving adults in different roles can enhance the overall play experience.
With these strategies in place, you will be able to create a play environment where students and staff thrive together.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Adapting Play for Every Space
2025-02-19 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Learn how to make play work in any space, whether indoors, on blacktops or small playgrounds, or in unconventional areas.
This webinar will provide practical strategies to keep kids engaged, safe, and having fun to maximize your available space.
Each webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will be recorded for future viewing.
Register

Playworks Arizona's 10th Annual Corporate Kickball Tournament
2025-02-21 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Phoenix) | Chaparral Park Ballfields, 5401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85250, United States
Come kick it with us at Playworks Arizona’s 10th Annual Corporate Kickball Tournament.
Join us on Friday, February 21, 2025 for a friendly adult competition that brings corporations from all over Arizona together to play for kids & the coveted Playworks Kickball traveling trophy. Get your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an evening of networking, friendly competition, great food, and delicious beverages! By participating, you’ll directly support Playworks Arizona’s mission to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.
Register your team now, and help Playworks bring out the best in every kid, through play!
For questions and inquiries, contact Aubrey Watkins at aubrey.watkins@playworks.org.

We can’t wait to see your team there!
SPONSORSHIP AND REGISTRATION

Youth-led Play Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders
2025-04-16 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play to your school.
Unlock the power of youth-led play and see how it can transform your playground!
In this webinar, you’ll discover strategies to encourage children to be leaders during playtime, fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
The webinar will begin at 12:30 PST/3:30 EST and last about an hour. The webinar will also be recorded for future viewing.
Register
